Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52227 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
He shrugged. “No idea. This kind of thing isn’t my forte. We’ll just have to see what a plumber says. I’ll let you know as soon as I reach someone.”
She reached out before she could overthink and placed a hand on his arm. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Brooke. I’m here for you, anytime.”
His sincerity struck her in the heart and despite all her internal misgivings, a rush of affection filled her chest and warning bells went off in her head.
Sexual tension was something she was used to. She’d always desired Aiden. But this caring feeling? It had been a while since she’d experienced warm emotions toward him and the feeling reminded her that before he’d left home, he’d always been someone she could count on.
Shaken, she took a step back. “I’d better go change,” she said, breaking contact. “I have to get to the office.”
He nodded, his knowing gaze never leaving hers. “Go ahead and I’ll let you know.”
“Thanks,” she said, watching as he left.
As she drove to the office, she couldn’t get him off her mind. He’d looked and sounded so sincere when he told her he was there for her. It was almost as if he wanted her to call him whenever she needed help. Wanted to be there for her.
The tender feelings she’d felt in the past were officially back, just as strong as before.
Chapter Thirteen
Aiden spent his Monday morning calling plumbers. He made five different phone calls before he found one with an opening in his schedule to come right over. Offering him double to make time had helped. That Brooke called him when she needed help meant something, and he wanted to come through for her.
The man had arrived before noon and now Aiden was at Sterling Investments and walking toward Brooke’s office with bad news. He stopped by her open door and glanced inside.
She sat at her desk, her gaze on her laptop screen. As she read, she tapped a pen on the wooden desk surface, oblivious to his presence, giving him time to study her. She’d kicked off her shoes, revealing painted red toenails to match her fingers. A teal-colored dress fitted her curves yet was completely work appropriate. Whether she wore casual clothes or dressed for the office with a full face of makeup, she was stunning.
He knocked.
She whipped her head toward him, and for the first time, greeted him with a smile. “Hi, Aiden. Come on in.”
He stepped into the office and shut the solid door behind him, appreciating the idea of a few stolen minutes alone with her. The windows provided a view of the city below them.
Though not as big as Jared’s corner suite, which Aiden would take over when the baby arrived, Brooke’s was spacious enough for a large desk, a leather chair, filing cabinets, as well as a couple of seats for clients in front of her desk.
The personal items spread around caught his attention. A bobblehead of Mr. Met, a team they both loved, sat on the corner of the desk. Her coffee mug had a logo from the TV show Friends, reminding him of how she’d binged the whole series when they were in college. Despite claiming it was cheesy, he often found himself on the couch beside her, watching the episodes while he drank a beer and she sipped wine coolers.
Tasteful art hung on the walls, abstract and colorful enough to offset the neutral off-white walls and gray carpeting. The space was comfortable for clients and perfect for Brooke.
“Did you need something?” she asked, and he realized he’d been lost in thought while she waited for him to speak.
“I met with a plumber and it’s not good,” he said, moving to one of the two cushioned chairs in front of her desk.
She groaned, shaking her head. “Break it to me gently.”
“The problem is that a tree root broke through the drainpipe, blocking the flow. He’ll need to excavate the yard in order to fix it.”
“Oh, no.” Brooke frowned. “How long does he think that will take?”
Thanks to some more money thrown at the man? “A couple of days,” he said.
“Oh! That’s not too bad!” Her shoulders relaxed, and she eased back in her seat.
He gritted his teeth at her optimism. “Actually, it is that bad. He can’t start until next week.” He was mid-job and even though he’d moved them up on his schedule, it would still take at least a week. More if he found problems on his current project.
“Seriously?” She lay her forehead down on the desk. “What are Mom and I going to do if we can’t shower or eat at home?” she asked as she straightened in the chair.
Aiden already had her problem covered. The solution just happened to be a side benefit to him. “You and Lizzie can stay at the main house until it’s fixed. I already spoke to Dad.”