Shiver(27)

She turned and regarded Aidan, who was much too handsome in the soft, intimate light around the kitchen table. “You ready?”

“Where’s your place?” Aidan asked, getting awkwardly to his feet, and reaching for the crutches leaning against the wall next to him. The room seemed to get smaller as he stood.

She’d always loved his height and broad shoulders. Even when he was a thin and wiry teenager. Now that he was more filled out, she liked it even more. He made her feel protected, and delicate standing next to him, even though she knew she could lose a few pounds. She needed to keep her mind on his body. Off his body. Jeez. She was in more trouble here than she thought if her subconscious couldn’t even keep up. “We built a cabin a few years ago, just behind the lodge, through the trees overlooking the river.”

He stilled his movements, his eyes heating as he looked at her. “Fool’s Cove?”

Why hadn’t she just said her place was behind the lodge and left it at that? “Uh…yeah. Come on. Let’s get you to bed so I can get some sleep myself.” She reached for his arm to help him, but he stopped her.

“You built a cabin at Fool’s Cove? Where we first—”

“It had nothing to do with that.” Like she was so heartsick she’d built her home on the spot where they’d first—and many times after—had snuck away to make love. Get real. “The spot has an amazing view and access to the river, close to the lodge without being too close, and I got it for a song when old man Tack died.” He’d willed it to her as he had a soft spot for the young lovers he’d interrupted that summer. She’d always suspected he knew Aidan was Fox’s father. But he’d never said anything, which she was supremely grateful for.

“Old Tack died? How?”

“Run-in with a bear.”

“Oh, that’s great. He always wanted to go out with a bang like that.” Aidan smiled. “Remember that time he caught us making love and proceeded to lecture us on birth control and family planning?” He laughed.

“Yeah.” Real funny. They should have paid more attention to what old Tack had told them. But then she wouldn’t have Fox in her life now. She urged Aidan out of the kitchen and down the hallway. The trek was slow.

No way was she staying the night again. She’d make sure he had everything he needed, tuck him into bed and be done. He was doing better, able to move around on his own with the help of crutches. If not graceful, at least he was mobile. He’d be fine on his own.

Following Aidan into the bedroom, she straightened his bedding while he brushed his teeth and used the bathroom on his own. He’d brought up the subject of a shower again, but the look she’d given him had shot it down.

He reentered the room, and she stepped back from the bed as he approached. “I have a glass of water here.” She pointed to the nightstand. “Your bottle of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Is there anything else you need?”

“Yeah.” He leaned the crutches against the bed and stood in front of her. “Who is Fox’s father?”

“What?” Her heart stopped. She stepped back, but Aidan grabbed her shoulders and kept her in place.

“All the talk about old Tack and Fool’s Cove got me thinking what I should have been thinking before.” He flexed his jaw. “Who is Fox’s father?”

Panic crawled up her spine. “None of your business.”

“I don’t believe that. I did the math. Fox said he was almost twelve when you reminded him to brush his teeth.” His hands tightened on her shoulders. “Is he my son?”

She swallowed hard and shook her head. This couldn’t be happening.

He looked deep into her eyes. “We like the same kind of sandwich.”

“A lot of people like Reubens. That doesn’t mean they’re related,” she scoffed, while inside she was screaming.

He stared deep into her eyes, searching. “Are you sure?”

She glanced away. She’d never lied to Aidan before. They’d promised to always tell each other the truth. Always. It had been a huge thing with Aidan as his parents had lied constantly to each other and to him. But she’d made that promise when they’d been young and stupid. Adults sometimes lied to protect those they cared about. That was all she was doing. Protecting Fox. “When you left, I slept with a man I met in a bar. Call it a rebound.” She studied her feet. “I never saw him again.”

He shook her once, making her look at him. “Is that what you’ve told Fox? That his dad was a one-night-stand and you didn’t have the sense to get his name and number after you fucked him?”