Shiver(98)

“Don’t tell me that you’ve turned into one of those women. The kind who finds love and then wants the same for everyone else?”

The side of her mouth crooked up. “Seems that way. Hormones.” She shrugged. “Seriously, Aidan. I want the best for you.”

He had to turn away from the emotion in her eyes as it caused his heart to ache. “I gotta go.”

“Aidan.” The tone of her voice had him turning around, his hand on the doorknob. “I think with all that you’ve been through you believe you’re unlovable, and I just want you to know that you aren’t.”

Aidan gave her one last look and then turned and left the room.

Unlovable.

Damn, the woman had nailed it. That was how he’d felt all his life. His mother had loved her next drink more than she had him. Earl never loved him, as he was a constant disappointment. Then there were Raven and Sonya. He’d never been good enough.

Would he be good enough for Fox?

The thought had him pausing on his way to the restaurant to see Pike. What kind of expectations did Fox have? Whatever they were, he was bound to let him down too. Maybe he should do what Raven wanted and leave them alone. After all, he’d let down everyone he had ever cared about.

He entered the sparse restaurant and glanced around. The nature-seeking woman was sitting at a table with coffee and a map. She looked too old and used to be after anything other than comfort. A few other patrons he didn’t recognize were saddled up to the bar. The mosquito clock said nine. He was assuming it was nine in the evening and the dinner crowd was dwindling down. It was hard to tell with the sun rising later every day. Pike, Garrett, Lynx, and Peter were sharing a bowl of chips and salsa at a corner table. He pulled a chair from another table over and sat down.

“We thought you were going to sleep all night,” Garrett said.

“Had a lovely conversation with Sonya,” Aidan couldn’t help saying. Garrett Hunt always brought out the worst in him.

Garrett’s gaze darkened for a minute, but he failed to take the bait. “While you were resting, we gathered a search party and looked for Roland.”

“I take it you didn’t find him,” Aidan spoke the obvious. “He won’t be found unless he wants to be.”

“We were hoping with the shape you were in that he might not be in top form himself.” Lynx smiled. “Guess you didn’t slow him down any.”

Aidan let the dig slide. “Wherever he’s holed up, it can’t be far. He has to be close enough to keep tabs on Earl’s place.”

“Come morning, we’ll head up into the hills,” Pike said.

“I have a better idea.” Aidan leaned his elbows onto the table top. “Let’s find the gold, if there is any, and then burn the fucking cabin to the ground. That will take care of Roland. Either he’ll leave, empty-handed, or it will bring him running.”

The four men shared a look. Lynx was the first to speak. “Can’t believe I didn’t think of that,” he mumbled.

“So we’re decided?” Aidan stared at each of them. “Let’s meet out there at daylight. Bring whatever tools you think we need to bust the place wide open.”

“All right,” Peter said all grins. “I’ve never been treasure-hunting before.”

“I’d prefer it if you stayed here to protect the women in case Roland gets fired up over what we’re doing.”

“Hey.” Peter scowled. “I’m not staying behind with the girls.”

“I agree with Aidan. Roland could show up here looking for revenge,” Garrett added, meeting Aidan’s gaze with a knowing nod. Neither man wanted the kid in harm’s way. Besides, anything happened to Peter and Sonya would kill them both.

“This sucks,” Peter grumbled. “I’m not a babysitter.”

“Don’t let Sonya hear you talk like that,” Garrett said.

Peter sat up straight, looking around the restaurant.

“Besides, she hears what we are up to, and she’ll want to be a part of it,” Garrett said. “It’ll be up to you to watch out for her and Lana.”

“Raven too,” Aidan added. “She’ll probably be in her studio, but anyone trying to get to her will have to pass by the lodge.”

“Do I get a gun?” Peter mumbled, knowing he was being patronized.

Pike quirked his lips. “There’s a shotgun under the bar if you need it.”

“Woohoo.”





CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“What did you do?” Fox barreled into the studio, where Raven was attempting to work. She had orders piling up and couldn’t center a ball of clay to save her life.