Page 27 of Kink in the Road
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “Anytime, sweetheart. That’s what I’m here for.”
We stood in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the familiar sounds and smells of the workshop surrounding us.
“You know,” Dad said eventually, a mischievous glint in his eye. “If you’re planning on staying I could use some help with this?—”
I jumped away, waggling a finger at him. “Not today, old man. It’s the weekend. You and I shouldn’t be working.”
He grumbled something beneath this breath, his lips pulling into a wry smile. “Should I expect that if my daughter is shacking up with the local publican’s I might be offered a free glass of ale?”
I chuckled, slowly walking backward towards the door. “I might be able to sneak you one every now and then.”
He waved me off, already turning back to Mr. Johnson’s truck. “Go on, get out of here. And Riley?”
I paused at the door, looking back at him.
“I’m proud of you, kiddo. And I know your mother would be too.”
With a heart full of love and newfound courage, I stepped out into the morning sunshine, tilting my face toward the sky.
This was my home. And it was time to claim what was mine.
CHAPTER 8
I’d jumped the morning ferry to the mainland, and spent the day browsing through the racks of fashion boutiques and lingerie stores, trying to find something worthy of a night of debauchery. Instead, I’d opted for a simple sundress that hugged my curves and emphasized my breasts.
At precisely seven o’clock, I knocked on Aiden and Finn’s door. They’d strung gentle twinkling fairy lights across the walk way which was perfumed by the early spring roses which bloomed in the twilight.
The night air had a slight bite to it, reminding me that winter hadn’t quite passed. Used to the cool, I’d forgone a cardigan in favor of baring my arms and breasts, fully hoping for an appreciative reaction from my men.
I was ‘bringing the capital-D-Drama—as my friend, Rebecca, would say.
Aiden answered, his eyes widening as he took me in.
“Wow,” he breathed. “You look incredible.”
I stepped inside, a smile playing on my lips.
“Thank you.” I flicked his, ‘kiss the chef’ apron. “You clean up pretty nice yourself.”
Finn emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a dish towel. He paused when he saw me, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Hello, Ry.”
“Hello, Finn.”
They both stared at me appreciatively like hungry wolves, and I felt a blush creep up my neck.
Aiden leaned in, kissing my cheek. I closed my eyes, breathing him in.
“Missed you today,” he murmured.
Finn joined us, resting a hand on the small of my back. “We’re glad you’re here.”
They guided me into the candlelit dining room where a beautifully set table awaited, complete with fresh flowers and gleaming place settings. Soft music played in the background, adding to the romantic atmosphere.
“This looks amazing,” I said, touched by the effort they had gone to. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“We wanted to,” Aiden said, pulling out a chair for me. “This is our official first date after all.”
As we settled in and began to eat the delicious meal they had prepared, conversation flowed easily. Finn and Aiden were like an old married couple, bickering about who contributed to the meal, sharing memories with me about their lives and adventures.
