Page 17 of Rampage

Reid's lips quirk up in amusement. "I was hoping to steal you away for lunch, if you can spare her, Mrs. Winters?"

"Of course, dear. You young people go enjoy yourselves," she says, waving us off. "I can handle things here until you return."

Before I can respond, the bell above the door jingles again. A tall man with salt-and-pepper hair enters, his Grim Sinners vest adorned with patches that mark him as someone important. The resemblance to Reid is unmistakable—same jawline, same intense blue eyes.

"Dad," Reid says, surprise evident in his voice. "Thought you were sending a prospect to pick up the order."

"Changed my mind," Aiden, I presume, says, his eyes moving from his son to me. "Wanted to meet the girl you haven't shut up about."

Heat floods my cheeks as Reid shoots his father an exasperated look. "Real subtle, old man."

Aiden grins, unrepentant, and extends his hand to me. "Aiden, and this knucklehead's father."

I wipe my flour-covered hands on my apron before accepting his handshake. His grip is firm but not intimidating. "Lily. I work here and at Deb's Diner."

"So I've heard," Aiden says, his eyes assessing me with a directness that reminds me of Reid. "About a hundred times in the last twenty-four hours."

"Dad," Reid warns.

Mrs. Winters bustles over with the boxes of pastries. "Aiden! I added extra raspberry tarts, I know they're your favorite."

"You're an angel, Martha," Aiden says, taking the boxes. "How's that hip of yours doing?"

As they chat, I notice Reid watching me carefully, gauging my reaction to his father's unexpected appearance. I offer him a small smile to show I'm okay, though my heart is racing. Meeting parents, even under these casual circumstances, feels significant, a step I wasn't prepared to take so soon.

"So, Lily," Aiden says, turning back to me. "Reid tells me you're quite the baker."

"I'm still learning," I say modestly. "Mrs. Winters is the real talent."

"Nonsense," Mrs. Winters interjects. "Those cinnamon rolls the Sinners are raving about? All Lily's recipe. Girl's a natural."

Aiden's eyebrows rise appreciatively. "Well now, that's high praise coming from Martha." He glances at his son with a look that clearly says he approves. "You should come to dinner sometime. My wife Grace would love to meet you."

I freeze, uncertain how to respond to such a direct invitation. Reid steps closer to me, his presence reassuring.

"Let's not overwhelm her, Dad," Reid says, his voice firm. "We're taking things slow."

Aiden holds up his hands in surrender, but his eyes are twinkling with amusement. "Fair enough. Just know the invitation stands whenever you're ready, Lily."

"Thank you," I manage, grateful for Reid's intervention.

After Aiden leaves with the pastries, Reid turns to me, an apologetic expression on his face. "Sorry about that. My father isn't exactly known for his subtlety."

"It's okay," I say, though my heart is still pounding. "He seems nice."

Mrs. Winters shoos us toward the door. "Go on, you two. Lily deserves a break after the morning we've had."

Outside, the midday sun is warm against my skin. Reid's motorcycle gleams in the light, but he makes no move toward it.

"We can walk, if you'd prefer?" he says, reading my hesitation. "There's a sandwich place just down the block."

The consideration in his offer touches me. "Walking sounds good."

As we stroll side by side, not quite touching but close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from him, I gather my courage. "Reid, about the wedding…"

He looks at me, his expression open. "Yeah?"

"I think… I'd like it if you came with me." The words come out in a rush. "If you still want to."

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