Page 61 of 27 Kisses

Or the scowl from Aidyn. “Let’s get this dinner going. Garrett, can you help me please?”

I follow him into the kitchen. He folds his arms. “What the hell?”

“I didn’t invite him.”

“Maybe not, but I noticed you drooling over him.”

“Not true. But, I mean, you’ve got to admit, Aidyn…” My voice trails off at his raised eyebrows.

“What do I have to admit?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. How can I help?”

“By getting your damned foot out of your mouth and your head out of your arse,” he grumbles as he grabs plates for the table.

I’m not sure why he’s jealous when I had nothing to do with it, but if I’m being honest, jealous Aidyn is kind of cute.

As I’m helping set the food out, my phone pings with a text.

Jonah

Hey, boss. Can I call you?

Fuck. I don’t need more drama today.

How did you get my number?

You gave it to all the employees.

Right. But Nat’s the only one who ever uses it.

What do you need?

Can I call you?

“I thought you were here to help,” Aidyn says as he walks by and grabs the green bean casserole from the counter.

“I am. Just a sec.” I smile, and he shakes his head on his way out the door.

Jonah: Never mind.

Shit. I hit the call button and move out of the main path. Before I can say anything, Jonah is already speaking. “Everything’s good, Mr. Bishop. Sorry to bother you.”

“Wait, Jonah.” A scoff from the door of the kitchen tells me Aidyn’s back, and he heard me. “What’s going on?” I glance up. Aidyn is grabbing the bowl of mashed potatoes. Why isn’t anyone else helping him? He probably didn’t ask because he thinks I should be doing that. And I should, but the sadness in Jonah’s voice keeps me from brushing the kid off.

“Nothing, Mr. Bishop?—”

“Please call me Garrett.” I don’t look at Aidyn for his reaction. Not everyone wants to be called by their last name.

A cat screeches in the background. Does Jonah have cats? “Trouble with your roommates?”

“Nah. I’m over at Nat’s.” The screech comes again, but louder, and I realize it’s not a cat. It’s a baby or a toddler. That’s just a guess, but I think I understand his problem.”

“There are kids everywhere,” he says in a panicked whisper. “It was nice of Nat to offer, but I can’t— It’s fine. I’ll find someplace to go.”

Fuck. “You’re welcome to join us if you want.”

“Really?” And he sounds so hopeful that it offsets the slamming of the cabinet door.