Page 7 of 27 Kisses

“You okay, boss?”

“I’m fine. It’s just the onions.”

Christ. I need to figure out my shit before Garrett gets tired of my clinginess.

And me wanting to keep us a secret.

I leave Ramon in charge and hope he doesn’t burn the place down while I gather a few things for dinner.

The grocery store is busy, so I grab a basket instead of a cart and focus on finding what I need instead of my texts to Garrett. I spot Mrs. Weppler near the frozen food section and do a complete turnaround. That conversation would take more time than I have if I want to get an apple pie in the oven.

I turn the corner, just to be sure, and run straight into Garrett Bishop.

His hands grab my arms and hold me still. And for a moment, I can’t remember why telling everyone about us is such a bad idea. His text verified he was fine, but I still look him over. Making sure. “Garrett.”

“Aidyn.” His voice is rough, and his hands tighten on my arms. It’s been over a week since I’ve kissed him. Longer since we shared more.

God, I miss him. And that makes me cranky. “Working hard, I see.”

He drops his hands. “Nat sent me?—”

If I weren’t still so angry, I’d chuckle at that. Nat’s the one in charge. No matter what he says.

“Did she, now? What’s so important then?”

As he pulls a list from his pocket, his eyes dart to me and back. “Let’s see, sugar cookies. Donuts—” He clamps his mouth shut, ignoring the rest of the items. “Important things.”

“No wonder you didn’t have time to answer my texts.” I smile as if it’s all a joke. “Too busy eating donuts with that strapping lad who works for you. Jonah, right?”

“I’m not— Wait. Are you jealous? Of a twelve-year-old?”

I shake my head. “No. Jesus. I’m not jealous.” I give him a small smile. “Just frustrated, love.”

His face softens. “I’m sorry. Work has been busy…”

That’s all I need to hear. Garrett’s a workaholic. No surprise to anyone. Somehow, I expected that to change when he moved back. Only it didn’t. I’m not begging the man to spend time with me. “No problem.” I turn to walk away, and Garrett grabs my arm.

“Wait, Aidyn. Everything’s so complicated.”

“It is,” I agree. “It was simpler when you lived a thousand miles away.”

“Simpler.” He shuts his eyes, and I resist the overwhelming urge to hold him.

“I dinna say better, love.” My Irish brogue gets more pronounced when I’m emotional. “I miss you.”

He nods. “I miss you too. I fucking…you know.”

“I do.”I fucking love you, Aidyn. Garrett admitted that to me seven years ago. Are we any closer now than we were then? Well, we’re at least living in the same town. But we used to talk all the time to make up for the distance. Now we go days without talking. A week or two without touching.

We’re interrupted by an employee wanting to stock the shelves near us. That’s when I realize we’re in the baby section.

I guide him to the bread aisle. “Rough day?” Garrett asks, brushing his fingers over mine. Maybe I’m not the only one desperate for contact.

“I have a lovesick cook.”

“I have a TARDIS.”

I peer at him. “Is that another word for your cock?”