Page 68

His features softened. “I know. You could always borrow Hudson’s kid when you’re feeling all ‘family man.’”

I barked a laugh. “Yeah, because that doesn’t sound creepy as fuck. ‘Hey, can I borrow Sam for a while to play daddy? But don’t worry, it’s not what you think. I really want a kid of my own, but I won’t steal yours. Pinkie promise.’ Pretty sure Hudson, or hell, even Calista, would have me skinned and my heart ripped out before I even finished the question or got to explain.”

As if the idea entertained him, Miles grinned. “Yeah, you’re probably right. Don’t listen to me.”

“The thing is, now that I’ve met Aspen, I don’t want a family with just anyone, Miles. I want it with her. Only her.”

His lips pursed, and a concerned expression flashed over his features. “We need to take it slow, not scare her off. There are two of us and only one of her.” He glanced out the window. “I’m glad Finley invited her to their wine club?—”

“Book club,” I corrected with a chuckle. “And why?”

His gaze shifted back to Aspen and lightened. “I think she’s been alone for a long time, and I like the idea of her having people other than us to lean on. Even though I want to be her everything, I know she’ll need more than us.”

A soft sound came from Aspen, freezing both me and Miles. Long dark lashes fluttered as she slowly woke up. Pushing off the couch, she looked from me to Miles with a dreamy smile on her face.

“Sorry I fell asleep,” she said around a yawn.

“You had a long day, sweetheart,” I offered.

“I’m exhausted in the best way possible.” She shot us both a sly smile. “Wonder why?”

“We aim to please around here, sweetheart. As much as you’ll allow us to.”

Miles stood and held out a hand to help her off the couch. Once she was in his arms, he lowered his lips down to hers in a gentle kiss. My cock stirred, watching them as the kiss deepened into something more. With a frustrated groan, he pulled back and pressed a firm kiss to her forehead.

“Good night, baby girl.”

“Wait,” she called out. “Are we not all sleeping together?”

He shook his head. “Someday maybe, but not tonight.”

I nodded, totally understanding. Despite him sharing his past, he still worried he’d hurt her. I didn’t think he would, but I also didn’t want to push my friend faster than he was ready.

Interlocking our fingers, I led Aspen, who still looked over her shoulder with a sad little frown on her lips, to my room and quietly closed the door, cutting off her line of sight to Miles’s room.

“You’re positive he’ll be okay?” she asked, shifting from foot to foot. “I don’t like him being alone.”

“Yes, he’ll be okay tonight, but I’m sure he won’t turn down snuggles in the morning.”

She arched a questioning brow. “Just snuggles?”

“Or more, of course. Though right now, that’s exactly what I want. It killed me last night, not getting to hold you.” I pointed toward the bathroom. “All your stuff is still in there from earlier. Once you’re done, come crawl into bed with me so I can spoon the shit out of you all night long.”

“Spoon the shit out of me, huh? Such a romantic.” Soft giggles echoed through the room as she disappeared behind the bathroom door.

And after she was done and in bed with me, despite my dick attempting to stab her in the back, that was exactly what I did—and I loved every second of holding her through the night.

24

MILES

“Fuck, you’re a grumpy asshole this morning,” Aiden groused as he poured coffee into a travel mug, lip curling in disgust at the black liquid. He wasn’t a fan of how I made coffee but he didn’t wake up early enough to run to Sips for his fancy-ass shit like normal.

No need to wonder why. If I had Aspen in my bed, I wouldn’t have woken up early for something as simple as coffee either.

“Fuck off,” I snapped, proving his point, if his arched brow was any indication. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I groaned, hating that he was right. “I don’t like leaving her unprotected.”

With a slow nod of agreement, he leaned a hip against the kitchen counter. “I get it, but like we discussed five times already this morning, we don’t have a choice. Plus, we can’t keep her locked up in our cabin, Miles, or expect her to stay here all day, every day of her own free will.”