Heartsville 03 - Another Shot (J.H. Knight) Read Online Free PDF Page A

is an adventure.”
    Aaron laughed and asked, “How old is she?”
    “Eight going on thirty.”
    “ Eight ? Are all kids like that now?” Aaron had very limited experiences with children and he was perfectly happy with that.
    “I wouldn’t say all, but most of her classmates are,” Brad said, laughing again. “Two weeks ago, I got an hour-long lecture from one of her little friends about pesticides and bees and how nonorganic produce is the root of all evil.” He shook his head and added, “The fact that my business revolves around environmental protection wasn’t enough to convince them I was on their side. I had to swear an oath that the grapes I gave them were organic before they’d eat their lunch.”
    Aaron could picture the entire scene. The idea of Brad getting schooled by a couple of little kids was oddly endearing. “At least we’re leaving the planet in good hands, right?”
    Brad glanced over at Amelia again as Simon left her to her tablet and cookie. “There is that, yeah.”
    Aaron wanted to lean over the counter and kiss Brad’s cheek, but he wasn’t sure how well that would go over. The steamy kisses they’d shared the night before could’ve been alcohol-induced, after all. Though, on Aaron’s part, that wasn’t the case. “Can I get ya a coffee or anything?”
    Amelia was fully engrossed in her reading when Brad looked at Aaron again. “Can I get a quick kiss with it or is that off-limits at work?”
    Well. That answered Aaron’s question.
    “Since you’re the only two in here for the moment,” Aaron said, leaning closer. “I think we can get away with it.”
    Brad met him in the middle and brushed their lips together in a light, tender kiss. It wasn’t nearly enough for Aaron, but it was public-and-kid-appropriate, which was probably more important.
    “Get a room,” Simon stage-whispered as he walked past.
    Brad laughed as they pulled back from each other. “I guess I’ll settle for that coffee now.”
    Aaron made him a triple latte instead and then let Brad go back to his niece. He didn’t mean to watch them, but he really couldn’t help himself. Brad and Amelia were thoroughly engaged in a conversation Aaron couldn’t hear, but they both seemed happy in each other’s company.
    “That’s the guy you went out with last night?” Simon asked as he sidled up next to Aaron.
    “Yeah,” Aaron said, trying to wipe the grin off his face. “Mandy has better taste than I would’ve given her credit for.”
    “Tell her she can set me up any time she likes.”
    Aaron nudged him, laughing. “Yeah, because I know how hard up you are for dates.”
    “I date cake,” Simon said, nodding toward Brad. “That’s meat and potatoes right there.”
    “I…. That’s the weirdest analogy I’ve ever heard. Is that a British thing, or…?”
    Simon rolled his eyes. “All I’m saying is you can’t live on cake, mate. Meat and potatoes, though? That’s a full meal.”
    “Unless you’re vegetarian.”
    Aaron jumped at the sound of Clara’s voice behind him.
    “When did you get back?”
    “Just now,” she said as she tied her apron around her waist. “I came in the back. Why are we talking about meat and potatoes?”
    Her voice carried and Brad looked over at the three of them.
    “Just swapping recipes,” Aaron said quickly before Simon could say anything to humiliate him in front of Brad.
    When Amelia finished her cookie, Brad brought their dishes to the counter. “I’ll see you next weekend,” he said quietly, catching Aaron’s eye.
    “Definitely.” Aaron tried not to sigh like a cartoon cat with fluttering hearts around his head. He only barely managed.
     
    ****
     
    Later that afternoon, Aaron got a text from Brad.
    It was good to see you. Mind if I call tonight after I pack Miss Amelia back to Shawna?
    Aaron decided it was okay to let himself sigh and blush and grin since he was in the back and no one could actually see him.
    Sounds good. Ttyl.
     
     

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