Wild Chance (Wild Irish Universe)(33)

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Aedan looked up at Tristan. “Listen, I have to run. Mona is spending some time with her best friend today. I think I’m going to swing by with some food. I’ll grab some stuff from Sunday’s.”

“Um…” Both Kiera and Tristan chorused.

“And I need a kiss.” Aedan said, unashamedly. “See you guys later.”

“You’ve got it bad.” Tristan accused.

Aedan smirked. “Right?”

“Aren’t you ashamed?” Tristan laughed.

“Not even a little bit.” Aedan offered his friend a mock salute.

“Later!” Kiera offered.

With a smile, Aedan hurried next door and in no time at all he was riding off toward Mona’s house with a bag sitting on the belly of the cycle between his legs. He slowed his ride down to enjoy the heat of the sun washing over his body as the breeze made its own special music, whizzing around him. It took a little longer than usual to reach Mona’s, but he didn’t mind.

Finally, he pulled up beside Esme’s car in the driveway and parked. He let himself into the house and closed the door behind him. “Mona?”

“In my office!” She replied.

Following the hall, he found both Esme and Mona curled up on the sofa, watching a movie. He smiled and leaned in to give Mona a kiss but greeted Esme with a wink. They’d met briefly at a girl’s night at Pat’s. “Ladies, I come bearing food. I’m not staying.”

“Aww.” Mona took the bag and immediately peered in.

“It’s your time together. I only wanted to steal a kiss.”

“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Esme said, a knowing smirk on her lips.

When they were alone, Aedan pulled Mona into his body and kissed her like he wanted to. “That’s more like it.” He whispered. “Are you two having a sleepover?”

“No. Esme would like to run a few errands and then she has to meet up with someone tonight.”

“Oh—so, can I see you?”

“Of course. Can I take you on a date tomorrow?”

Aedan laughed. “Are you asking me out, Mona Lisa Frye?”

“Yes. A picnic?”

“I accept. But you’ll have to keep your hands to yourself. I’m not that kind of man.”

She giggled and groped his ass. “No getting to second base, then?”

“Only if you treat me right.”

“Don’t worry, Aedan Callahan, I’ll be a perfect lady.”

Aedan laughed and kissed her again—

—deeply.





Chapter Thirteen


The next morning, Mona climbed out of bed reluctantly. She was getting accustomed to having Aedan’s arms wrapped around her at nights. She didn’t leave the room until after she’d kissed his shoulder, his forehead and then his lips.

After a quick shower and getting dressed, she descended into the kitchen to make some food. It didn’t take Aedan long to realize she was gone and joined her in the preparations.

With Aedan driving her car, Mona curled her leg beneath her bum on the passenger seat. She turned, as much as her seatbelt would allow to tangle her fingers with his free hand. When she’d suggested picnic, she never thought he’d agree to it. Most men thought those were for women. Yet, here this man was, ex-military, who had no doubt, seen some horrible things in his life—here he was driving her to Esme’s parent’s place to sit on a blanket and eat food with his fingers.

They left the Baltimore area behind and headed into Howard County. Esme’s father left her a family house there that she rarely ever used. Aside from girls’ weekend there, the massive house sat there unused. At the back, was a large yard and that was where they were heading. Mona wanted privacy with Aedan, without the noise of the city.

When they arrived, Aedan pulled the car to a stop and parked then leaned forward looking up at the house. He whistled.

“So, this is Esme’s?” Aedan asked.

“Yup.” Mona pushed from of the vehicle and stretched her back. “It’s peaceful and beautiful here. Esme always said if she ever got married two things were for certain.”

“Oh yeah?” Aedan grabbed the picnic basket from the back seat and joined her at the front of the car. “What are they?”

“One, I was her maid of honour and two, the wedding would be here. Aside from the beauty of the place, she feels close to her parents here.”

“I can see that.”

Mona tangled her fingers with his and the two made their way into the house. She deactivated the alarm then led Aedan to the kitchen. There, they set the ice cream in the freezer but carried everything else into the backyard. While she laid out the blanket under a large tree, Aedan headed back into the house for wine glasses and napkins. Somehow, Mona had forgotten to pack them.

When they finally settled down together, the sun had already moved to the center of the sky or a couple of hours. Still, they relaxed and talked about everything. Mona regaled him with stories of her childhood, and he tried not to bring his own up. Mona let it go—she knew that time in his life had been hell. They nibbled from the treats from the basket, partook in wine and a foreign beer Aedan was a fan of. Mona took a sip and couldn’t understand why. But Aedan seemed happy she at least tried it.