Page 44 of Beneath the Quiet

I nod and offer my hand for her to shake, but then tense when she pulls me in for a short hug.

“Get home safe.”

Her concern settles over me like a warm blanket. I nod and then smile down at Seamus. His eyes are soft, understanding even, and he pats my hand.

“We’ll see you again soon.”

I chew my bottom lip and nod.

When Katie gets up and wraps her arms tight around my middle, I rub her back in soft circles before leaning down to whisper in her ear.

“I’ll come by on Sunday to see your beautiful farm, okay?”

“Okay,” she whispers. She steps back and grins up at me. “I can’t wait.”’

I turn on my heel and smile up at Aidan.

“I’ll drive you home.”

“Please don’t.” I wince from the way that comes out. “I mean, I can take care of myself.”

Before I put my foot in, I whirl on my heels and walk out of the kitchen, trying to escape the prickle between my shoulder blades, no doubt from him staring at me. Aidan’s right on my heels. No sooner have I reached for my coat than my hands get pushed away by him, and I huff as I face him.

“You’re not walking home alone. It’s way too dark.”

I fist my hands on my hips.

“You know that I’m a trained detective, yes?”

He crosses his arms, trapping my coat under his armpit.

“Doesn’t mean I’m not going to make sure you get home safe.”

I tug on the coat and almost growl from frustration when he only tightens his hold, not budging.

“I can take care of myself.”

“Either you let me drive you home, or you’re staying the night here.”

I scoff and glare at him.

“Ex-cuse me?”

“You heard me.” His jaw sets in a stubborn line. He takes a step closer and forces me to tilt my head back. I will absolutely not be intimidated no matter how hard he tries. I go toe-to-toe with him, not backing down. His lips tip up in a devilish smile, making my fingers prickle from the almost irresistible urge to show him just how capable I am.

But I can’t throttle him no matter how much I want to. Not when his family is sitting in the next room.

Aidan widens his stance.

“What’s it going to be, Detective?”

Chapter Thirteen

Aidan

“Fine.”

Tongue in cheek, I resist the urge to grin at the fiery woman and lift my chin.