Page 104 of That Rush

The request lands in the quiet space between us, and I straighten.

“How many people?”

“Just the core group. Mom, Dad, Axel and Sadie, Adrienne and Scotty. And the kids, of course—Josie, Poppy, and Silas.”

“That is ten people plus a toddler.”

“It’s small for my family.”

“That does not make it small.”

Aiden lifts the box. “Is that a no?”

“I have a book waiting at the cabin and no desire to explain my reading habits to your siblings over dinner.”

“You’ve met Axel and Adrienne.”

“I survived Axel and Adrienne.”

“They like you.”

“That increases the danger.”

Usually, that earns at least a reluctant smile. Tonight, his expression stays level.

I close the storage bin. “You came here because you wanted to.”

“I did.”

“I’m glad you did. That doesn’t mean you earn a family dinner in exchange.”

“I didn’t say this was an exchange.”

“You asked while carrying a box for my event.”

“So when was I supposed to ask? Before I picked up the box, or after I put it down?”

His tone stays quiet, but an edge has crept into it.

I reach for the box. “I can take that.”

Aiden keeps hold of it.

“When are you going to come to my side of the fence, Paige?”

The question follows us through the bookstore while Aiden carries the last box and I balance the storage bin against my hip. Behind us, someone switches off the lights above the signing table. The storefront stays bright, throwing our reflections across the glass as we step outside.

Two readers cross our path with signed hardcovers clutched to their chests. I wait for them to pass, the bin digging into my hip. The pavement still holds the day’s heat, but the air has started to cool.

I set the bin on my rear bumper to find my keys. “I’m not ashamed of you.”

Aiden shifts the box. “That wasn’t what I asked.”

“It’s where this is going.”

“Because I’m trying to understand why I can spend an evening learning the difference between sprayed edges and alternate covers, but dinner with my parents is too much to consider.”

I unlock the SUV and lift the hatch. “You chose to come tonight.”