Page 170 of That Rush

Her thanks lands deep. This is what I do: see a problem coming and handle it before it can touch the people I love. Today proves how well that works.

“I have something for you at the ranch,” I tell her.

Her eyebrows lift. “Something I asked for?”

“No.”

“That answer has a concerning history.”

“You’ll like this one.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see after we get Josie home.”

By the time we reach the house, Josie has marker on both hands, one elbow, and a streak across her cheek that I have no idea how she managed during the drive.

I send her upstairs to change and to build Sprinkle a prize-helper office. Paige follows me into the kitchen and sets her tote on the table.

“Leave that here,” I tell her.

She looks at the bag, then at me. “Are you holding my belongings hostage?”

“You’re coming back Friday.”

“That is true.”

“So leave it.”

“I need things inside it.”

I take the key from my pocket and hold it out to her. “Then you can come get them.”

The teasing leaves her face as she looks down at my hand. I had a copy made last week, then tested it in both doors because giving Paige a key that sticks would undermine the point.

She does not reach for it immediately.

“Aiden.”

“It opens the front and back doors. You can come over whenever you want.”

“Whether you’re here or not?”

“Yes.”

“Do you plan to tell me what this is before I accept unrestricted access to your home?”

“Convenient.”

Her mouth curves. “That was almost convincing.”

I step closer and take her hand, turning it palm up before placing the key in the center. “You shouldn’t have to wait outside if I’m running late. If you finish work first, come here. If you want the porch or the kitchen or my bed, use them.”

“The generosity of that final offer is overwhelming.”

“You’ve used it before.”

“With supervision.”