Free Ayden's Secret by Cara North Page A

past year. He had always been there in her life, in the shadows. He had saved her on more than one occasion. When she was a bounty hunter, having a family seemed surreal. It was a fantasy. Now she had plenty of family. Could she handle a family of her own?
    “Of course you will. You’re smart, and you know the difference between hard work and hand outs. A kid would be lucky to have you.” Ayden pulled her in for a hug. “Joshua, on the other hand, let’s just say I hope you have sons.”
    “I don’t know. I hope it’s a little girl.” Evelyn sighed. “Do you want kids, Ayden?”
    “I do.”
    “Do you like Charlie?” Evelyn liked her. Especially now that she knew how much she adored Ayden.
    “Yeah, she’s a good kid.”
    “No, Ayden. She is not a kid. Do you like her?” Evelyn sat up and looked at him pointedly.
    “I don’t really know her. She doesn’t really know me.” Ayden shrugged. “Relationships take time.”
    “Ten years?” Evelyn shook her head at him.
    “That’s different. She was a case, Evelyn. I couldn’t get involved with her then. I’m not sure I can now.” Ayden heard the screen door open and knew the football game had ended. “Something is still a little off about her being here. Keep that to yourself please.”
    Ayden pushed up and headed out the front door. He didn’t want to deal with anymore questions about Charlie tonight. He had to work in the morning.
    Evelyn drew her brows together. That raised her instincts to a whole, new level. Ayden was worried about the woman, but he hadn’t contacted anyone to find out if something was going on. Not a problem. She would find out.
    The crowd bustled into the kitchen and living room. Joshua sat his large body hot and sweaty, on Evelyn’s lap.
    “Where’d the Wolf go?”
    “Home. He’s tired and cranky. Besides he has class in the morning, remember?” Evelyn swatted him making him get up.
    “Maybe you should go with him.” Joshua bit her nose and stood. Evelyn had been unusually moody the past few weeks. He hadn’t seen her this moody since they first met.
    “Are you trying to hurt my feelings?” Evelyn felt a surge of emotions and a tear.
    “No, baby, damn.” Joshua wasn’t expecting that. To avoid a scene, that would likely get his butt chewed by her later, he pulled her up and went to the porch. He hated having all these people in his house. No privacy. “What’s wrong, honey?”
    “Nothing.” Evelyn sobbed on the porch. “I’m just tired.”
    Frustrated beyond belief he sat in the rocker, pulled her in his lap, and held her. If he didn’t know any better, he would think she could be pregnant. They said it could take a year for the birth control shot to wear off. They were hoping to start trying next year. Evelyn wanted to get the studio up and running. Maybe she was just overwhelmed by the new business and all the guests.
    Or maybe she was just tired since she was snoring in his lap now. She had been getting up in the middle of the night all week. He didn’t mind because she woke him up in various ways, but tonight he would ensure she went back to sleep instead.
    Malcolm and Stephanie headed out with a blanket in hand.
    “Where are you guys headed?” Joshua gave them a curious glance.
    “To the beach, we can still catch the sunset.” Stephanie smiled and tugged Malcolm along.
    “Be safe.” Joshua shook his head, poor guy.
    The door opened again and Charlie stepped out.
    “Is she okay?” Charlie looked at a sleeping Evelyn in his arms.
    “Yeah, little cranky. Runs in the family.” Joshua lifted Evelyn. “Hold that door for me?”
    “Where’s Ayden?”
    “Went home, he has to work tomorrow. He didn’t tell you?” Joshua paused in the doorway. Charlie shook her head. “See, runs in the family.”
    ***
    Charlie closed the door behind him.
    She felt alone and awkward walking up the street to Ayden’s house. Why didn’t he tell her he was leaving? She opened the door and locked it behind her. The