Empty Net Page 28


As Audrey cleaned up her mess, Aiden ran around the house playing with his imaginary friend, Will. It creeped Audrey out a little but Aiden reassured her that Will was a good guy. She didn’t care though; she was pretty damn sure Will was a ghost that was going to eat her in the middle of the night, once Aiden left.

Not that she would ever tell Aiden that.

“AA, can I go outside?”

Audrey turned from the sink, wiping her hands on her apron. “Yeah, be careful, stay in the front yard and put a jacket on. It’s getting colder out.”

Finally! It had been in the low 70s for the past month and it was November! How did that make sense? But, that was Tennessee weather for you! Audrey wasn’t worried about it though; once December came it would be so cold that she would be wearing thick tights everyday under her dresses. She loved when seasons changed and she got to wear new outfits. She got to go shopping too, which was awesome. Some people have husbands and boyfriends, Audrey had shoes and dresses.

The screen door shut and Audrey glanced back to see Aiden running through the yard with his hockey stick in hand. Aiden had gotten so good the past couple months. Audrey loved watching him play and couldn’t wait to leave for the game that night. With hockey season in full swing, Lucas was gone a lot, and with Aiden’s hockey, Audrey and Fallon were pretty busy. Fallon being the workaholic she was meant that Audrey was the one who took Aiden to all his practices and most of his game. Fallon always joined them after closing her wine cellar but she was always a little late. Aiden and Audrey were used to it. That was Fallon and they loved her anyway. Most people would get fed up with it, but not Audrey. She loved helping Fallon but she really didn’t get to do it much anymore since Lucas had come along. Not that it bothered her much; it gave her more time to focus on her.

And her shoes.

Audrey turned back to the sink, going through her list of things she needed to do before they would leave for Aiden’s game at Centennial. The Sportsplex was only seconds away, so they didn’t need to rush, but she needed to get all his equipment ready. She prayed that he knew what he needed because she sure didn’t. Lucas would usually have everything packed and put in her car the day before, but since he had left right after the wedding, Audrey wasn’t sure if the bag would be in her car. She should probably check that.

Untying the bright green cupcake apron that Aiden and Fallon had gotten her for Christmas, Audrey hung it on its peg. Audrey then grabbed her grey blazer off the back of the chair, and slid into it. She loved the outfit she was wearing; it was one of her favorites. The skinny greyish jeans paired with a fitted white tee, went fantastic with her blazer that had a cute little teal brooch on it. But that wasn’t the best part, nope, it was the peep toe, Gucci teal pumps, with black ribbons that tied up the heel into a bow. They were to die for.

As Audrey made her way to the front door, she pulled her hair up in a messy bun, admiring her new couch set. It was beautiful and better than the last set. Grabbing her keys, she pushed the door open and went out, colliding right into a rock hard chest. Someone’s strong hands took ahold of her arms, holding her in place as she stumbled to a halt. When she glanced up into a pair of ocean blue eyes that had been staring in her dreams for the last couple night, she took in a sharp breath.

“AA! Tate’s home!”

Audrey smiled, her eyes still locked with Tate’s, as his own mouth formed into a wide grin. His jaw was clean shaved and his lips were full. His teeth were a pearl white and he was pushing his tongue against the back of his teeth so she saw pink in his gap.

An unexpected need to press her lips against his, came quick, taking her breath away.

“I see,” she said breathlessly as Tate continued to smile.

“Hey, Audrey,” he said in a throaty sexy way. Audrey blinked twice, swallowing loudly.

“Hey.”

“Aren’t you gonna give him his cupcakes?”

Tate’s grin grew as he continued to stare down at her. They were only inches apart and she had the urge to touch him. What was up with him? How could she be this attracted to someone? He was a baby! Knowing she couldn’t touch him since the last time she did she ravished him, Audrey took a step back. Tate eyes continued to watch her as he slowly tucked his hands into his pockets.

“Cupcakes?” Tate asked.

Audrey nodded as Aiden said, “Yup! She made yummy gummy bear ones! She’s the best cupcake maker ever! Aren’t you AA?”

Audrey’s cheek dusted as she smiled, “Maybe, Punkin,” she glanced back up at Tate and said, “Let me check my car for his bag and then I’ll get those for you.”

“AA, Dad put my bag in your car before he left.”

“Party,” Audrey gushed as she took a hold of his hand, “Come on, let’s go give Tate his cupcakes. Come on in,” she said to Tate as she turned to go back inside. As she walked through her house to the kitchen, she hoped that he liked her new couch set. It was an amazing sectional that had a black base and beautiful grey cushions. She had bought some bright yellow pillows to go with it and it seemed to bring the room together. It made her happy.

“Nice couch.”

Yay! He like it!

Why did that matter?

Audrey threw Tate a grin over her shoulder as she reached the island. She picked up the cupcake tin, and turned, smiling up at Tate.

“Thanks, you should see the bed.”

Once the words left her mouth, she turned deep red as her whole body flushed with desire. For goodness sakes! Could she sound any more like a slut?!?

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