Stay With Me (She's With Me #2) - Jessica Cunsolo Page 0,70
wedding band glints on his ring finger, and I know it’s not the one from his marriage to Aiden’s mom. His cheekbone has the slightest hint of a bruise, and I feel a twisted sense of pride in Aiden. Even so, it’s evident that Andrew Kessler is one of those people who knows how to control a room, whose presence demands attention—which might be where Aiden gets it from.
“Listen, son, I think we got off on the wrong foot.”
I didn’t think it was possible for Aiden to get even tenser, but he does at hearing the word son.
“I’m not here to press charges,” Andrew continues, “even though both my wife and campaign manager certainly think I should. But once I told them I would never do that to my son, they dropped it. We’re family.” He sends Aiden a pointed look, clearly wanting to punctuate some point he’s trying to make.
Aiden’s hand clenches into a fist, and I pry it open to hold it in my own. The last thing we need is for him to punch the mayor again. I doubt Andrew will take kindly to two black eyes during his campaign.
Aiden says nothing but Andrew doesn’t seem to mind, completely content with steering the conversation.
“Speaking of family, where are my other sons?”
Aiden’s hand tightens in mine almost painfully before he realizes it and lets go.
“Sons?” Aiden’s voice is low. “You don’t have any sons. At least not in this house.”
Andrew tilts his head. “Last time I checked, I had three boys. You, and a set of twins.”
The muscle in Aiden’s jaw ticks. “Not if you had your way. They wouldn’t be here if Mom listened to you.”
As if instinctively knowing they were being talked about, Jason and Jackson appear behind the sliding glass door, looking out at us with worried faces. Andrew follows our gazes, and the twins, being spotted, scurry farther back into the house.
“Well, they are here.” The corner of Andrew’s lips turn up. “And they have my eyes, I see. Why don’t you bring them out so I can meet them properly?”
Nothing about Andrew’s tone or body language is threatening, but by the way Aiden’s body reacts to his words, you’d think he was holding a gun to Aiden’s head. I can tell it’s taking everything Aiden has to stay calm and not punch Andrew in the face again. I can feel the aggravated energy radiating off of him.
“Do you even know their names?” Aiden snaps.
“Aiden, listen—”
“No, you listen,” Aiden interrupts, eyes blazing. “You show up on our doorstep after wanting nothing to do with them, with us, and have the balls to play the we’re family card? Unbe-fuckinglievable.” Aiden stands. “Please see yourself out.”
Andrew makes no move to leave. In fact, he looks entertained.
“Your reaction is normal, son. Please sit back down. I understand how you’re feeling. You should be pissed. I left your mom while she was pregnant. I wasn’t there for you when she died, and I wasn’t there while you grew up. But those boys, Jason and Jackson, are still young. Obviously, you running into me at the fair was fate that we were meant to have a second chance. To be more of a family.” Andrew leans forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and with a gleam in his eyes that I don’t trust.
My scoff must’ve been out loud because they both look at me.
“Something to say?” Andrew raises an eyebrow at me as Aiden sits back down next to me.
I’ve never been one to hold back. “You’re telling us that this kumbaya bullshit has nothing to do with the fact that you can’t risk a scandal in the middle of your campaign? That you would’ve reached out to Aiden, Jason, and Jackson even if you weren’t running for governor?”
Andrew’s eyes narrow just a fraction before his expression smooths back out. “As I said, fate has brought us together.” He pauses, carefully thinking out his next words. “Actually, I’m inviting you and your brothers to a gala I’m having tomorrow for my campaign. I know people would just love to meet my sons. I’ll have suits in your sizes delivered here by tonight. I assume you don’t have dress shoes here?” He pulls a money clip out of his pocket and my eyes bulge since it looks like it’s holding enough cash to pay a year’s worth of college tuition. Andrew pulls a few bills free. “This should cover shoes and then some.” He pauses again, looking me over.