Lily didn’t know much about Richard Kincaid, other than he was deadbeat dad of the century for starting and deserting not one but three families. “And you don’t want him to come,” she guessed.

“I don’t want him anywhere near my mom. He screwed her over when he left.”

“And you,” she said quietly.

“No, I wanted him gone.” He tightened his grip, keeping his face hidden. “I wanted him dead.”

“I’m sorry, Aidan.”

“Don’t be. You didn’t do anything.”

“I’m sorry for your bad memories.”

“Yeah, well, we both have those.”

Yes, but she had a feeling his were even darker than hers. She held him tighter.

He gave her another long moment, and then he pulled back and looked into her face. “You were in a hurry.”

“Yeah, I’m running a little late.” She watched the small smile flirt at the corners of his mouth and felt her face heat. “Listen, I’m not so great with this whole morning-after-quickie stuff, so I’m just going to …” She gestured to the door, but he slid a hand to her waist to stop her.

“We talked about this,” he said. “It’s more than a quickie.”

On some level she knew he was right. It just wasn’t a level she could fully access right now. “Aidan—”

“Yeah, and you know it,” he said, and took her mouth. Tender, soft, his lips coaxed more than a kiss from her, until she felt open to him and willing to give him everything she had. Somewhere in the dim recesses of her mind she heard her purse fall to the ground, but she didn’t care. This had sneaked up on her. He’d sneaked up on her. Quiet and strong, he wanted her to believe things she’d never been able to believe before.

Believe and trust …

“You’re stronger than you think,” he said softly, making her realize she’d spoken out loud. “You’ve always been stronger than you think.”

She stared up into his fathomless gaze, hoping that was true. He looked so sure as he met her gaze. She could use some of that confidence. “What do you want from me?” she blurted out.

He picked up her purse and handed it over. “Worried?”

“A little.” She paused. “Or, you know, a lot.”

His smile was warm and made her throat tighten. “This,” he said, and put a hand over her heart. “I want this.”

Oh. Well, if that was all …

He kissed her once more and then opened the door to the salon for her, giving her a little nudge in. “Have a good one,” he said, and he was gone.

Just like that, as if he hadn’t only a second ago made a bid for her heart. She shook her head to clear it and walked through the salon, taking a big sip of her coffee.