Shit, she hadn’t even said her name. “Dusk Stern,” she offered, not a last name that matched the one on his wall, not even easily mistaken for it. She should have given Aiden her last name but she wasn’t that vindictive and her family was just her while Cassidy had all of his siblings and his parents and the coven. The Bolton name meant more. The thoughts were quashed the more he spoke though, he seemed to have grown less irritated, words more comforting and she did appreciate that.
“I could probably convince him to do that, I could try anyway,” Dusk offered in response. She fucking hoped, or maybe Gray could. It wasn’t like the act had garnered his fathers attention the way Aiden hoped, maybe that would be enough to get him to agree.
Fortunately, he’d noticed what was in her hands and that was much easier to deal with, at least easier to confirm information about. “Yes, as a thank you. I got the beer and then realised that literally anyone could be in AA so how insensitive or me, then bought the cookies to offer an alternate option and realised everyone is fucking gluten free right now, but they are both for you. I…I really do appreciate it, and I know fixing the wall is more important but cookies are immediate and I really did not want you staring at that wall and changing your mind,” Dusk half laughed, offering the items to him.
Her dark brown eyes surrounded by the winged liner she’d applied in haste held on him. He was…gorgeous. Fullness to his cheeks but a strict jaw, lips that…well, women could think about them for hours, and the way his tone had shifted when he’d seen how overwhelmed she was. With all that Dusk, for a moment, considered her not-quite-in-law, Willow’s, words, ‘Just put yourself out there though. You never know. You might find someone when you’re least expecting it. Even if it is just someone to scratch the itch.’ “Maybe, if you wanted to take a break we could have a beer together? I haven’t had beer in the back of a car since I was fifteen,” and you know…she’d got pregnant.
He noticed the last name was different but he decided not to comment on it instead offering a, “well it’s nice to meet you Dusk.” His eyes dropped over her figure for a moment before flicking back up to her eyes. Even though it was clear she had had a long day, she was still gorgeous and he couldn’t help but add a, “very nice to meet you. I’m Dante, Dante Wakeford,” He knew from his name she’d be able to tell why he was so invested in this, he wasn’t just an employee, this was his shop.
“I could talk to him maybe? It might go better coming from someone else, I know kids sometimes listen more that way.” He winced before adding, “I’m not trying to over step or say he doesn’t listen to you. I can just tell you guys need a little help and if I can give it to you then I want to.” Maybe he saw a part of himself in the way Aiden had acted out and he knew how dark a path that took him down.
He smiled, this time much wider before he licked his lips and nodded. He would’ve had to be an idiot to turn down beer with a woman like this, and her rambling was rather adorable. “Beer and cookies actually sound perfect right about now.” He glanced to the small little hatchback he’d been working on and the six foot tall, broad man knew that wouldn’t work. “Come this way.” He gestured with his head before walking deeper into his shop to an old pick up truck they were using for parts. He opened the back and offered her a hand to climb up into the bed of the truck, “ladies first.”
