On A Night Like This (Callaways #1)

tension between them.
    "Aiden," Lynda said. "I can't believe you're home. Why didn't you call me back?"
    "I figured you'd see me soon enough." He paused. "Are you okay, Sara?"
    "I'm fine. Thank you for saving my father."
    He shrugged, as if what he had done had been of little consequence.
    "I've been leaving messages for you for three weeks, Aiden," Lynda said.
    "I needed some time to clear my head," he replied.
    "Well, I'm glad you're finally home. I've been so worried about you since—"
    "I'm fine," Aiden said, cutting Lynda off. "I'll be over to the house in a minute."
    "All right," Lynda said, obviously sensing that this wasn't the time to grill her son. "Sara, please stop by later and let me know how your father is doing. In fact, come for dinner. We eat around seven, but any time you get back is fine. I'll save you a plate."
    "That isn't necessary."
    "You won't be cooking in that kitchen tonight. Just come by," Lynda insisted. "There's always room for one more at our house."
    "Okay, thanks."
    With Lynda gone, she shifted her weight, crossing her arms, then uncrossing them, wishing that Aiden would stop looking at her with those incredible blue eyes.
    "So, is the fire almost out?" she asked.
    "Looks that way, but you won't be able to go inside until the fire inspector signs off."
    "When do you think that will be?"
    "Depends," he said. "Could be an hour or more."
    "I'm lucky my dad lives right next door to firefighters. Although, it doesn't sound like you live at home anymore."
    "Not in a long time," he said shortly, his gaze drifting toward his childhood home.
    She stared at his profile. In his early thirties now, Aiden's features had become better defined, his jaw stronger, his blue eyes harder, and more cynical than she remembered.
    His gaze returned to hers, and she couldn't help wishing she looked a little better. She knew she was more attractive than she'd been in high school, because once she'd left her father's house, she'd discovered make-up, and hair products, short skirts and high heels. Unfortunately, she'd dressed herself down to visit her father, pulling her hair back in a knot and wearing gray slacks and a button down blouse that did little to show off her shape. The fire had made her sweat and she could feel her hair falling out of her bun, so it wasn't her best moment.
    Not that she cared, she reminded herself. There had been plenty of men in her life since high school, since Aiden. She was no longer his adoring fan.
    She searched for something to say, something smart, witty, casual, but nothing seemed right. There had been a time in her life when she'd lived to catch a glimpse of Aiden, and another time when she'd hoped never to see him again, but now here he was, here they were, and she couldn't think of a damn thing to say.
    She tucked her hair behind her ear. "So…"
    "So," he echoed. "It's been a long time."
    "Yes," she agreed, feeling irritated with her awkwardness.
    "How did you set the kitchen on fire?"
    "I wasn't the one who was cooking," she said.
    Aiden gave her a doubtful look. "You're saying your father did that? Your father who lives by a rulebook and never ever takes a misstep? The man who can do no wrong and cannot tolerate failure in others?"
    "Yes, apparently, he is human," she replied, not surprised that Aiden's assessment of her dad was so spot on. He'd grown up next door, and her father had yelled at the Callaway boys on more than a few occasions.
    "Are you living here now?" Aiden asked.
    "No, just visiting. What about you?"
    A shadow crossed his eyes. "I'm not sure of my plans."
    Before she could press for more information, one of the firefighters joined them. "Callaway? What are you doing here?"
    "Helping out," Aiden said shortly.
    Something sparked between the two men, something intense and angry. Sara felt like she'd just landed back in the middle of another fire. Aiden had always had a million friends and he'd been a guy's guy. To see someone who obviously hated his guts was surprising.
    "Quite the hero. You always land on your feet, don't you?" the other man sneered.
    "If you say so," Aiden said evenly.
    Fury burned in the other man's eyes a split second before he pulled back his arm and punched Aiden in the face.
    Aiden stumbled backward, his hand flying to his right eye.
    Sara gasped in surprise, startled by the unexpected attack. "What's happening?" she asked, but no one was listening to her.
    "That was for Kyle," the man said. "And this –"
    Before he could finish