Aidan: The Rescue (Indie Rebels Book 5) Read online

  “Let’s see you carry that heavy headboard by yourself,” Aidan said before turning to Felicity. “Hi. How’s it going?”

  She grinned, heart hammering. “I’m good. Thanks for helping out.”

  “No worries. I happened to be at their place and saw that Kallan needed another pair of hands. It’ll be good to see your workshop, too, if you wouldn’t mind me having a quick snoop before the others arrive. I like woodworking.”

  “You do? That’s great! And, of course, you can have a look around.”

  “I haven’t touched power tools in a long while, though,” Aidan said as he carried a bedside table. “So where do we go?”

  “Over there.” She picked up a vintage chair with ornate legs and started walking back towards the room, hyper-aware of Aidan following her. It was as if she could feel his breath on her neck even though he was a respectable distance away. Or was it that she wanted to feel his breath on her neck?

  Stop it, Felicity!

  Couldn’t Kallan hurry up and distract her from these ridiculous thoughts? But, God, how long had it been since she’d felt this way towards a man?

  Actually, never.

  That was right. She hadn’t felt attraction this strong, this fast, towards anybody.

  The realisation started to scare her. How did people prevent losing themselves in a relationship with partners who had this much effect on them?

  Thoughts of her past started to flood in, and she tensed. She pushed them away by recalling an image of herself with a paintbrush in her hand, decorating a wooden breakfast tray—the very first item she’d restored. That person was the new, courageous, confident Felicity, and the new Fel didn’t have to worry about her emotions. Because no matter what she was feeling, she was in control of her decisions.

  Honestly, though, she had no idea how she’d handle it if Aidan happened to flirt with her. She’d probably be torn between throwing herself at him and hiding somewhere she couldn’t be found.

  What she really had to do about this stupid crush was to…well…just feel it until it dissipated, she guessed. Hopefully, that would happen sooner rather than later.

  She opened the door to the workshop and walked inside. “Here we are. We can line them all up against this wall.” She put down the chair she was carrying at the corner nearest the door.

  Aidan placed the side table next to it. “How do you determine which person gets to work on what?”

  “We hold a draw. Those who get small items like this chair can end up working with two or more pieces before someone working on something like the headboard finishes with theirs. I bet everyone will want to work on that headboard. It’s so beautiful. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it ends up with me.”

  “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” Aidan said with a smile before leaving the room.

  Unbidden, she let out a sigh. How sweet of Aidan to say that.

  Shaking her head, she walked out of the room. Instead of standing here and swooning, she’d better help bring more of the stuff in.

  “Felicity!”

  She turned her head towards the caller and grinned. “Sophie! Hi! Ready to join us today?”

  “You have spares for me to work on?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “Great! Can’t wait to start.”

  Felicity made little claps, thrilled. This gorgeous police officer who shared her birthday—they'd both turned thirty a couple of months ago—had worked on the domestic violence cases of most of the members of the group, including hers. “The girls will be so happy that you’re joining us, especially after last week,” she said, sobering. “Tessa still couldn’t believe that her ex would be so brazen as to send his brother here to spy on her.”

  “Yeah. It’s great that the council is letting you use this hall for free, but the downside is the grounds are a public place, so those idiots think they can make up excuses for being here and get away with it.”

  “I’ve actually started researching where we could move our workshop. But it’s next to impossible to find a room big enough for our needs as well as free to use indefinitely.”

  Sophie placed a hand on her arm. “No need to keep looking. That’s why I’m here. I’m not doing anything most Sundays, anyway, and I’m really keen to learn how to upcycle furniture. The only thing is, I don’t meet the requirements for membership to New Again,” she said with a laugh.

  “Hey, you know we’re more than happy to make you an honorary member.” Felicity was humbled and extremely grateful that this woman would choose to spend part of her free time with their group to help protect them from partners or exes who dared break apprehended violence orders. Unfortunately, it had happened more than once for a couple of the girls. Sophie’s presence in their workshops, albeit as an off-duty cop, was more than welcome.

  Kallan and Aidan appeared from around the corner, carrying the headboard.

  Felicity made the introductions. “Sophie, this is Aidan, and that’s Kallan. They’re friends of mine helping out with delivering our stuff. Guys, this is Sophie. She’s a police officer friend of the New Again circle. Actually, she’s a detective now. We’re granting her an honorary membership.”

  “Hi, Sophie,” the men said in unison.

  “Good to meet you, guys,” answered Sophie, eyeing the piece the men were carefully placing down. “That’s a beautiful headboard.”

  “Felicity’s keeping her fingers crossed for this,” Aidan quipped. “She said all of you would probably want it.”

  Sophie chuckled. “I think I’ll stick to something very simple. I’m new at this, and I wouldn’t want to ruin that. Anyway, I can help carry some stuff.”

  “Thanks, but we can manage,” Aidan said.

  “Are you saying I’m not strong enough to carry something like that?” Sophie asked with narrowed eyes.

  The shock on Aidan’s face was comical. “I didn’t mean that at all. I just meant we can manage. But if you want to help, that’s fine, too.”

  Sophie laughed. “I was kidding.”

  Aidan chuckled, shaking his forefinger at Sophie as he and Kallan went back to the truck.

  Felicity hid a sigh. Even though she smiled along with the others, she felt a stirring in her chest that made her want to pout.

  Whoa, was she jealous? She pushed the feeling down.

  Soon, Aidan was back, his arm muscles bulging as he carried a bookcase over his shoulder.

  Felicity’s heart skipped a beat, and butterflies in her stomach madly flapped their wings. Argh.

  As he put his load down, Aidan looked at Sophie. “There are chairs you can carry.”

  Sophie shook her head. “I’m sure you can manage.”

  Aidan chuckled.

  “So what do you do for a living, Aidan?” Sophie prodded in a friendly tone.

  “I’m an IT consultant,” Aidan said.

  Sophie’s brows rose. “My dad needs a good IT guy. What do you specialise in?”

  Aidan smiled. “Unfortunately, I’m pretty busy right now, so I’m not looking for any new business. Thanks, anyway.”

  Sophie watched Aidan leave the room. “Don’t you find it interesting that he didn’t ask for my contact number in case he finds an empty slot in his schedule in the future?”

  Felicity shrugged. “Maybe he has a long waiting list already.”

  “Maybe. How well do you know him?”

  “Not well. I just met him last week at Isla’s birthday. You remember Isla, right? My lawyer best friend who helped put Nolan in jail?”

  “Yes.”

  “Kallan is Isla’s fiancé. Isla and Kallan are the ones who usually deliver our stuff because they’re stored in their garage, and they borrow the truck from a neighbour down their street. But Isla couldn’t make it at the last minute, and Aidan happened to be available.”

  “Oh, right.”

  “So, do you think Aidan’s hot?” Felicity asked, keeping her voice light. “Or are you thinking he could be here to spy on our members?”


  Sophie chuckled. “Both, maybe.”

  Oh, no. Felicity didn’t want Sophie to be interested in Aidan. “Well, apparently he’s anti-commitment.”

  “Really?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Sophie wrinkled her nose. “Shame. He’s a hunk, isn’t he? Just like Kallan. Pity Kallan’s already engaged.”

  “Hey, Kallan’s got an identical twin—and I mean identical. Those two look so alike it’s not funny. And Kerrod’s single—a workaholic, but a nice guy.”

  “Does Aidan have a twin?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “Don’t worry, then,” Sophie said with a laugh.

  Felicity kept the smile on her face even though Sophie’s attraction to Aidan was bugging the hell out of her. It shouldn’t, since she didn’t plan to date Aidan, but she couldn’t help how she felt.

  Could she blame herself, though? Aidan was truly divine.

  Divine? What a word to describe someone so…masculine.

  Sophie cocked her head. “You okay?”

  “Huh?”

  “You’re blushing.”

  Felicity felt her cheeks burn further. “I think it’s just the heat.”

  “It’s not that hot. Aha! I bet it’s Aidan. Well, you saw him first, so don’t mind me.” Sophie winked.

  Felicity laughed, neither confirming nor denying Sophie’s guess. She was relieved, though, that Sophie seemed to be bowing out. Not that they were in a race for Aidan’s attention.

  Sophie turned to the furniture. “Hey, you’ll give me something really simple to work on today, right?”

  “Sure. You can take your pick.” As long as it’s not Aidan.

  Ugh! What on earth was going on with her?

  Experiencing basic human wants.

  Her lips tugged up. Of course, she wasn’t immune to lust. It was just that the strength of it for Aidan kept blowing her away.

  Hey, wait…

  Since she didn’t think she was ready for a relationship, and Aidan wasn’t into commitment, what would be the problem in considering something casual? Yes, she’d always said she wasn’t built for anything like that, but she wasn’t the old Felicity anymore, right?

  She let the thought sink in, not pushing against it at all, as she watched Sophie run her fingers along a bookcase.

  Hm, she wasn’t totally opposed to the idea. What was more, she’d hate it if Aidan started giving Sophie lingering looks instead of directing those smoking hot gazes towards her.

  Perhaps she should take a forward step while Sophie was backing off.

  Chapter 3

  Aidan did a couple more trips between the truck and the workshop room until he and Kallan had finished moving all the items. He was thoroughly enjoying this rather ordinary activity on a rather ordinary day. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done something for someone that was totally non-IR related.

  Not that he didn’t care about anyone outside their group. It was just that, as a team leader, his IR life was simply too busy for him to be involved with other work. Besides, everyone he considered good friends were all Indie Rebels, since they were the ones he hung out with during his rare free time. He didn’t have many opportunities to develop friendships with those who weren’t IRs.

  Unlike the majority of Indie Rebels who still held normal jobs or ran businesses, he was a full-timer. That was why helping Kallan move furniture for Felicity was a novelty. He was having a great time doing something mundane in comparison to the mostly dangerous activities he did day in, day out.

  Actually, just being around Felicity felt amazing—but also not amazing. He’d never had his emotions polarised like this before. He was drawn to her like a magnet, and something inside him knew that being with her would be absolutely fantastic. But if he didn’t resist, he could end up hurting her and himself very badly, not to mention putting Felicity and the IRs in danger.

  What an annoying conundrum, but the right choice was clear. Everyone’s safety was paramount—his teammates’, Felicity’s, and his. The IRs’ number one rule had to be followed to a T. Plus, discovering that Felicity was good friends with a police officer made things even more complicated. Going out with her was definitely a bad idea.

  “All done,” Kallan announced.

  Felicity and Sophie, who’d been laying paint protector sheets on the floor, smiled at them.

  “Thanks so much, guys,” Felicity said. “Really appreciate your help.”

  “No worries,” both men said.

  “Anytime,” Aidan added.

  “Will we see you again, Aidan?” Sophie asked.

  He shrugged. “Up to you guys. I’m more than happy to lend a hand again, if need be.” He knew, though, that Kallan, Isla, and Felicity were more than capable of transporting the furniture from anywhere to the workshop. And if they needed extra assistance, they’d usually call Kerrod first. If he hadn’t been at the couple’s house discussing an IR assignment, Aidan wouldn’t have been here today at all.

  Disappointment pricked at him. It seemed he wouldn’t be back for the foreseeable future. That meant not seeing Felicity for a long while…

  Which was a good thing. He should be getting her out of his mind anyway.

  “You know what?” Felicity said, sending a shy smile his way. “Maybe I can get some of the big and heavy furniture that’s being donated to us if you’ll be around to help us move them. If it’s okay with you, that is.”

  “Of course. No worries,” he said readily, despite what he’d just said to himself.

  “Great! There was a big couch and a ten-seater dining table that I had to say no to a couple of weeks ago. Next time, I’ll check with you guys and see if you’re available to pick them up from the source and bring them straight here. I know that Kallan and Isla’s garage is still full of our stuff and there’s no room for those bigger items.”

  “Sure. Just give me a few days’ notice,” Aidan said.

  “Thanks!” Felicity flashed Aidan a grateful grin.

  Even with the resolve to keep Felicity at arm's length, Aidan couldn’t help his wide smile—or the hammering of his heart. Felicity was simply too endearing, too stunning, too damned cute—especially when her sunny smile was directed at him.

  Someone’s phone rang.

  “Oh, it’s mine,” Sophie said, going to her handbag and pulling out her phone. She left the room to answer it.

  “We better go,” Kallan said, looking at his watch.

  Aidan nodded. He’d given Kallan and Isla an IR case which they needed to work on this afternoon.

  “Okay. Thanks again, guys.” Felicity waved goodbye.

  “Enjoy the workshop. Hope you get the headboard,” Aidan said.

  “Thanks. I hope so, too,” said Felicity.

  “Still keeping my fingers crossed for you.” He raised his hand to show Felicity that his fingers were, indeed, crossed.

  Felicity chuckled. “I’ll let you know if I do end up with it.”

  “Great.” He kept smiling at her because…she kept staring at him with those gorgeous eyes of hers.

  “We going?” Kallan prodded him with an elbow.

  “Yes,” he answered, heading for the door and feeling his whole face heat up. Seriously, couldn’t he stop being mesmerised?

  “Not interested, huh?” Kallan whispered as he followed.

  “What?” he asked, although he'd heard his friend perfectly.

  Kallan snickered.

  Aidan started to glance back at Felicity, but stopped himself when he realised what he was doing.

  “That,” Kallan said simply, shaking his head in amusement.

  “That was nothing,” he insisted.

  “Sure, bro. Sure.”

  “Really, it’s—“

  “Oh, no,” he heard Felicity say.

  This time, Aidan swivelled fully.

  Felicity was staring in dismay at the two filing cabinets on the far wall.

  “You okay, Fel?” he called out from the doorway.

  Felicit
y let out a loud breath. “I don’t have the keys to the filing cabinets. Our tools and other stuff are in there. I can’t believe I forgot to bring them.” She ran her hands over her face in frustration.

  Aidan looked at Kallan. “You go ahead and return the truck. I’ll call an Uber.”

  Kallan lifted a brow before turning to Felicity. “I have to go, Fel, but Aidan’s gonna stay to help you. See ya!”

  Felicity frowned. “Help me with what?”

  Aidan walked back inside. “You have a paperclip?”

  “You’re gonna pick the locks?” Felicity asked with wonder. “You know how to do that?”

  “You can Google it, you know?” he said with a laugh. Of course, he could pick locks, even ones far more sophisticated than those of the filing cabinets’.

  “Really? Well, I haven’t had a need to pick locks before.” Felicity looked around. “Um…what if I don’t have a paperclip?”

  “What about a nail clipper?”

  “A nail clipper? You can use that, too?”

  “Yup. With the nail file that’s attached to it.”

  “Oh, right. Well, I don’t usually bring a nail clipper with me, either. I suppose an emery board won’t work?”

  He chuckled. “Unfortunately not.”

  “Did someone ask for a nail clipper?” asked Sophie, coming back inside.

  Oh, damn. He’d forgotten about Sophie, the detective.

  “Aidan needs to borrow it,” Felicity said. “You have one? I forgot the keys to the cabinets, and he’s gonna open them up for us.”

  Sophie rummaged through her handbag. “Yup.” She handed it to Aidan.

  “Thanks.” Aidan walked towards the cabinets. He didn’t particularly want Sophie to witness him picking a lock, so he’d have to do some acting.

  He extended the nail file from the clipper and inserted it in the keyhole. Taking his time, he jiggled and twisted the nail file here and there. Ordinarily, he’d be able to open something like this in two seconds flat. “Grr,” he groaned, feigning frustration.

  “Have you done it before?” Sophie asked.

  Aidan glanced back at Sophie. “Yes—when I lost my keys to my filing cabinet. It worked then, but it’s not working now.”