Dealing with the Past by Toni Griffin Read Free Book Online Page B

that was interrupted last week."
    Aiden stilled as Jackson's deep whiskey voice flowed over his body. He turned and looked in the direction the voice had come from and sucked in a breath at what he saw. His anger and hurt must have clouded his brain the other day because he didn't realise just how sexy a man Jackson had grown up to be.
    He towered over Aiden at what had to be at least six three or four. Jackson's body was lean and athletic looking. Aiden silently wondered if the man still played sports. His shiny black hair looked like the man's fingers had combed through it one too many times, and his deep blue eyes seemed to hold a pain Aiden didn't want to think too much about at the moment. Jackson wore a pair of black trousers that hugged his thick thighs nicely and a light blue button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled back and the top two buttons undone.
    Aiden gritted his teeth and clenched his fists as he fought his body's reaction. He would win this fight. Brendan. One thought of the reason he was here in the first place had his body calming down again. He was here about Brendan. He wasn't here to ogle Jackson Thompson.
    "This way, Aiden," Jackson invited as he pointed the way to his office. Aiden smiled at the receptionist then turned to follow Jackson. The man stood, holding the door open, waiting for Aiden to enter his office before he closed it behind him.
    "What a pit bull," Aiden commented with a smile as he sat.
    "Frannie?" Jackson chuckled lightly as he took his seat behind the desk. "Yeah, she kind of has a thing for this family. She's been with us for over ten years and she's a little protective."
    Aiden winced. "Yeah, sorry about punching you. I guess I let my emotions run away with me. How's the jaw?"
    "It hurt like a bitch for a few days, luckily the bruise has finally faded. I had to wear bloody makeup to cover it and everything. Didn't want to scare the customers away." He laughed before sobering. "But it wasn't anything I didn't completely deserve."
    "Deserved or not, I shouldn't have hit you. That's not who I am, and I am genuinely sorry for making you wear makeup."
    Jackson tilted his head back and laughed. The man looked good when he was happy but Aiden quickly dismissed the idea as it made him a little uncomfortable considering he was here to discuss his ex-lover. They got down to business as soon as Jackson calmed again.
    "So, Aiden, please tell me about Brendan Stephens and your reasons behind wanting him raised." Jackson pulled a file across his desk and opened it. Aiden had gone over the basics when he'd initially made the appointment with Jayden but figured it was like anything else in that the new person always liked to hear things for himself firsthand.
    Aiden opened his mouth to reply when there was a sharp rap on the closed door behind them.
    Jackson closed his eyes and groaned. "Bloody Frannie," the man muttered under his breath so low Aiden only just caught the words. "Come in," Jackson said louder, his eyes trained on the person opening the office door.
    "What's going on in here?" a gruff voice said from behind them. Aiden turned around in his chair to see an older version of Jackson standing just inside the office, one hand still on the door handle.
    "I'm in the middle of a client meeting. What does it look like, Dad?" Jackson replied, a steely edge in the man's voice.
    "I gave explicit instructions this man was not allowed back in the office. You know this." Jackson's father stated, pointing at him. Aiden winced at his tone.
    "Yes, and I ignored them. You know who he is to me, Dad, and I'm not about to apologise for going against your word." Jackson replied, conviction in his voice. To say Aiden was confused would be an understatement. He could understand why Jackson's father had banned him from the office but who the hell was Aiden to Jackson?
    "He hit you," Jackson's father stated, anger lacing his words. As much as Aiden hated what was happening at the moment, he had to admire the man