Page 36 of Aidan (The Doherty Mafia)
I hurried to the cabin in the woods and rushed up the steps to knock on the door.
But instead of Killian, it was Reese who opened the door.
“Oh, Aidan! It’s you!” she exclaimed, rushing back inside.
“Killian around?” I asked.
“No, he left about an hour ago. Something about a shipment. Do you want something to eat? I can whip up some eggs.”
I followed Reese to the kitchen and saw that she was in the middle of baking.
It looked like there were several cake tins cooling on a wire rack on the counter. There were mixing bowls, ladles and whisks lying around. Icing in bags, edible decoration, flour and chocolate sauce.
The kitchen looked like a mess, which was not what it looked like these days since Reese started living here.
“No, thanks, I’ve eaten a big breakfast. What’s going on here?” I asked, looking around.
Reese sighed, rubbing her forehead with the back of her hand and leaving a trail of flour there. I could see she was exhausted and worried about something.
“Don’t even ask…”
“You trying to bake a cake?”
She met my eyes and shook her head.
“Yes. Trying is the operative word here. I thought I would bake my own cake for the engagement party and it’s…as you can see…not going too well.”
Shit. I’d forgotten about the big engagement party. When was it? Tonight?
I was so caught up with Leah, that I’d completely forgotten about it.
Reese covered her face with her hands. It seemed like she was about to give up and break into tears.
I wished Killian were here, because I didn’t know what I was supposed to do. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Okay. Reese, look at me. Tell me what you need,” I said.
Yes, the engagement party was tonight, and more importantly—things were falling apart. I didn’t realize that I’d just walked into a ticking time bomb.
Apparently, Reese dismissed all help Killian had offered for organizing the party and she insisted she would be able to handle it herself.
She’d been working tirelessly the past few weeks on arranging a venue, catering, decorations, invitations, booze and also the cake.
Killian had instructed her that he invited some important people and business associates and he wanted to make a good impression.
Now, Reese felt overwhelmed and like she had nothing in order.
She sat at the kitchen table with her face covered with her hands. Her voice was muffled because she refused to look at me.
“I just wanted to make him happy. I thought I’d be able to handle it myself. I’ve never had a responsibility like this. On this scale. Even when Isabelle offered to help, I shrugged her away.”
“This is not a one person job, Reese. This is the reason why people hire professionals to take care of a party like this.”
“I know. I see that now. I thought I could do it, but I can’t. The caterers are backing out, the decorations aren’t up yet, this cake is a disaster and I forgot about the band. Killian said we need to have some kind of live entertainment.” The more she spoke, the more she blubbered.
What was I expected to do? Give her a hug?
I crossed my arms over my chest and she looked up at me, teary eyed.
“I know…I understand how you all feel about me…” she began.
“I don’t know what you’re referring to.”
“I’ve caused a lot of shit. Stirred up a war between my stepfather and your family. Maybe you guys don’t think I deserve your brother. Which was why I was trying so hard to make a good impression. Show you that I really do deserve to be here…”
Her eyes filled with tears and I realized I had to do something before this got out of hand.
“You don’t have to prove yourself to us, Reese. All that should matter to you is what Killian thinks, and I can tell you he thinks very highly of you. One stupid party won’t make a difference.”
“We are going to remember this stupid party forever! We are engaged. It’s supposed to be a happy celebration, but instead, I’m freaking out over here!”
I breathed in deeply, at a complete loss for what needed to be done.
I couldn’t bake a cake. I definitely couldn’t decorate a venue. I couldn’t even supply Reese with the encouraging words she really needed.
“Okay, whatever you do, Reese, don’t freak out,” I said.
When Leah opened the door it seemed like she’d just stepped out of the shower. She was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that clung to her tits and woke my cock. I had to focus on just her face. Damp red hair was strewn over her shoulders messily. She looked fresh and beautiful.
“Oh?” She was surprised to see me so soon after leaving.
Honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing there. I could have gone anywhere else. Made a few phone calls and done the job.
