Read Dealing with the Past for Free Online Page A

tomorrow?"
    Jackson's mind spun from information overload. Noah knew Aiden? That would explain how Jayden had ended up with Aiden's very mundane case on his schedule. Did he want Noah's help?
    "Thank you for the offer, Noah, but I really think this is something I have to do myself," Jackson replied after giving it some thought.
    Jayden grinned at him. "Don't worry about it, bro. Aiden will come round. He's your mate after all. Fate wouldn't have matched you together unless you were perfect for each other. Maybe he's a little more confused than usual right now because he's likely fighting an attraction to you, and with your past, that bothers him. God only knows why though, you're not much to look at if you ask me." Jayden waggled his brows and laughed as Jackson threw his last remaining piece of vegetable at his brother. Jayden ducked but it still hit him in the shoulder before falling to the ground.
    "Ass," replied Jackson but he couldn't hold back his smile.
    "Boys, please," their mother said, resigned.
    Jackson looked at his father and asked, "Are we okay, Dad?"
    His dad sighed. "I can't just ignore the fact that the man hit my son—you—Jackson."
    Jackson knew his dad meant well. His parents were very protective of their children. He couldn't blame his father, not really. Jackson couldn't even imagine what he would do if he had a child and someone he didn't know decked him. Jackson slumped back in his chair and tuned out as his mum started to talk to Jayden about the deep red streaks he now sported in his hair.
    Jackson hated the thought of his father not liking his mate. Until his father said his piece to Aiden himself, his dad would continue to be overprotective. Jackson didn't want to rush Aiden and risk losing him for good. He had to give his mate time.
    Jackson silently prayed Jayden was right and Aiden felt the connection to him, too.
    The rest of the family arrived not long after their talk, and they settled down to enjoy the evening. Jackson took a little lip from his brothers for being the next to fall victim to the allures of a mate but it didn't bother him any. His brothers were happy he found Aiden, even if he didn't tell them why his mate had planted one on his jaw.
    By eight-thirty, Jackson was yawning and said goodnight to his family. "Thanks for dinner, Mum. It was delicious like always." He kissed her cheek and headed for the door.
    The drive back to his apartment was quiet, just the low music from the local radio station playing in the background. Jackson was too worn out from another busy week to even recognise any of the songs.
    He pulled into the car park below his apartment building and parked his car before getting out and heading to the elevator. The lift dinged a short time later, signifying the arrival at his floor, and Jackson stepped out, walking to the left down the passage to his door.
    Jackson made sure to lock the door behind him and made his way to the kitchen. Placing his keys, phone, and wallet in the bowl, Jackson turned and headed for his bedroom. Even though it was still early, all Jackson wanted was a shower then to crawl into bed.
    He stripped down, throwing his clothes in the laundry hamper inside his door. Jackson turned on the air conditioner so the room would be nice and cool when he was done with his shower and padded over the soft carpet to the attached bath.
    Jackson turned the handle to the temperature he desired and pulled until there was a steady stream of water flowing from the large showerhead. One of the things he loved most about this apartment was the large shower, big enough for two or even three. On one wall was a shower rail with a hose and massage water function and at the other end was a large showerhead that dropped from the ceiling.
    Stepping under the hot spray, Jackson let the water flow over him. His tense muscles started to relax little by little. Jackson looked over to the other side of the shower; he could imagine Aiden standing there all naked and wet.