Heaven Sent (Loki/Asgard Fanfiction - Aislinn's Story)

Chapter Twelve

The sigh worked its way up from the soles of Aislinn's feet as Steve tugged the front door closed. The other three had headed out earlier, and now Steve was getting ready to head north himself. But first, he had to drop her back home. Thank the gods Celia kept Selig inside. The last thing Aislinn wanted was him possibly going big-brother.

She tucked her arm through Steve's and they made their way down to the Denali, and he leaned against the driver's side door, his hands on her hips. "So, can I talk you into coming north tonight? My fridge will be empty, but we can always go out and find something."

"I think tonight is doable." Her hands came to rest on his shoulders, then slid around his neck as he pulled her closer. "If you're sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. I wouldn't have asked otherwise. I have tomorrow off, and we'll play Monday by ear, okay?"

She nodded. Although she would be seeing him before sunset, she still tried to prolong his leaving. It was too weird, to think about going by the house he'd been renting and seeing other people there instead. The last ten days had been the happiest she'd ever spent and she hated to see it come to an end.

He leaned in to brush her lips with a light kiss. "Okay, baby, I have to get the key to the realtor before noon, so I better get going. Give me a call when you hit the road, so I have an ETA on you, okay?"

"I will."

He tightened his arms about her, and when his lips met hers, he bent her back ever so slightly, parting her lips with the tip of his tongue to stroke it along hers. Such a perfect kiss--slow, deep, sensual-- and she hated to see it end.

But of course, it did, and he pulled her hard against him to give her a squeeze. In response, she wrapped her arms about his middle, her head coming to rest on his chest. "Drive carefully, Steve."

"I always do." He kissed the top of her head. "I'll see you later, honey."

She stepped back to let him climb up into the Denali. "You certainly will."

The Denali purred to life and he carefully backed it down the drive. He honked the horn, waved out the window, and as he drove off, she sighed softly. The air felt different. Everything felt different.

Back inside, the boys were teasing Camilla and Selig looked like he was ready to kill all three when Celia came out of their bedroom. "Okay, boys, Cam, you ready? Let's give Daddy some peace and go down to the beach." She glanced over at Aislinn. "Are you coming with us, Al?"

"I can't, Ce," she said. "I have to go pack up some things."

Selig turned to her. "What for?"

"Steve asked me to come north and spend a few days with him."

Celia's back straightened and she held out a hand. "Come on, Cami. Alex, Erik, let's go."

The boys were still bickering, but followed their mother and sister outside and Aislinn steeled herself for Selig's demand that she stay in Mantoloking.

But to her surprise, he said, "He seems to really like you, Al."

"You think so?"

"Well, no guy's going to ask a girl to come stay with him if he doesn't like her."

"Sure he would. It happens."

"Not after he's already gone to bed with her. If he's already gotten you in bed, he's gotten what he wanted and isn't going to care much about getting it again. Not when there's always another woman in the next room or down the street or across the bar."

"Selig."

"I know, I know, but I also know what I'm talking about." He sighed, leaning against the back of the floral print sofa. "Do you like him, Al?"