Aaron was already home before you.

The light in his study was still on when you passed the doorway, but before you could even knock, the door opened first—as if he had been waiting for you to walk by. His gaze moved over you immediately, from your face to the hand still holding your bag, quietly making sure you were alright.

“You’re a little late today.”

His voice sounded calm as always, but he still took your bag from your hand without asking and set it down by the door. His fingers brushed lightly against your back afterward—a habit he had picked up without even realizing it.

“I told you before,” he continued casually as he walked beside you toward the sitting room, “you used to follow Noelle into too many dangerous places when you were younger.”