Page 20

Chapter 20

Aiden

The roar coming from the jubilant crowd is like music to my ears. Gliding backward, I punch the air triumphantly. What seemed like an unattainable goal thirty minutes ago is now a resounding victory. One more win and we’ll be on our way to the finals.

A hard body bumps into me, then another until the entire team surrounds me. I yell with happiness as I get hoisted in the air and carried off the rink. They set me down near the benches, where our supporters from Hempton are all standing, cheering us on. This is more than just a win. We not only beat the second best in the league in an away game, we also trounced them with a margin they haven’t seen in years.

Still laughing, I push to the bench and take my skates off. A part of me wishes my parents were here to witness this historic moment when I dominated the last quarter of the game. Then again, it’s best that they not see me play. Within a minute, they’d realize it’s not a hobby.

Then again, maybe it’s high time they find out. Cameron was right about one thing: I’m a great player. I should trust that my talent will speak for me. Once I get to the finals, there’s a high chance I’ll make it to the NHL.

Three million dollars is a lot of money.

Scarlett is priceless.

Sitting up, my gaze immediately lands on Noah standing a short distance away. Unlike the others, he’s not as thrilled about our win, which is odd. Like me, Noah wants to make it big. He should be turning somersaults right now.

He sees me staring and with a huff, turns away. I don’t know what the fuck is his problem. He should count himself lucky that Scarlett didn’t report him. He should also be lucky that he hasn’t even spared her a second glance since the incident because I swear to God, if he so much as makes her flinch, I’m beating the shit out of him.

The water boy hands me a bottle of vitamin water and as I down it, Coach approaches me. “Hunter, there’s someone here to see you.”

My brows lift with surprise and I glance over to where he’s looking, expecting to see Mom or Dad. Instead, I see a tall guy about Dad’s age, with bushy gray hair and spectacles. With a racing heart, I stand. Holy shit.

“Hunter, this is Nathan Schmidt, owner of the New York Sabers ,” Coach introduces, which is totally unnecessary. I’ve been following this man’s career since I was a kid, since my dad mentioned going to high school with him. “Nathan, meet Aiden Hunter, our center and captain.”

“I’ve been hearing good things about you, young man,” Mr. Schmidt says as we shake hands. “It’s a pleasant coincidence that I’m in town for the weekend and got the chance to see you play. Quite impressive.”

“Thank you, sir.” I’m trying my damndest not to erupt like an overzealous groupie, keeping my face calm like a Sunday morning. I stand listening with awe as he gives me two minutes’ worth of tips that are probably more valuable than my car. I mention my dad, whom he surprisingly remembers.

“Glad to know his days of running the geek club finally paid off,” he jokes. “Heard he’s been quite successful.”

Dad running a geek club in high school? Ah, no wonder he’s such a womanizer these days.

“You get to the championships, son, and who knows? We could be having a different conversation when next we meet,” he says before shaking my hand and walking off.

I watch him go, forcing my mouth shut as Coach pats my back. “Good job, Hunter. Quite the motivation, huh?”

“Oh, yeah,” I reply, energy surging through my veins. “We’re going to the championships, Coach.”

“Now, that’s exactly what I want to hear,” he replies, patting my back again. As I walk off, I catch Noah’s dark frown trained in my direction. He sees me looking and grabs his skates then makes off toward the locker rooms. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what just happened here. If Noah wasn’t pissed at me before, he surely is now.

Well, fuck him. I have two reasons to celebrate tomorrow night.

And one woman I want to celebrate with.

***

Twenty-four hours ago, when I stood facing the second-best team in the division, I stood firm and strong. Ready. Now, as I emerge from the driver’s seat of my SUV, I’m shaking in these leather Oxfords. Well, not literally shaking, but I’m nervous as fuck. Flexing my fingers, I head toward Scarlett’s front door. I’ll either leave with the girl or get my ass hauled to the emergency room.

Just my luck to have a thing for daddy’s little girl.

The door opens within a second of ringing the doorbell, revealing Scarlett’s mom. Her enquiring expression quickly transforms into a frosty glare when she sees me. With her arms crossed on her chest, she leans against the doorframe.

“Scarlett’s busy,” she says, taking in my formal attire.

Oh boy. I came worrying about facing Scarlett’s dad, when it’s her mom I should be scared of. With that look, I should be turning into a pillar of ice right on this spot. I clear my throat. “Mrs. Pierce, I was hoping to—”

“Who is it, Gina?” Scarlett’s dad pokes his head around the door, frowning when he sees me. “Scarlett’s busy,” he snaps.

“I heard, but actually I came to speak with you first,” I reply.

Two pairs of dark brows shoot up.

“Speak to me about what, actually?” he asks.

God, this should not be so difficult. “I wanted to ask for permission to date your daughter, sir,” I finally manage, my back straight, eyes in firm contact with his.

Her parents exchange a look.

“Why?” he asks.

A simple word, but I hear his reservation behind it. “We got off on the wrong foot, I know that, but I’d love a chance to prove I’m not the terrible person you think I am. I like your daughter. I’d appreciate getting to know her more.”

“I still don’t understand. There are plenty of girls to choose from on your side of the world; why her?”

Valid question; one I asked myself quite often in the earlier days, when she kept popping up in my head. “Because she makes me happy. I haven’t been happy in a long time.”

Scarlett’s mom gasps softly. Her father uncrosses his arms, his expression clearing a little. “If I find out that you broke my little girl’s heart, I’m coming for you, understood? I don’t care who your folks are.”

“Understood,” I reply.

He looks me up and down again before stepping aside. “She’s in her room,” he informs me. “Last door.”

In less than ten steps, I knock on the plywood door and it opens at once, swinging halfway. Scarlett lies on her stomach in bed, a huge book resting in front of her, her head bopping to music coming through her headphones. She glances up at the sudden movement and lets out a startled scream. In the living room, her father shoots up from his seat, but relaxes when he sees me still standing by the door.

“Aiden? What are you doing here? You startled the heck out of me,” Scarlett breathes, coming to the door.

“Sorry. I thought the door was locked. Banged much harder than necessary,” I reply.

“I’m still waiting to hear what you’re doing here.” She pokes her head out and sees her dad on the couch. “And why are you still alive?” she whispers.

I shrug, not hiding a smirk. “Turns out I’m way more charming than I give myself credit for.”

She smirks back. “Let’s test that theory, shall we?”

My body jerks as she suddenly yanks me inside the bedroom. There’s not much in here; just a twin bed, a dresser and a tiny closet, with posters of people I assume are medical pioneers—well, based on the white coats they’re wearing. Like the rest of the house, it’s spotless. It smells divinely like her.

“Okay, what’s with this attire?” she asks, pointing at me. “Heading out to a fancy date?”

“Yes, I am.”

Her smile fades. “That was a joke.”

“Well, an accurate joke,” I reply.

With a scoff, she marches back to the door. “Well, have fun on your date. I’m sure she wouldn’t be pleased knowing you stopped here first.”

“I’m sure she would appreciate that, actually.” Calmly, I face her, already getting off from how pissed she is. Jealousy was never an attractive trait until now. “Considering she lives here.”

It takes a moment for her brain to process what I just said. “You’re asking me out on a date?”

I nod.

“When?”

“Tonight.”

Scarlett scoffs, running her hand up and down my form. “I have nothing in my closet that comes close to what you’re wearing.”

“That’s not an issue. Your only problem is getting ready within an hour. We have a reservation at eight.”

She gapes. “Are you serious?”

I grin.

“You made a reservation without knowing if I’d say yes. Quite ballsy, don’t you think?”

“Told you I like living on the edge,” I reply.

“And if I say no?”

I clasp my chest. “I’d be devastated, probably won’t eat for days. Would you want that?”

“Oh, cut the crap.” But a soft smile emerges. “Fine. Only because you worked a miracle getting past my dad.” She pats my cheek softly. “You should be rewarded for that.”

I can think of half a dozen ways to claim that reward, but I’ll behave. I’m not trying to get in Scarlett’s panties tonight. I seriously want to know more about her.

“Now, what am I going to wear?” she asks.

“Focus on everything else. I’ve got that covered,” I reply.

A snort flies from her nose. “As if. You don’t even know my size.”

I smile mysteriously.

“You don’t know my size,” she repeats, firmly this time.

“We’ll see.” I back off, still with that sly smile. “Get ready for me, Scar.”

She mutters something under her breath as I walk out. Her father looks up at me enquiringly and I point to the door while heading out. Getting back to the car, I remove the garment and shopping bags that Mom’s stylist Dana dropped off earlier today. One phone call with Scarlett’s dress and shoe sizes, plus my personal preferences and she delivered exactly what I wanted.

Back inside the house, I hand the bags to Scarlett’s mom. By now, I’m sure Scarlett is probably naked in her room and I want to be respectful. I also don’t want to be sporting a hard-on in front of her folks.

I join her dad on the couch where he’s watching a mixed martial arts match. Milo gets comfortable beside my leg and although we sit in silence the entire time, I notice how relaxed her father is. It feels—I hope—like he has lost that animosity toward me.

Scarlett’s mom suddenly clears her throat. I glance up and my jaw slackens.

“Oh, wow,” her dad mumbles, standing.

With a dozen flutters going off in my chest, I get up, still gaping at Scarlett. Picking out that red dress, I knew it would fit her well but holy fuck, I didn’t imagine this perfection.

It’s a floor-length gown with thick straps and a thigh split. It flares out at the hips and tapers at her waist. Modest, but sexy. A pair of gold, bejeweled heels, gold-and-red drop earrings and a matching purse completes the look. Her hair is wrapped in an updo that accentuates her beautiful face.

I swallow. Scarlett is a fucking knockout.

“You look amazing,” I mutter, taking her hand.

Scarlett grins. “Thanks. From an ugly duckling to a swan in less than an hour; who would’ve thought?”

“From a swan to an even more beautiful swan, you mean,” I correct.

“You’ve got good taste,” she comments, glancing down at herself. “I don’t even want to know if this is a coincidence or you actually knew my favorite color.”

I shrug in response. I found out plenty while cyber-stalking Scarlett. Her favorite color wasn’t one of them. How I found that out would make me seem like a creep if she knew.

“Have my daughter home by eleven, understood?” her father orders and as I open my mouth to promise, Scarlett scoffs.

“Daddy, I’m twenty-two years old,” she says, moving with me toward the front door.

He follows. “I know, sweetheart.”

“Which means coming home whenever I want.” She stops at the door and kisses his cheek, then hugs her mom. “Don’t wait up.”

“Scar—”

“Love you!” She nudges me and I take the hint and open the door.

“I’ll have her back safely, I promise,” I say to them.

“Okay, spill,” Scarlett begins as I slide into my seat. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” I mutter, starting the car.

“At least give me a hint.”

Someplace where you can be my little secret.

“Just wait and see,” I reply.