Page 21

Chapter 21

Scarlett

This feels surreal.

Dressed in an outfit that probably costs my dad’s monthly salary, relaxing in the front seat of a luxury ride, heading to somewhere just as luxurious with a guy I thought was out for revenge a mere two weeks ago. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine my Saturday night turning out like this. To think I was looking forward to hanging out with Theresa and her friends tonight. This is far more appealing than a girls’ night in.

“Come on, Aiden. Just give me a hint,” I plead as Aiden steers the car farther up the mountains.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, would it?” he replies with a grin.

“You’re cruel.”

“Relax. You’re going to enjoy it.”

“I am relaxed.” Which is a lie, for although I’m intrigued, it’s hard to ignore the tension lines in my body. Despite how nice Aiden has been to me lately, and regardless of my growing feelings for him, I can’t ignore the reservations I have. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Breathing out a sigh, I glance over at him. He looks amazing in that suit. Then again, Aiden wearing a sackcloth would still be a ten. I relax against the leather seat, coaxing myself to enjoy every moment. The most attractive guy at Hempton wants to spend the evening with me.

Aiden presses the touchscreen and Adele’s crooning voice blasts through the speaker. I gasp at him. “You didn’t.”

Smiling, Aiden shakes his head. “This is pure coincidence, I promise.”

I’m not sure I believe him, but I don’t push it. He soon slows down at a cozy-looking restaurant surrounded by the forest. It looks simple but definitely high-priced, if the luxury cars parked outside are any sign.

Aiden gently nudges at my back, but I don’t move. He frowns softly at me. “Are you okay?”

I might be wearing an expensive dress, but I don’t belong in a place where the owner of a Maserati is also dining. “Not really.”

“Hey, it’s going to be fine,” he coaxes me softly as a couple exits the front door. “I just want you to relax and enjoy, okay?”

“Okay.” It’s not like I’m wandering in here uninvited, anyway. I slip my arm through his and throw him a convincing smile.

One that remains genuinely plastered on my face as I enter the huge space. It’s even cozier in here, with exposed brick and stone adding texture to the walls. Wooden chairs and tables and vintage art complete the rustic look.

There are no condescending stares as the hostess leads us to our seats. The server doesn’t bat an eyelash when I mispronounce the name of a dish I’ve never heard of. My dining etiquette is on point with everyone in the room and I get no weird glances while I enjoy my chicken salad. To top it off, I have the most charming dinner partner who has me blushing the entire time.

“What?” he asks with fake innocence as I cover my face for the dozenth time.

“You can’t say that in public,” I mutter, my eyes darting to the couple on my right.

Aiden looks over at them. “They haven’t heard a word, but who cares, anyway?” He chuckles mischievously. “Besides, you brought your panties up, not me.”

“I merely said I wore the wrong pair,” I whisper. Thongs were never my favorite, but I didn’t want the panty lines in this dress. I should’ve gone without. I shouldn’t have said that out loud, either. Aiden is such a horndog. Apparently, I’m quite a sucker for horndogs because I’m now thinking about what he said that made me blush—imagining him taking them off with his teeth.

A dull ache settles between my thighs and I shift my thoughts from the filthy direction they were going. Aiden said this was a real date where we should learn more about each other. I shouldn’t be thinking about sleeping with him.

But, dear Lord, I am.

He reaches for the wine glass and I imagine those fingers working the dress straps down my arms, pushing it down my body, over my hips. I step out of it. He drops to his knees and grip the waist of my panties with his teeth—

“Scarlett.”

“Mhm?”

“I asked about your plans after college,” Aiden says, his eyes narrowing at me. “You okay? Your entire face has gone red.”

“Um, yeah.” I fan myself. “I think I might’ve had too much to drink.”

He glances at my half-filled glass, his brows lifting at me. “You barely took a sip.”

“Yeah, well, that usually happens to someone who can’t hold their liquor,” I reply.

A smirk teases the corners of his lips, which quickly fades as his gaze shifts to something behind me. “Fuck me,” he mutters, dropping back in the seat.

“What?” I glance behind me. All I see is a striking middle-aged couple being led to their table. I turn back to Aiden and he’s gesturing to our server.

“Check please.”

“Is everything okay?”

He nods stiffly. “Yeah, I’m just ready to go.”

It’s only a little past ten. I didn’t anticipate heading home so early. Still, I nod with acceptance. As Aiden urgently taps his credit card, I can’t help wondering why he’s in such a hurry. The answer comes as he quickly leads me out of the restaurant. This is why he brought me all the way up here. He doesn’t want to be seen with me.

My heart pounds furiously in my chest. This happens every single time: I let my guard down, then it goes right back up when Aiden does something questionable. Why am I getting to know this guy when I can’t trust him?

“This is scary,” he suddenly whispers.

Reigning in my anger, I glance over at him. “What’s scary?”

“You. Us. Something totally unexpected is happening between us and it’s scary as fuck.” He looks over at me, then back at the road. “I need you to be patient with me, Scarlett.”

I take a deep breath, turning my attention outside.

“Look at me.”

“You should be paying attention to the road,” I point out.

His focus goes back to the windshield. “I am paying attention. Just look at me.”

I twist on my seat. “Fine, I’m looking.”

“No matter what happens, please trust that I’ll never hurt you,” he says.

“Sounds very cryptic.”

The car slows to stop in the middle of the road. Thankfully, there are no other vehicles coming behind us. Aiden turns the overhead light on, captures my chin between his fingers, and stares right into my eyes. “I know it’s asking for a lot, but just trust me. Please.”

Though the sincerity dwells deep in his eyes, I can’t resist asking, “Should I trust that our quick exit had nothing to do with you being ashamed to be seen with me?”

“Not even a little,” he replies without hesitation. “I swear, Scarlett.”

I stare at Aiden. He stares back, unflinching. Intently. Flutters of relief ease the weight on my chest and I smile softly as we start moving again. “Thank you for being honest with me.”

He smiles back, reaches over and takes my hand, caressing the back with his thumb as we make our way from the city, heading to the suburbs. It’s ten thirty-five. I still don’t feel like going home.

“Take me to your place, Aiden,” I say.