“I’ll be right there,” I say, smiling back at him.
The door clicks open, and I step inside the posh lobby, which is all white marble and huge modern light fixtures hanging overhead. I make my way to the elevators and press the upbutton. Anticipation builds with each second I wait for one to descend.
Ding!
An empty elevator opens, and I step inside, pressing the button to close the doors. Soon I’m heading up to the thirty-first floor, and my stomach flips in excitement.
When the elevator reaches Aiden’s floor, I step out and make my way to his apartment. I stop in front of his door, deciding to embrace all the red flags that come with this situation, and knock.
Milo begins barking the second my knuckles rap against the wood. Aiden’s muffled voice says something, and Milo goes silent. When I hear the door handle click on the other side, my heart leaps inside my chest.
The door opens, and as soon as I see Aiden, all of my red flags have disappeared.
Because in this moment, with the way he’s looking at me with those gray eyes and the beautiful smile lighting up his whole face?
This is nothing but green-flag territory for me.
“Scarlett,” he says, putting his hand against the door frame. “Thanks for coming over. Welcome.”
Oh. My. God.
That move—that sexy lean against the door frame, the way his white T-shirt is hugging his chest, the worn jeans and the fact that he’s barefoot—has completely undone me. I don’t have the ability to speak or think or do anything except stare at how completely beautiful he looks.
Aiden moves aside, and I see Milo sitting on the floor behind him, his tail swishing against the light-colored hardwood floor. I step past Aiden, inhaling an intoxicating scent that smells like a combination of soap and a delicious fresh, citrusy cologne.
“Thank you for inviting me over,” I say as I regain my ability to think. I hear the door click behind me, and I shift my attention to the adorable dog sitting on the floor. “This must be Milo.”
“That’s my boy,” Aiden says, and as I look up at him, I see all the love and pride in his eyes for his dog.
GREEN FREAKING FLAG.
“May I pet him?” I ask.
Aiden nods. “Yes, he’s friendly.”
I put my hand down in front of Milo to sniff, which he does. Then I kneel before him. “Where should I pet him?”
“He loves behind the ears.”
I give Milo a good scratch behind the ears and he gets up, his tail going a mile a minute as he moves to lick my face, which makes me laugh.
“Milo! Stop,” Aiden commands.
“No, it’s all right, I love puppy kisses,” I say.
I can feel Aiden staring at me, but I don’t dare look at him. I take my time with Milo so I can settle my nerves. When I think I’m ready, I rise and turn to Aiden, who is indeed staring at me. As soon as my gaze meets his, he clears his throat. “Are you hungry? I can start dinner.”
“I am.”
“Do you like steak?”
“Yes. Am I being treated to a steak dinner tonight?”
Aiden gives me a lopsided grin. “If you’d like one.”
I think he could offer me soggy nachos, and I’d be excited about it.
“Yes, I think I would,” I say, smiling back at him.
