This is what makes Aiden so damn hot.
And this is why I’m willing to take a few risks tonight.
“No, I’m fine. If something were to get out, I’d just say I ran into you after the game and we decided to grab matchas so we had something to do on a Friday night instead of sitting at home,” I say breezily. “You’re not touching me, I’m not touching you, we’re just friends. In fact, you could even say you were going to introduce me to someone but they bailed.”
Aiden scowls. “I don’t even likepretendingI want you with someone else.”
Ooh, I like this side of Aiden, too—the side that can’t think about me being with anyone else—but I keep that thought all to myself.
A girl has to have some secrets, after all.
“You know what I mean. That’s our script. Just in case.”
He nods. “Then let’s go.”
* * *
“Aiden, this ismagical,” I say, hearing the wonder in my own voice as I look at the magnificent lantern display in front of us.
I still can’t believe what I’m looking at. We’re outside in the night, but our world is lit up with massive lanterns, their lights shining bright against the velvety-black darkness of the sky. I’m standing in front of a big tree with a huge blue butterfly lantern flapping its wings, surrounded by a field of lantern flowers. We’ve been strolling through the Luminosa, held every holiday season at Jungle Island. It’s acres upon acres of magical light displays. I’ve never seen anything like it before.
And I’m experiencing it all tonight because of Aiden.
“I thought you would like it,” he says. “You like photography, and I thought the artist in you would enjoy it.”
This is what I need to make Aiden understand. Guys like Wyatt remember what size your boobs are. Men like Aiden not only remember your hobbies, but want to give you experiences that they know will make you happy.
“I’m not going to lie—it ticks a box for me, too,” Aiden continues, shifting his gaze from the butterfly to me. I look up at him, the lights from the display illuminating his beautiful face. “I wanted to look at Christmas lights with you, but I found this when I was searching for where to go, and this is even better. Also, it’s dark, and people are busy looking at the lanterns. Not the people around them.”
I swallow. If only I could hold his hand. Kiss him. Snuggle up next to him and take some pictures together to remember this night by.
But I can’t. Not yet.
“They’re also doing a Christmas market here,” Aiden says. “They put it in the forest, and it has foods and things you can buy.” A brief look of sadness flickers through his eyes. “I figured that would be way too lit and too public for us.”
I swallow. Having to hide is hard. I didn’t realize how much until I saw the look in Aiden’s eyes right now. How long is he going to want to do this? For a brief moment, I wonder if Aiden will someday question if this is worth it.
Suddenly I feel his knuckles brush against the back of my hand. A jolt runs through me from the brief sensation of his warm skin against mine, and the second my gaze meets his, I know it was intentional.
“Scarlett. I don’t care about a Christmas market. I care about being withyou.”
He knows. Aiden knows what I was worrying about without me saying a word.
It’s another sign I’m meant to be with this man.
I’m willing to keep this secret for now. Through Christmas. Then I can go to my dad and tell him we’ve been together for more than a month, spent two holidays together, and both of us see beyond that. If we make it that far—and in my heart I know we will—I vow to myself I will start the new year with Aiden as my boyfriend—and the world will know it.
I will find a way to not only make my dad understand it, but approve of it, too,I think as I gaze up at Aiden’s handsome face.
Because not winning Dad’s approval—and acceptance—is not an option I’m willing to entertain.
Not just for my sake.
But for Aiden’s.
Chapter Nineteen
I’m going on a mission today.
