He looks a little worried, so I push forth a reassuring smile. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
I am not sure if I’m trying to convince him or myself, but either way, Aaron pushes his own fearful look aside and gives me a familiar cocky smirk.
“No, not fine,” he says, looking me in the eyes. “Perfect.”
The marina is lit up with the sunset like a painting come to life. I hear the faint melodies of music carrying from inside. I walk next to Aaron, my arm brushing his as I try to get close to him. He’s nervous, I can feel his energy prickling like electricity.
As much as I’m a method actor of my own, I do work off the energy of my clients, too. I have to be able to read their cues to be able to know when they’re open to kiss me or touch me, and I need to be attentive if only to make sure they are safe and satisfied. The lights of the boats reflect off the water, and the salty air is actually kind of soothing given the fact it’s starting to get chilly already. The closer we get, the more I can feel his anxiety.
“Hey,” I grab his arm, and he turns in surprise.
“What?”
I grasp his arm, sliding my hand down to find his. He doesn’t push me away. I slide my fingers between his and pull him closer, channeling my inner Prince Charming.
After all, that’s who he needs me to be.
“I’m really excited to be here,” I say. I tug him closer and he follows without hesitation and something about that makes me feel bolder. More confident. “With you.” I look up at him and give him a smirk. I notice that when I do, he blushes a little and his gaze gets a little softer. It’s a comfort. And if I can give him a little bit of comfort tonight, that’s what I’m going to do. Not just because he’s paying me, but because I want to.
Because Noah’s right. I do like Aaron.
He lets out a soft sound of contentment. “Yeah, I’m glad you’re here, too, baby.”
I pull him closer, sliding my free hand around his waist. I don’t think twice about kissing him, not just because I want to, but because something deep inside me tells me he needs this.
I get the feeling Aaron doesn’t get a lot of reassurance in his life. Something tells me he’s often reassuring other people.
I move my lips slowly against his, the faint sound of the water and misty melodies echoing in the air. Aaron falls into my kiss with ease, opening his mouth just the slightest. I slip my tongue in, letting it caress his, and I feel his hand sliding up my neck again, but he doesn’t squeeze it this time like he did before. Instead, he settles it right over my throbbing vein. The soft melodies of instrumental music dance around us as I hold him close, and kiss him like everything’s going to be alright.
And for a minute, I believe it will be. Because kissing Aaron is brain-altering. It’s magical in the best way.
When I break away, I give him a soft smile, squeezing his hand.
“Are we going to stay out here all night like popsicles or are we going to dance?”
Aaron’s deep brown eyes meet mine with interest.
“You asking me to dance, Cinderella?” he says, his lips turning up into a grin.
“It is a party after all.”
He tugs my hand, leading me towards the entrance. “That it is.”
And as I let him pull me into the darkness, into the lion’s den, I tell myself it’s just a few hours. It’ll be over before I know it.
Except the thought makes me sad. I don’twantit to end so soon. I want to make this date last as long as I can.
So I vow to do just that. I vow to give AaronSmiththe best date I can.
Chapter Eleven
Aaron
The room is filled with people who don’t matter. At least, tomethey don’t. Most of the people here are co-workers or business partners. Shareholders, employees, or partners in one way or another. Though there are plenty of family members here, too, but I haven’t seen Chris. He didn’t text me to tell me he was bailing, so I hope everything is okay. It’s not like him to miss an event. Jacob sips his champagne the waitress shoved at us upon our entrance.
As much as I want to let loose and have some fun, we need to do what we came here for. And we can’t very well do that without meeting my parents.
I hold Jacob’s hand, noting how warm his palm feels against mine. And then I see them. My parents.
