In my periphery, I catch Aiden’s head turning toward me just before his gaze burns a hole in the side of my face. “And?”
“He wants to meet up in person.”
All morning, I’ve been trying to forget about Brandon’s request. It’ll be the first time we’ll meet face to face. Ever since I developed this crush on him, I’ve wanted nothing more than to hang out with him in person, even if it’s something as innocuous as us playing video games or getting a coffee. His jealousy lit a fire in me. Maybe we can be something more.
However, another emotion is right there with it. One that I’m trying to ignore. Because I’m not actually attracted to Aiden. Am I?
“Oh, yeah?” Aiden bumps his leg against mine. “Looks like the plan is working.”
“I didn’t think it would,” I mumble, then stuff a portion of the pancakes into my mouth.
“You didn’t think it’d work? You wound me, pretty girl. I thought we were on the same page, that I know what I’m talking about.”
I swallow the food and pick at a strawberry with my fork, all while refusing to look at Aiden. “Well, in my defense, I thought thisthingwe have between us only worked in fiction.”
“Don’t be shy and call it athing. Call it what it is.” He chuckles and leans in until his mouth hovers beside my ear. “I’m acting as your boyfriend, and you let me kiss and touch you to make another man jealous.”
I glare at him out of the corner of my eye. “You’re a pervert, you know that?”
“I’m fully aware.” He grins and straightens. “But the ladies seem to like that about me.”
“Speaking of women. Shouldn’t we be doing something about those women wanting to get with you?”
I can’t believe I forgot about that part of our deal. I’ve been so focused on winning Brandon’s affections that I overlooked Aiden’s request.
He cocks his head, and his eyes trail down my body, then return to my face. “We don’t need to worry about that right now.”
“But it was part of our deal. Are they still bugging you?”
“Yeah, but I want to help you before we take care of my problem.”
“That’s not how deals work.” I frown and fold my arms over my chest. “I feel bad that you’re helping me and I haven’t done anything for you.”
“Believe me, you’ve helped me more than you can imagine.” He smirks and glances away with a faraway look in his eyes.
“How have I helped you?”
Aiden blinks and turns toward me with the usual playboy smile he reserves for his flings. It’s odd when he does it toward me. Like he sees me as more than just his sister—a conquest that he’ll leave high and dry when he’s done.
“Nova?” he coos.
“Yeah?” I say hesitantly.
“Drop it. I’ll let you know when I’m ready for your help.”
My lips clamp shut. If he doesn’t want my help, how can I accept his? It feels wrong and selfish.
With a sigh, Aiden loops his arm around my shoulder and grasps my jaw to turn my head toward him. My stomach flutters, and I avoid looking him in the eye out of shame. His touch shouldn’t affect me this way.
“I’m not saying I don’t want your help,” Aiden murmurs, leaning in until our noses almost touch, “but the type of help I need requires you to know a few more of my rules, and I don’t think you’re ready for that.”
I meet his stare and tug a small strand of hair at my nape. “The ones that center on sex?”
“Yeah.” His hand slips from my jaw, and he catches my fingers, stopping me from plucking the strand of hair.
“You’re not asking me to have sex with you, are you?” I whisper.
He grins and subtly shakes his head. “No.”
