“Pink?” my dad spoke up, waving his team sheet.
Aiden, despite everything, laughed delightedly. “Mr. K! We’re totally gonna win this and I cannotwaitto have a romantic dinner with you,” he said.
“Carter better watch out,” he joked. “I could woo you away from him.”
Aiden laughed again, but then he turned to look at me. I knew it was just for show, just to spite my mother, but the look on his face was…
No one had ever looked at me like that, so open and soft. This was the more intense version of thatmost incredible thing in the worldlook. This was a look that saidI like you, andI want you.
And also, somehow,the sex would be incredible and you know it.
It wasn’t impossible that I was projecting, but my imagination was only so fertile. Some of that, at least, was real.
Probably the sex part. Aiden had more or less told me outright last night that he actively worked on being good in bed.
“No,” Aiden said, soft and breathless.
I knew it was an act and evenIwas buying it, a swarm of butterflies taking flight in my stomach as he held my gaze.
“No, sorry,” he said. “No one could.”
I swallowed, eyes stinging.
From the cold, I told myself. I wasn’t tearing up over Aidenpretendinghe was so into me he wouldn’t look at anyone else.
Even if theanyone elsein question was my dad.
That would’ve been ridiculous.
“Okay,” I said, squaring my shoulders. “Guess I’ll see you later, then.”
Aiden grinned at me. “We’re on opposing teams now,” he said, leaning over and brushing his lips against the ridge of my cheekbone. The world’s softest kiss, but it was still enough to make the back of my neck itch as blood rushed to my face. “Don’t think for a second I’ll go easy on you.”
“I don’t,” I said, and I really didn’t. I knew Aiden had a competitive streak. He wouldn’t have had all those awards if he didn’t.
“Take pictures,” he said. “I wanna hear all about your adventures tonight.”
Another subtle way to lay claim to me.You can have him for the day, but I’ll have him tonight.
The faintest little shiver ran down my spine at the thought.
“Come on,” Mandi said, offering me her hand. I glanced at Aiden, who’d already bounced off and was huddled with my dad, discussing strategy over their maps and instructions.
“Sure,” I said, taking her hand out of fear of seeming impolite. “Sorry in advance for holding you back.”
Mandi laughed, dragging me toward the gate to the walking path without even pausing to look at the map.
* * *
“Aiden looksat you like he’s seeing the face of God,” Mandi said once we were out of earshot, well and truly hidden among the trees.
My stomach turned over. The last thing I wanted was to get into a fight with her out here. I’d never find my way back to the parking lot by myself.
“Does he?” I asked, trying to step carefully.
Mandi laughed. “What, you haven’t noticed?”
I haven’t noticed because it’s bullshit.
