Page 20 of High Stakes

It’s been a busy day and I’m dead on my feet, but I smile when the bell rings and I see Luke walking through the door.

“Mr. boring has arrived,” whispers Aria in my ear. I elbow her, and she giggles handing me my jacket.

“Hey,” he greets, his green eyes twinkling.

“Aria, meet Luke. Luke this is my very annoying friend, and boss, Aria.”

He shakes her hand, then turns away to go and look in the cake stands. Aria’s hand is still in the air and she’s staring at it in bewilderment. I nudge her and she drops its before mouthing, “He shook my hand?”

“He’s a gentleman,” I hiss, rounding the counter right as Aiden enters the shop. I freeze mid-step but he’s too busy glaring at Luke to notice.

“Aiden?”

He brings his eyes to me and forces a smile, “I know you have plans tonight, but I really need you.” There’s something different about him, and the way his eyes are pleading silently with me, twists my heart.

I step closer, “What’s happened?”

“You know I wouldn’t ask unless it was really important.”

I glance at Luke who’s watching the exchange carefully. He smiles, “It’s fine, Bella, we can meet another night. Just text me when you’re free.”

“Are you sure, I feel terrible.”

He gently rubs my arm, “Honestly, it’s fine. Your friend needs you.” He gives a nod to Aiden who doesn’t return it, and he leaves.

Aiden rolls his eyes and Aria shakes her head. I frown, “What?”

“He’s too nice,” says Aria, and Aiden nods in agreement.

“How can someone be too nice? He’s a gentleman.”

“All I know, is that if some guy came and interrupted my date with you, I wouldn’t have been the one leaving,” Aiden chips in.

“He was being nice,” I snap.

Aiden shrugs, then takes my hand. “Night Aria,” he calls as he leads me out to his car.

Ten minutes later, we stop outside a bar. It’s busy inside and Aiden twists in his seat to face me. “I want you to pretend to be my date.”

I notice he doesn’t look so upset now and I frown. What are you talking about?”

“There’s a change of clothes on the backseat.” He twists back to face the front. “I won’t look.”

I glance back. The windows are blacked out so it’s not like anyone can see. “Why didn’t you call and ask me to do this?” I ask, climbing into the back.

“Because you’d have said no.”

“For good reason. I can’t help but feel you’ve ruined my date on purpose.”

“You owe me,” he complains, and I sigh heavily. He has been good to me, and I guess one favour isn’t too much to ask. Plus, he’s paid for the outfit and I’m a sucker for new clothes.

“Keep your eyes forward,” I mutter, wriggling out of my tights.

“I’ve already seen you naked,” he reminds me.

“I cannot be responsible for what the drunk me does, Aiden. It’s something you need to know if you’re going to continue to be my friend.”

I lift the lid on the Selfridges box and lift out the black dress. “Did you pick this?”

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