Page 12 of Aiden

My current major is the opposite of what I want to do. My dream is to become a pastry chef. I would love to be able to go to a culinary school. While OSU offers a wonderful culinary program, I have to be realistic about it. My mom works so hard to pay for my schooling. I don’t want to graduate and have nowhere to go career wise. I’m taking the safe route in life, but what else could I do?

Ashley’s words surprise me.

“He didn’t get a job, he owns the company.” She smiles. “Don’t stress. He’s older than us. We’re only freshman, you have plenty of time to plan your life.” She reassures.

“Why did he just graduate if he’s twenty-five?”

“Well, after high school, he took a three-year internship before starting at Stanford. That’s how he got his money and started his business.”

I raise my brow. “Did he always know he wanted to do this?”

“You’re curious about him, aren’t you?” She examines me shrewdly.

“No. no. I mean, maybe?”

She throws her hands up. “Look, truly, if you want to go after him, I don’t care. It’s not like we are in high school, you’re both adults.”

A laugh escapes my lips. “Yeah, I don’t think that’ll be a problem. He’s nice to me, but I don’t think he is interested.” I dismiss her thoughts. “Plus, the whole Ian thing.” I shudder from the humiliation I received at his hand.

“Oh, fuck Ian,” She bellows. “As for Aiden, I wouldn’t be so sure that he’s not interested.”

I blush. “I mean, he’s just a nice guy.”

She scoffs. “To you, he is. You barely left your room all week. I had to tell him multiple times not to bother you. He’s been asking about you non-stop. Every other friend of mine that he’s met, he has ignored with obvious annoyance.” She smiles teasingly. “Plus, you need someone to take your mind off of that preppy douchebag.”

Armed with a pillow, I let out a war-cry and hit her with it. A fight quickly ensues as Ashley grabs two throws fromthe couch and hurls them at me. Laughter booms throughout the living room and soon, we crumble in a fit of giggles onto the couch. My legs are thrown up over the back of the couch while my back rests on the bottom cushions.

A deep cough interrupts our childish fight and we snap towards the sound.

My jaw involuntarily drops as I take in the sight of Aiden leaning against the door frame. His black hair is slicked back perfectly. His emerald eyes look deeper than usual. He exudes a serious vibe, which matches his attire. A black suit with a black dress shirt underneath. His tattoos are barely visible, but I see one peeking through as he undoes his cuffs.

I force my jaw shut and swallow hard. My eyes travel to his face, where his eyes burn into mine. That’s when I realize I’m just in my panties and a tank top. I flip my body around quickly and search for a blanket. I grab the one Aiden used the night before and cover myself, trying to ignore the delicious scent it’s laced with. Subconsciously, I take a deep breath.Leather and mint.

“Hey girls.” He greets in a stern tone, but his teasing smile creeps up, softening his rough edges.

“You look all business, Aiden,” Ashley teases.

He rolls his eyes and saunters down the hallway. “I’m going to get changed.”

“Stop gawking.” She nudges me.

Fearing Aiden heard her attempted whisper, I peek up just as he turns the bathroom doorknob. My stomach drops as his face turns slightly. The sexiest half smile graces his perfect features, and my face burns from embarrassment.

I hit Ashley once more with the pillow after he disappears into the bathroom.

Once the water starts running, I glare at her with burning cheeks. “He heard you!” I quietly scream at her.

She shrugs and we fall into a fit of laughter.

I scuttle to my room and throw on some jeans. I need to get the sight of him in that suit out of my head, quickly.“I’m going to run some errands,” I call out as I grab the necessities before running out.It’s a nice day. A drive through town is just what I need.

∞∞∞

After a few hours, my backseat is full of essentials we need for the summer as I head for the mall.

Maybe a new dress is what I need to rebuild my confidence.

I’m met with way too many options, but a black mini dress catches my eye. I grab my size and go into the dressing room. I squeeze into the tight-fitting dress and turn to look at myself.

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