Page 71 of Aiden

If Ricky or Howard tells him that I’m at a party, he will come.

Bingo.

“That one.” I say as Ashley flings clothes out from the closet.

She nods in agreement before tossing it to me. It’s a silver party dress, the back and front are both cut low. If I want to catch Aiden’s attention, this is the dress to do just that.

Ashley pokes Howard’s chest when we step out of the bedroom, all dolled up. “Listen here, buddy.” She snickers as she tries to be serious. “We’re going to Ricky’s. You call my brother and you’ll have to deal with me.”

For the first time, I see a smile form on Howard’s face.

He looks over to Ashley’s bodyguard and nods, “I’ll drive the girls.”

∞∞∞

The party is more packed then I had expected. Music blares throughout the large, upscale apartment and there are people everywhere, all dressed nicely. I’m glad Ash is somewhere safe and, from the looks of Ricky pouring drinks on the bar top, they party the same way too.

I watch as Ashley’s smile brightens when he catches her eye. So cute!

I rest my elbow on the bar top. He still hasn’t seen me because he’s too busy eyeing Ash. I love it.

He hands her a drink and pours one for himself.

Needing liquid courage, I grab it from his hands, which makes Ashley laugh. His eyes snaps to me before widening.

“Hey Ricky!” I greet with a sly smile.

He stares at me as though I’m an alien in his apartment. He gives me one long drawn out “hey”, before turning and pulling out his phone.

Updating Aiden, I’m sure.

Just as I planned.

Aiden

∞∞∞

I’m drowning in a mound of paperwork. None of the people I interviewed even came close to earning my trust.

I wish Emilia would have just taken the job. But I get it, she’s following her passion. I just wish she’d go to culinary school where she can go somewhere with it. Working in the pastry shop can only do so much. But as long as she’s happy, it’s whatever.

I’ve been waiting for her to tell me about Avery. Hasn’t she realized I’ve done an extensive background check on her boss and all his employees?

Fuck. I want to be mad at her, but she’s trying to prove that she can handle it herself. I’ll lie low until she needs me.

My phone buzzes against the hardwood. My tired eyes watch as it vibrates on the mahogany before I grab it.

A text from Ricky.

I laugh as I read it.

Hey man, Em’s at my party.

I don’t believe it for a second. She would have called me.

He sends me a picture of Emma standing by the counter, a glass of wine in her hand. But that’s not what makes me leave my office immediately. Her dress is cut so low, I can see her delicate back and curves way too easily.

Fuck stopping by the house to change. Guess I’m going to Ricky’s party in a suit.

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