Page 60 of College Hockey Bully

“Love you!” She nudges me and I take the hint and open the door.

“I’ll have her back safely, I promise,” I say to them.

“Okay, spill,” Scarlett begins as I slide into my seat. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” I mutter, starting the car.

“At least give me a hint.”

Someplace where you can be my little secret.

“Just wait and see,” I reply.

Chapter 21

Scarlett

This feels surreal.

Dressed in an outfit that probably costs my dad’s monthly salary, relaxing in the front seat of a luxury ride, heading to somewhere just as luxurious with a guy I thought was out for revenge a mere two weeks ago. Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine my Saturday night turning out like this. To think I was looking forward to hanging out with Theresa and her friends tonight. This is far more appealing than a girls’ night in.

“Come on, Aiden. Just give me a hint,” I plead as Aiden steers the car farther up the mountains.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, would it?” he replies with a grin.

“You’re cruel.”

“Relax. You’re going to enjoy it.”

“I am relaxed.” Which is a lie, for although I’m intrigued, it’s hard to ignore the tension lines in my body. Despite how nice Aiden has been to me lately, and regardless of my growing feelings for him, I can’t ignore the reservations I have. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Breathing out a sigh, I glance over at him. He looks amazing in that suit. Then again, Aiden wearing a sackcloth would still be a ten. I relax against the leather seat, coaxingmyself to enjoy every moment. The most attractive guy at Hempton wants to spend the evening with me.

Aiden presses the touchscreen and Adele’s crooning voice blasts through the speaker. I gasp at him. “You didn’t.”

Smiling, Aiden shakes his head. “This is pure coincidence, I promise.”

I’m not sure I believe him, but I don’t push it. He soon slows down at a cozy-looking restaurant surrounded by the forest. It looks simple but definitely high-priced, if the luxury cars parked outside are any sign.

Aiden gently nudges at my back, but I don’t move. He frowns softly at me. “Are you okay?”

I might be wearing an expensive dress, but I don’t belong in a place where the owner of a Maserati is also dining. “Not really.”

“Hey, it’s going to be fine,” he coaxes me softly as a couple exits the front door. “I just want you to relax and enjoy, okay?”

“Okay.” It’s not like I’m wandering in here uninvited, anyway. I slip my arm through his and throw him a convincing smile.

One that remains genuinely plastered on my face as I enter the huge space. It’s even cozier in here, with exposed brick and stone adding texture to the walls. Wooden chairs and tables and vintage art complete the rustic look.

There are no condescending stares as the hostess leads us to our seats. The server doesn’t bat an eyelash when I mispronounce the name of a dish I’ve never heard of. My dining etiquette is on point with everyone in the room and I get no weird glances while I enjoy my chicken salad. To top it off, Ihave the most charming dinner partner who has me blushing the entire time.

“What?” he asks with fake innocence as I cover my face for the dozenth time.

“You can’t say that in public,” I mutter, my eyes darting to the couple on my right.

Aiden looks over at them. “They haven’t heard a word, but who cares, anyway?” He chuckles mischievously. “Besides,youbrought your panties up, not me.”

“I merely said I wore the wrong pair,” I whisper. Thongs were never my favorite, but I didn’t want the panty lines in this dress. I should’ve gone without. I shouldn’t have said that out loud, either. Aiden is such a horndog. Apparently, I’m quite a sucker for horndogs because I’m now thinking about what he said that made me blush—imagining him taking them off with his teeth.

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