Page 18 of One Timer With A Wingman

“I didn’t realize this was a game,” Aaron replies, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Why do I have to be so awkward?

“It isn’t. I just figured since you were asking questions it was fair game,” I retort.

“To answer your question, I left because I have a lot on my mind. I’m usually interested in partying but not tonight,” he says vaguely.

“Why aren’t you interested in partying?” he asks.

“I’m not much of a party person. I’m usually training on the team, doing schoolwork, and working at Black Jack’s.”

“So, you never let loose,” he says.

“I hang out with friends.” He isn’t being judgmental, just inquisitive, so I indulge his questions.

“Is partying hard on your bucket list?” he asks.

“I’d rather not discuss my bucket list,” I reply, rubbing my hand over my other arm. We arrive to the hotel and Aaron pays for the cab. “It’s okay, I got it,” I say.

“No, Briar it’s on me,” he argues.

We leave the cab and head into the lobby. Since he is staying in the room next to mine, we also wait for the elevator together. He’s wearing a white polo that looks bright against his tanned skin. His eyes also seem brighter too. Aaron is an extremely handsome guy. I’m not used to getting this kind of attention from a guy like him.

“Your bucket list has intrigued me though,” he says. “I’d like to wake you up tomorrow before dawn and take you to watch the sunrise. I bet it would be beautiful to watch over the water.”

He isn’t wrong.

I watch him, trying to understand his motives.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I reply.

“Why the heck not?” he asks.

“For starters, we have good friends who are dating. Charlie is important to me; I can tell you’re close with Finn. It’s important for us to get along,” I explain.

“And second?” he replies.

My brows furrow.

“You said for starters, so I thought there was more,” he replies.

“Something is brewing between Cade and Annie,” I say.

“You mean their fake relationship?” he asks and then slaps a hand across his mouth. “You didn’t hear that.”

“Relax, I already know,” I assure him.

“Nice, keeping a secret for your friend,” I chide.

“Honestly, I know how close you are with Annie, I assumed you’d know, but then I realized I shouldn’t make assumptions,” he explains. “Now, I don’t think it’s a big deal watching a sunrise together. It might help me clear my head.”

I don’t ask him what he means but watching the sunrise does seem therapeutic.

“Okay,” I say as I reach the door to my room. “What time do you want to meet?”

“Let me check what time sunrise is here,” he says, pulling out his phone from his cream-colored chinos. “It says six thirty. I’ll come by your room.”

“Sure. I’ll set an alarm,” I tell him.

“Have a good night, Briar. I’ll meet you in the hall at ten after six.”

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