Page 45 of The Puck Stops Here

Dinner for two made clear she meantjustthem. Andon hermeant she was paying so he wouldn’t suggest extending the invite to Blake. She hoped.

Aiden

Now there’s an offer I can’t refuse…

She smiled. A swift response; that had to be a good sign.

Aiden

Just tell me when and where

A quick google and a few clicks later she had a table booked in one of the most exclusive and most romantic venues in Manhattan. She sent him the details, wondering whether he’d baulk at her choice.

Aiden

Fancy! See you there.

Her smile grew. She opened up WhatsApp:

Just Desserts WhatsApp Group 09.10 EST.

Astrid

Guess who has dinner with a certain Aiden Carter tonight… how long is too long to be late for a dinner date?

Bella

Haha! Fabulous! That was quick!

Astrid

What can I say I’m freaking irresistible!

Bella

Astrid

I won’t ask why you’re laughing…

Bella

And as much as Astrid would love to think that Aiden’s eagerness was all about her ‘irresistibility’, she knew it had more to do with sibling rivalry, their egos, and his desire to keep her sweet for the article. All of which she was more than happy to exploit in the name of karma.

Paige

Love it! Timewise, it all depends on whether you message him to let him know you’re going to be late…

Sissi

Ten years? Xx

Astrid gave a soft huff.I feel ya, honey.

And tonight, Sissi would get a little of her own back…

* * *

Astrid had never been purposefully late for anyone in her life, and it was harder than she’d envisaged. Every minute dragged and though she tried to use the time productively, working through her research for the article, she spent more time watching the clock than reading.

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