“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.
A smile appears on my face. I love it!
I usually go for something a little less revealing, but I need a change. It hugs my curves perfectly and I feel...sexy. I giggle as I run my hands over the soft fabric. The neckline is low, so I won’t be able to wear a bra, and the back is cut low. There isn’t much material, but I feel surprisingly comfortable.
∞∞∞
The sun has set when I pull into the empty driveway.
Aiden probably made plans and isn’t joining us tonight. I sigh as I step out of my car and throw the heavy bags over my arms before heading in. I’m not making a second trip.
Setting the bags down in the foyer, I head for the kitchen to look for something to eat, only to find a note on the counter.
Hey! We ran to get pizza. Hurry and get dressed! We are leaving at 10. Love you, xoxo Ash
I glance at the clock and see that it’s nine. Where did the time go?
Running to the foyer, I grab my dress and rush to my room to get ready. I start with my make-up, spending more time than usual on my eyes, focusing on making them a little darker than normal. Surprisingly, I finish fairly quickly and begin to curl my hair.
I hear the door open and feet shuffling.
“Hey!” I yell as I twist the last lock around the large wand.
Ashley enters with a box of pizza and sits on the hardwood floor. Her hair and makeup are perfect but she’s in jeans and a t-shirt. Just as I begin to worry about my dress, she smiles and hands me a slice. I place the wand down on the marble slab where it normally sits, before digging in.
“I’ll throw on my dress later. I’m wearing the red one. What do you think?”
I sigh in relief, not wanting to look overdressed. “I love that one!”
It isn’t long before Ashley stands up. “I’m going to change. Be ready in ten minutes!” She says excitedly as she bounces out of the room.
Following her lead, I shut the door and climb into my new black dress. I slide on a tall pair of black heels with a thin ankle strap and take one last look in the full-length mirror. The dress looks even better with my hair and makeup done.
Excited to show Ashley my new outfit, maybe Aiden too, I smile as I leave my room. A large hand wraps around my arm just as I pass the bathroom, making me jump.
Aiden’s head dramatically sweeps in my direction, showcasing his diamond sharp jawline. “You’re going out in that?” his voice booms down the narrow hallway, his hand firmly yet gently holding me in place.
“Umm, is it bad?” I frown as I look down at my dress, questioning my chosen attire.
He drops my arm with a sigh. “Exact opposite,” He states flatly. “Do you know how many guys I’m going to have to fight off tonight? They’re going to be staring at you.”
His seriousness makes me giggle. I guess this is his way of giving compliments. “I highly doubt you’ll have that problem, Aiden.”
I sense irritation in his green eyes. Why does he care if guys stare at me? I’m just his sisters’ best friend.
His eyes travel languidly down my body. I watch as he pulls his bottom lip between his teeth, shuddering at the unexpected tingle of arousal that I feel. Abruptly, he walks away, leaving me breathless. “You look gorgeous, Emma,” he comments just as he turns the corner.
Four
Ashley admires my outfit with an appreciative gaze. “Em! That dress is amazing! You have to let me borrow it when I go out of town in a couple days!” She begs, feeling the material between her manicured nails.
I have forgotten she’s visiting her on-again-off-again boyfriend for a few days. I wonder if Aiden will stay while she’s gone.
“Thanks! And of course you can take it with you,” I assure her.
We quickly head out to Aiden’s car, where I slide into the front seat, again, without thinking. I glance at him, taking in how good he looks in such a simple outfit – dark jeans and a black T-shirt. His hair is messy, yet it looks perfect on him.
“Ash, where are we going?” He glances back in the rearview.
“The Lounge. It’s not far. Just make a left turn out of the driveway and go about five miles. You can’t miss it!” She squeals with excitement.
“You got the fakes?”
Ashley hands me mine; it looks enough like me to pass. We’ve been going to The Lounge for months. But the last time we were there, the new bartender turned us away, so we found a guy on campus who makes them so we wouldn’t be turned away again.
Aiden eyes me. “Am I going to have to deal with the both of you being smashed?” He laughs but I sense sincerity in his teasing words.
We arrive at the familiar club, flashing lights beam through the barely tinted windows. I can hear the faint music coming from inside. It takes a minute to find a spot a distance away to park as the place is absolutely packed.
“Let’s go!” Ash exclaims once we hop out of the car, and marches towards the club.
I try to keep up with her exuberant pace, slightly pacing Aiden and his long strides. Gently, I feel his hand slide to the small of my back, slowing me down. I match his movements as he walks by my side, curious as to why he wants to walk with me instead of letting me go ahead with Ash.
Aiden opens the door for me while Ash runs into the dimly lit club. I walk behind her, slowly assessing the mass amount of people staring at us, or I should say at Aiden. Girls gawk when he walks past, and I push myself a little closer against his side. Peeking over to gauge his reaction, I note a boyish grin on his face that causes a flutter in my stomach. I’m not sure why I’m being so protective over Ashley’s brother, but he intrigues me.
Ash grabs my hand, yanking me away. With a shrug in Aiden’s direction, we head for the bar.
“Three shots, please.” Ashley yells over the thumping music and winks at the bartender.
Aiden clears his throat behind us. “Ash, I’m driving. I’m good. You girls have fun.” Reaching into his dark jeans, he pulls out a wad of cash from a clip and places it in her hands.