Second Chance–2
Nikki looks between us awkwardly. “Do you want me to leave you alone to talk?”
I nod. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” She takes her soda and the bag of chips, scooting off the counter to make her way to the living room where Parker had disappeared to.
Aiden steps closer to me, leaning on the counter as he gets a good look at the side of my face. Hot anger rolls off of him. “Fucking Sadie.”
1 Trun to face him, “I’m fine, it doesn’t really hurt anymore.”
His amber eyes are filled with concern, a vulnerable type of sincerity that makes him look like a big teddy bear I just want to hug. “I can’t believe she did that. I mean, Will? That guys huge.”
I chuckle coldly, “Tell me about it.”
“It’s all my fault.”
I swallow the lump in my throat and try to smile at him.
“I shouldn’t have played around like that with you and her.”
My nose crinkles at that. So, I was just a game then? I don’t know how to feel about that,
and I give myself a second to process the muted emotions that run through me.
Aiden speaks first. “I broke up with her.”
“You did?“I turn to him, my heart coming alive in my chest again. My ears turn hot and I grip the counter’s edge until my nails hurt.
He sighs. “Honestly. I should’ve broken up with her a long time ago. I just never had a
real reason to.”
I purse my lips, nodding, though I don’t really know what he means by that.
“Not until I met you.”
1/4
Second Chance–2
My chest burns, that same burn that accompanies excitement. I blink at him and watch him as he moves to stand in front of me. He places his hands beside my thighs and leans
closer.
“I know I might not deserve a second chance after this, but I think I like you.”
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face, the heat that crawls up my cheeks. Butterflies ignite in my stomach and I bite down on my lip. “You think?”
Aiden laughs, relief flooding him at the sight of a smile on my face. “I really do like you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Alina.” He groans, forcing himself between my legs to get closer to me.
I laugh, pinching the skin of my thigh. “I might be a little interested in you, too.”
He tilts his head, getting a better look at my face. “A little?‘
“Yeah, you’re going to have to convince me to like you more, unfortunately.”
“Am I?”
I nod, biting my lips. “Considering your girlfriend had someone beat me up, I think its
warranted.”
“Ex,” He corrects, nudging my thigh with his fist.
I chuckle. “Ex.”
“Can I take out then?”
Butterflies explode in my stomach and I nod.
He smiles wide and grips my thigh. “Tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Fuck, yeah.”
I laugh.
214
Second Chance–2
“Hey, yo Aiden, we need you!” Parker sticks his head into the kitchen and Aiden immediately groans,
I look between the two of the, and Parker shoots me a wink before disappearing again. “What’s going on?”
Aiden shakes his head. “Parker always insists we play a game every time he throws a party. He has a court in the backyard. The guy never stops thinking about basketball.”
I chuckle, pushing him away with my hand on his chest. “Go. You can find me after.”
“You’re not going to watch?”
I look away as if I’m thinking about it. Not that there’s much for me to think about. Watching Aiden play, and sweat so much he’ll probably take his shirt off? Yeah, sign me up. “I’ll be right behind you.”
“Great,” He gives me a peck on the cheek.
Just one stupid peck and I’m twisting inside, smiling to myself like an idiot. I press my fingers to where his lips had just been and imagine his lips on mine.
I wonder if he kisses as good as Jake.
If he can fuck as good as Jake.
Something shifts in my peripherals and I look up in time to see a blur of dark clothes disappear around the corner.
I know deep in my gut that it’s Zaid.
I look to my right, where Aiden had stepped through to get to the backyard. I should go to him, I should go watch him.
But when I slide off the counter and when my feet hit the floor, I walk to the left.
Following after Zaid.
214
