Page 47 of Wild Mistake
“Not a chance.”
“Fine.” I glare, but inside my belly, the swarm of butterflies takes flight. I’m going out with Aiden after work. To skinny dip in the same natural hot springs we snuck off to as teens. This is definitely a bad idea.
I’m all in.
17
AIDEN
I can’t believeI got Sarah to agree to go to the hot springs. Yes, it took some persuasion. But only because she can’t help but place everyone else’s needs before her own. I get the feeling she’s been doing that for a while.
It was my pleasure to buy dinner for her family and drop it by. While she’s working, I take the opportunity to make a few stops and gather supplies we might need before heading back to the diner. I’m not quite sure if this is a date. I sure as hell want it to be, and I won’t be caught unprepared.
My body thrums with anticipation at the possibility of getting naked together, even if it’s for nothing more than a relaxing soak. At least, that’s what my mind says. My dick, on the other hand, hardens with my visions of wet skin, warm bodies, and supple curves. I’m about to give myself blue balls before picking her up.
I shake off any expectations.
Tonight is about Sarah.
She deserves to be pampered. To unwind and relax after how hard she works.
I step inside the diner and shed my jacket. There’s still another thirty minutes until closing, but the place is already a ghost town. “Hey.”
Sarah glances up from the table she’s wiping down. “Hey.” There’s a hint of surprise in her stare, almost as if she’s shocked I returned. I hate that I’ve given her any doubt.
“Slow night?” I wave at the line cook who glances at me through the open window separating the dining area from the kitchen.
“I think we maybe had six customers.” She reaches for one of the chairs, and hangs it upside down from the table.
“Here.” I rush to take over the task before she grabs the next chair. “Let me.”
“Aiden.” Sarah sighs, placing her hands on her hips. “You don’t work here.”
“I’m aware.” I meet her stare with a challenge of my own. “But if you think I’m gonna sit back while you do manual labor, you’ve forgotten how my parents raised me. Now, what needs to be done?”
She looks as if she wants to argue.
“Please.” I meet her stare. “I want to be here. Let me help.”
“You’re a real do-gooder.” She tosses a rag at my chest. “A regular Captain America.”
I catch it with a grin. “I’ll take the compliment.”
She points across the room. “Wipe the chairs, flip them onto the tables. I’ll sweep and then you can mop.”
I beam.
“And wipe that satisfied look off your face.” She laughs. “No one should be that happy while working clean-up.”
But I can’t help it. She’s letting me in. She’s letting me win, and she’s the type of person who doesn’t do that for just anyone. This feels significant, and the smile doesn’t leave my face once, even as I scrub the filthy floor.
When it’s time to close, I head out to the truck and warm the engine while Sarah grabs her stuff from the back and locks up. The cab is nice and toasty when she climbs in.
“You ready?” I ask.
“No.” Her laugh is full of nerves. “But I’m not backing out now.”
“Good.” I shift the truck into drive.
