Page 22 of Wild Mistake
Fun? What is that?It’s been so long since I’ve had any, I think I’ve forgotten. “Where are we going?”
“Someplace that requires cowboy boots. You still own a pair of those?”
I laugh. “I should ask you the same question.”
He grins. “I’ll wipe the dust off mine.”
“And I’ll stick my orthopedic inserts in mine.”
“That’s so sexy.” He winks, taking another bite of food.
“Shut up.” I laugh and resist the urge to punch his shoulder.
He takes a sip of coffee. “How much time do you need to get ready? If I pick you up from your parents’ around seven, will that work?”
“I never said yes.”
“But you didn’t say no.”
His confidence was always one of his most attractive qualities. I can’t deny it still works for him. “Is this a date?” I ask. “Because I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”
“This is whatever you want it to be.” He gestures between us. “We’re just two old friends going out for some small-town fun.” He makes it sound so simple. Maybe it is.
“Okay, then, Seven works.” I shrug.
“Really?” His eyes widen and a smile takes over his face.
“Yeah.” I roll my eyes and act as if inside I’m not bouncing with excitement. Did I just agree to a night out with Aiden? A night of fun?Lord, what did I get myself into?
* * *
I checkmy reflection in the tiny bathroom mirror, ensuring my eyeliner isn’t smeared. I swipe another layer of gloss over my lips and pose. My hair is blown out, my jeans are snug, and I like the way I look. I look good. I look hot. I don’t look like someone’s mom or an overworked waitress.
Maybe I should go out more often. I laugh at the thought and grab my jacket when I hear the rumble of a truck pulling down the drive. I rush outside, locking the door to the trailer before making my way out to Aiden’s idling truck.
He steps forward, in front of the headlights. “Damn.” He practically gawks as I walk toward him. “You’re beautiful, Sarah.” He clears his throat and shakes his head as if thinking better of his words. “I mean, you sure clean up nice.”
“Thanks.” I glance down, thankful for all the makeup because there’s certainly a blush heating my cheeks. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
The horn from the truck sounds, making us both startle.
“Fuckers,” Aiden grumbles. He nods toward the passenger side. “We better get going.”
“Okay.” I am curious who else is in the vehicle. I assumed it would be just the two of us. I insisted this wasn’t a date, but part of me is a little disappointed.
Aiden opens the door and holds his hand out.
I take it, steadying myself as I climb inside.
“I picked up a few stragglers on the way,” Aiden says with a grin.
“Hey, Sarah!” Maeve waves from the back seat as Aiden closes my door and walks around the front of the truck.
“Maeve, hi!” I smile at Aiden’s little sister. I reach for my seat belt and buckle up before turning to see who else is in the back. Maeve sits between her best friend, Rainer, and the youngest Wilder. I haven’t seen him since I’ve been back and my jaw falls open. “Jackson. You look just like your brother did in his twenties.” The resemblance is uncanny.
“Really? Because I think I’m better looking.”
Aiden scoffs, putting the truck in reverse and heading back to the main road. “You wish.”
