Aiden: He sounds like a delightfully smart man
Aiden: But now that I have your undivided attention, I'd like to ask you to crash a party with me
Dani: A party? What kind of party?
Aiden: A networking party full of the most boring business people you've ever met in your life. Please save me from the torment.
Dani: So I would be crashing, but you're actually supposed to attend
Aiden: Unfortunately. It was “highly recommended” by my senior seminar professor. You're the only one that would make it bearable.
Chewing on my lip again, I think over what this might mean to Aiden. It’s definitely not adate, but it’s closer to one than we've ever been. So far, I’ve stayed away from anything formal with Aiden—basically, anything that’s more than a beer at a sports bar. A networking event where formal attire is required would definitely be far past anything I’ve allowed so far.
But… Aiden is fun to hang out with. He's the only one I know that might make an event like this fun, and I like the idea ofhowhe might make it fun.
I'm imagining all the different ways he might do that when my phone buzzes again.
Aiden: I know it might seem like a date, but I promise it's not. It'll be fun. And if we find a secluded hallway somewhere, I'll even fuck you in your dress.
Aiden: …God, now I'm thinking about what you look like in a cocktail dress. Please wear a dress with nothing under it.
Dani: Down, boy. No one tells me what to wear.
Aiden: I did not. If you'll notice, I asked nicely and said please.
I let out a heavy sigh, my head dropping back as I mull it over in my head. And it only takes a moment to make the decision.
Dani: Fine. I'm in. When and where?
Aiden: I suppose you don't want me to pick you up?
Dani: Nope. When and where?
Aiden: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, next to the convention center. 8pm.
Dani: Perfect, I come back from DC the day before. And I'll need a little entertainment to get over the trip.
Dani: I'll meet you there.
Dani: Now go away so I can get some work done.
Aiden: Yes ma'am. Text me if anything comes up.
I'm shaking my head again as I slide my phone across the table, but this time there's a small smile on my face that I can't for the life of me get rid of.
* * *
As the Uber pulls up to the building, I bunch my dress in my left hand and step out of the car, making sure to keep my heels under me so I don't face plant. It's no secret I prefer Converse and combat boots, but a girl has to know how to wear heels, too. I can look presentable when I need to.
A fact that is immediately confirmed when Aiden walks out of the building.
"Holy fuck," he breathes from the top of the stairs. He's dressed in a dark blue suit and a crisp white button-up, looking stunningly good-looking with his dirty blonde locks styled and his hands casually resting in his pockets. I'm momentarily distracted by just how good he looks like this.
Except, when I finish my shameless once-over and track my gaze back to his face, I realize his eyes are wide and his mouth has dropped open. Because I'm not the only one shamelessly checking the other out.
"Damn, pretty boy, you clean up nice," I say with a quirked eyebrow and an appreciative look. “Looks like that name is well-deserved.”
"Me?" he chokes out, then starts down the stairs toward me. "I'm not the one that's about to turn this event on its head when we walk through those doors."