"Okay, how about that guy?" He sneakily gestures at a lanky young man who's currently trying to force his way into a circle of middle-aged businessmen that are clearly here representing a company. None of them are giving him even the time of day.
"Alright, I got him," I say. "Make it good, pretty boy. If you tell me he looks like a nerd who would rather be home playing video games, I'm going to be extremely disappointed in you."
Aiden lets out a mock-gasp of outrage. "How dare you underestimate me. I'm the king of this game."
I gesture at him to go ahead, swallowing another laugh. "Fire away, then."
He clears his throat and straightens, as if he's about to give a monologue. "Alright then. His name is Art, and he's a business student at Temple. But he's only studying business because his father forced him to. It was the only 'acceptable' and 'honorable' career."
I roll my eyes. "Too easy. Anyone could tell that."
"Please don't interrupt me, Miss Monroe, I wasn't finished with my analysis.” He turns his attention back to Art. “He's forced to be here, and forced to make an effort, because someone in this room has some kind of relationship with his father and will be reporting back to him. But in reality…" Aiden pauses for dramatic effect, his eyes sliding to me. "…he'd much rather be home with his cat and his homemade pottery set."
"Pottery? Like in the movieGhost?"
"No, more like the overexcited kid at the art store—get it? He loves that his name matches his favorite place—he has zero artistic talent, but for some reason gets a lot of enjoyment out of arts and crafts." He pauses, almost thoughtfully. "Also, it allows him to finger something because he's still a virgin and that's the closest he can get to the real deal."
I laugh so hard, I'm pretty sure champagne comes out of my nose.
"Okay, I see why you're the king of this game," I eventually choke out.
"Thank you," he says, bowing at the waist. Then he looks around the room as he says, "Alright, your turn. Make your pick."
My chuckles fade as I look around the room, trying to decide on someone equally interesting. It takes me a minute, but eventually I find my target.
"Her," I say, aiming a subtle nod at the woman walking into the room. She's beautiful, middle-aged, and walking around like she owns the place.
Aiden’s lip twitches briefly. "Alright, go ahead. What's her story?"
"Well, she's here as one of the 'contacts' that the business students should be meeting. She represents a successful company, but she hasn't quite reached the level of success that she's vying for. It's why she's here. Even though she's representing a company already, this event is also an opportunity forherto network. Because she's still looking for that last little boost." I cock my head thoughtfully. "And yet, she thrives on being the alpha. And it bothers her that she's not yet in that position in her career. So she finds it elsewhere."
"I'm dying to hear," Aiden murmurs.
"She's married, and yet… she picks up young men at these events. It's why you'll see her at every one of these. She's a cougar."
"So she's a cheating cougar?"
"That's where the fun part comes in," I say with a grin. "She's not cheating. She brings the young guys home and makes her husband watch." I turn toward Aiden, mischief sparking in my eyes. "Her husband is a cuckhold.That'swhere she gets her power from."
After a mesmerizing moment where I can tell he’s only a breath away from losing control, he barks a laugh, popping the lid off the sound and letting out the raucous laughter that he's clearly been holding back.
"I think I might have some competition in this game," he says when he finally gets himself under control.
"Thank you," I respond, mimicking his bow from earlier.
"It's too bad you're way off base," he says, a final chuckle slipping out. "In reality, she's the youngest professor at the school andalsothe most successful. She's started and sold technology companies for millions of dollars—teaching is just her way of taking a break and giving back. And her husband? The most alpha guy you'll ever meet, which becomes apparent if anyone even looks at his wife the wrong way. They're blissfully married with three kids." His gaze shifts to me, his eyes twinkling. "No cuckholding involved."
When I groan and drop my face into my hands, Aiden erupts into laughter all over again.
"It was a valiant effort," he says, patting my shoulder.
"Don't make me go over to Art and ask how much ofyourtheory is real," I bite back.
"Be my guest. I guarantee you I got closer than you did."
But despite the fact that I really am two seconds away from approaching Art, we never get the chance, because two older men choose that moment to step in front of us.
They’re looking at Aiden, but they’re trying—and failing—to hide their sidelong glances at me.