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And I’m thinking about Aiden.
I’m wondering what it would feel like to have him kiss me like this, his hands fisted in my hair as he pushes me up against a wall. The thought alone is enough to make me gasp and press my hands against Chad’s chest, creating some much needed space between us. This is too much. My mind is playing games with me. I haven’t thought about Aiden in that way for a long time, and it’s really inconvenient for my brain to start throwing these thoughts at me right now.
I’m trying to have fun, and of all the words I’d use to describe Aiden Lewis, I can’t say fun is one of them.
Chad’s staring at me with mild concern. “Everything okay?”
Trying my best to avoid his gaze, I mutter, “Yeah, of course. I’m sorry, I just need a minute.” Smoothing down my dress and doing my best to collect myself, I head toward the nearest exit. “I’m sorry,” I say again over my shoulder. “I won’t be long.”
My balance is off from drinking too much, and I’m starting to wish I had stopped at two sangrias. The people around me are a loud blur, and I try my best to weave through the crowd with as much grace as my current state will allow.
Finally, I get to the exit and place both hands on the metal push bar. The door flies open, and even though the tiki bar is essentially outside, I welcome the cool night air as it hits my face. Straight ahead of me stands a railing facing the ocean, and I don’t stop walking until my stomach hits the edge of it, giving me something to lean on. Taking a deep breath, I stare down at the dark water below and let the salt air bring some life back into me.
I’m not sure if my stomach feels uneasy from the alcohol, making out with Chad, or thinking of Aiden in ways that I shouldn’t—or maybe a combination of all three—but I hurry to get away from everyone and have some space.
Breathe, Claire.
“Looked like you were having fun in there.”
Closing my eyes, I internally groan as I brace myself for what’s about to come because I already don’t like his tone. Taking a final, steadying breath, I look up from the ocean to find Aiden with his elbows propped on the same railing a few feet away.
I let out a breathy laugh and sarcastically say, “Yeah,” as I turn around. My back rests against the barrier now as I stare back at the bar. My shoulders relax a little when I don’t see Chad anywhere. I was worried he might have tried to follow me.
Aiden scoffs and gently kicks the wood post by his feet. “Yeah.”
“Where’s Lauren?”
Staring out over the water, he mutters, “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
Well, I guess that answers whether or not he likes her. My eyebrows furrow as I study him. “Is something wrong?”
“Nope.”
He’s lying. “What’s the problem?”
“No problem,” he says coolly with a shake of his head.
I analyze him further. He has to feel me staring at him, but he continues to gaze at the ocean like I’m not even here. “You’re being weird,” I finally say, giving up.
He looks down and laughs, shaking his head as if I’ve just said something far-fetched. I didn’t, though. He’s acting strange, and I want to know why.
“Where’s Chad?” he finally asks, still not looking at me.
I can’t believe him. Glancing at the sky, I try to compose myself before answering. Not that it matters. When I go to answer him, he’s still staring at the damn ocean. “Is that what this is about?”
No answer.
Taking a step toward him, I say, “Why would you care about what I do with Chad?”
“I don’t.”
I wait for more of an answer, but it doesn’t come. “In case you forgot, you told me I needed to let loose. You said Chad would be a great way to...to—”
“Forget?”
“No,” I say, feeling defensive. This isn’t about Garret, but then I find myself adding, “I don’t know.” Because if I hadn’t been dumped two nights ago, would I still want attention from Chad?
Probably not.
