“We can grab ice cream. I just want to chill and kick it with you.” He flashes a devilish smirk.
I giggle. “Okay. How about we meet at Sweet Dreams Ice Cream Parlor down the street?”
Smiling, he walks backwards. “I’d love that. Wednesday at seven, okay?”
“Yes, see you then.”
It’s a nice feeling knowing another guy finds me attractive. I mean, I know Nico and Rod are attracted to me. But it’s nice having someone outside my old high school be interested in me.
I glance at my bodyguards near the entrance. Fitz appears angry and Javier’s fingers are flying across his phone screen. He’s probably updating my dad about Chris. I can’t go out with a guy without my security detail obtaining a background check.
We’re just going out for ice cream. He and I might date from time to time, but once he learns I’m a mafia princess, he’ll run for the hills.
I drive to Sweet Dreams. Fitz and Javier sit in the back seat. They aren’t excited about it. But I don’t want Chris asking questions about my security team.
I leave the keys in the ignition and climb out of the SUV.
My eyes flick to two more bodyguards. One’s standing next to a garbage can near the storefront and another is sitting at a picnic table on the opposite side of the entrance. It’s not a good feeling knowing your dad’s enemies could take you out in a heartbeat, all to send a message.
I step inside the ice cream shop. I’m early. My bodyguards wouldn’t allow me to arrive a few minutes early. We’ve been here for thirty minutes. They had to assess the area first to make sure it was safe. Dressed in a yellow tank and little blue jean shorts, I walk in five minutes before I’m to meet Chris.
Creekwood students sit at tables and booths surrounded by yellow and pink walls, shoveling ice cream into their mouths while they chat. Whimsical music plays throughout. The chime sounds above the door for the third time since I walked in.
I don’t want to seem anxious, so I don’t turn around.
“Hey Serenity,” Chris says from behind.
I turn, grinning. “Hello Chris.”
“You look good.” His tongue slides across his lips.
I blush under his onyx gaze.
Nico comes to mind.
Why? Maybe because he’s all I know.
“What’s your favorite flavor?” I ask.
“I love chocolate.” He winks.
I chuckle. “Real smooth.”
“Banana splits are good. I also like mint chocolate chip.” He flashes a handsome smile.
My brows raise. “Mint chocolate chip sounds interesting.”
He laughs. “What flavors do you like?”
I bounce in place. “I love cotton candy and salted caramel gelato. Not together, but they are delicious.”
He stares at me like he wants to eat me whole. Or should I say, fuck me long and hard.
“Never tried cotton candy. I’ll have to try it.”
We approach the counter. I hear a helicopter. Sounds like it’s flying low. Is it on the roof? No.
Fitz says something. Looks like he’s communicating through his earpiece.
