Page 20 of One is Never Enough

“I am,” I laugh, pulling on a dark green button-up that Toby bought me before everything went to shit. “I feel different this time.”

“That’s because you finally got it through your thick fucking head that you’re worthy of being loved.”

I turn to face him, and he gives me that goofy Leland grin. “What about you?”

“What about me?” he asks, rolling to his stomach.

“When are you going to realize the same thing?”

“We aren’t talking about me.” I still worry about Leland after he told me he thought about jumping that day. I always knew Leland covered up a lot with humor, but I didn’t realize how much. “Anyway, you ready for your date?”

“We aren’t done talking about this.”

He jumps from the bed and heads for the door. “Yes. We are. You have your childhood crush waiting for you downstairs.”

“Leland—”

“I’m not saying never, Oli. I’m just saying not right now. Don’t worry about me.” He gives me that grin again and leaves the room. With a sigh, I slide my shoes on and follow him down the stairs.

Aiden is standing just inside the living room in black dress pants and a soft blue long-sleeved shirt that makes his blue eyes stand out. His eyes latch onto me, and I almost forget how to breathe. He has his thick blond hair fixed, so it looks like he just rolled out of bed. He’s mouth-wateringly gorgeous. Do not get naked with him on the first date, Oliver.

“You look amazing,” he says gruffly, making my cheeks heat.

“You do, too,” I answer, walking further into the room until I’m by his side.

“No funny business,” Toby says. “And have him home by nine.”

“Shut up,” Jace sighs. “Don’t you have somewhere you’re supposed to be?”

Toby opens his mouth but snaps it closed when Jace narrows his eyes. Toby walks to the center of the room and drops to his knees. This has been going on all day, and I know if it was something that Toby wasn’t into, Jace would never make him do it. They both enjoy that power struggle, even though Jace will always come out on top.

“Are you ready to go?” Aiden asks, sliding his hand onto the base of my spine. Even that small touch reminds me of how he made me feel that first night. Don’t get naked. Don’t get naked.

“Have fun,” Jace says, leaning in to kiss me. He kisses me roughly and pulls back, trying to hide a smile when I chase his lips.

With a wave, Aiden leads me outside to a blacked-out SUV and opens the passenger door for me. He waits until I climb in, shuts the door behind me, and then jogs to his side to get in. When he slides behind the wheel and shuts his door, I’m overwhelmed with his cologne and memories.

“Are you okay?” he asks, shifting the SUV into drive.

“Uh, yeah,” I chuckle. “It’s your cologne.”

“Do you not like it? I’ll go change if it’s bothering you.”

“No! That’s not it at all.” I turn in the seat to face him. “Your cologne was familiar that night. That’s why I felt comfortable with you.”

“I’m sorry I almost took that from you.”

“You don’t have to keep apologizing, Aiden. We’re here and working on it.” Feeling bold—thanks to Jace and Toby—I lean over and peck his cheek. “I like the cologne, by the way.”

We drive to the restaurant in silence, just enjoying each other’s company. He pulls up to the valet and gives him a warning look when he tries to open my door. Aiden opens it for me and sticks his hand in for me. I slide mine into his, and we walk hand in hand into the restaurant. I can’t keep the ridiculous smile from my face that I’m walking like this with my biggest crush.

The hostess leads us to a secluded table, where Aiden pulls out my chair before sitting across from me. She leaves menus, gets our drink order, and disappears.

“This place is nice,” I comment.

“You’ve never been here?”

“It’s a little out of my price range,” I laugh.

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