Page 74 of Champagne Nights

“I can’t, Aubrey. I don’t have the right clothes or anything. I’ll do it another time.”

“Promise?” she asked with a smile.

“I promise.”

She finished climbing and came back down the wall. Even though she was a sweaty mess, she looked incredible.

“Great job, Aubrey,” Justin spoke. “See you next week?”

“Thanks, Justin. I’ll be here.”

I took her hand and placed it on my arm.

“I didn’t know you rock climbed,” I spoke as we headed out the door.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

I smiled. “Is that so? Then how about we have dinner tonight, and you can tell me more about the things I don’t know about you.”

“As much as I would love to, I can’t. I’m having dinner and drinks with Penelope and my Aunt Charlotte.”

“Ah. Okay. Maybe I can see you after?”

“I’m not sure what time I’ll be home. Since we’re hitting the town, I probably won’t be getting in until really late.”

“Okay. I understand. How about we share a cab?”

“I’d like that. No Harry today?”

“Nah. He went out of town for the weekend.”

I hailed us a cab, and we climbed into the backseat.

“Why didn’t you drive your car?” She smirked.

“I didn’t feel like dealing with the traffic.”

She let out a light laugh. “Even though I have never actually seen what the traffic looks like in New York City, I can sure feel it, so I understand.”

“We have arrived at your apartment. Would you like me to come up for a while?” I asked.

“As much as I’d like that, I have to shower and get ready. So I won’t be much company.”

“Oh. Okay. Have a good time with Penelope and your aunt.”

“Thanks, Ethan. Enjoy your evening.” She climbed out and shut the door.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Aubrey

I knew what I was doing. He couldn’t commit, so neither could I. I wasn’t about to sit around waiting for him to call me whenever the mood struck him.

“So you’re playing hard to get?” my Aunt Charlotte asked as she sipped her wine.

“Pretty much.”

“Eeek! I’m so proud of you.” Penelope placed her hand on mine.

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