Page 16 of The Vow We Made
“I need to guzzle something non-alcoholic. Can we get some water?” I’m hoping it will sober me up.
“No problem.” His warm tone causes such a buzz in my core; I might not be able to control myself if I carry on drinking alcohol.
When Aiden signals for two bottles of water, I feel bad. “You don’t have to join me.” I don’t want him to feel obliged.
“I could do with the break.” He winks while my silk underwear literally moulds to my skin at his gesture. The familiar heat between us is about to return, that is, until I’m distracted.
Faith has appeared directly behind Aiden and is acting like a stupid arse by mouthing, “Get in there, girl!”
My eyes nearly bulge from their sockets and Aiden turns around to see what’s caught my attention.
It’s too late.
Faith is already at his side. “Hi there. Just thought I’d pop over and meet the hero who saved our girl.”
I open my mouth to speak but she’s already pushed herself in front of Aiden while offering her hand. “I’m Faith.”
He politely takes it, giving her a nod. “Aiden.”
“Well Aiden, it’s nice to meet any friend of Vickie’s.” Her body is now leaning into his and I can tell she’s using him for support. Her brows draw together. “Although I’m pretty sure I know you.” She digs her finger into his chest haphazardly. “You’re the guy.” One eye is shut while the other concentrates on the finger she now runs along his entire jaw. “Although you’re better looking close up.” She turns to me. “So you finally called him. Well done you.” She slaps me on the shoulder. “I knew you had it in you.”
“Actually Faith, we just happened to meet again.” I glance nervously over to Aiden. I don’t want to mess this up.
“But he is the guy from Billy’s; the one who smashed your phone. I never forget a pretty face.”
“It’s pure coincidence we were in the same club tonight,” he tells her while glancing at me; a smile dancing on his lips.
“What a shame she got to you first,” she says, tongue in cheek. I know she’s fucking with both of us and ordinarily, I’d find it funny, but right now, not so much. I’m trying to make a good impression.
“Don’t get jealous Vickie. I won’t pinch your precious scrap of paper from the fridge door—”
I panic. “Where’s the other two?” I blurt out.
Faith looks around and tries to scratch her head but misses and pokes herself in the eye. “Not sure. Maybe I should find them.”
“That’s a great idea,” I agree probably too enthusiastically. I feel awful for thinking it, but I’m desperate for her to leave and not because she might keel over at any minute. I don’t want Aiden to know I kept the note with his scribbled number on my fridge all week while I decided if I should call or not.
Faith, who is now on a mission to find the others, catches me in a bear hug. She pulls back and winks, whispering loudly, “Fill ya boots, tiger,” before staggering into her own world amongst the crowd.
I watch her sway ungracefully and fall off her heels several times while the bottoms of her little black floral playsuit, ride too far up her bum. My friend shouldn’t be on her own. She’s three sheets to the wind and God only knows where she’ll end up. I feel guilty almost instantly and my conscience sobers my muggy brain further when Aiden asks, “Should she really be alone?”
I shake my head. “No, she shouldn’t.” We’re both watching her stumble away when I turn to him. “Do you mind if I head over and find the girls? I’m sure they won’t mind keeping an eye on her.”
Aiden smiles, “No, not at all,” then continues to watch over my shoulder. “Go before she gets herself into trouble.”
My lips are tight when I accept his offer. Not a smile, more a resigned acceptance of the right thing to do, but as I’m about to head out into the crowd, I’m pulled back by Aiden catching my hand. My attention falls immediately to his dark brown eyes. “I’ll be waiting Victoria.”
I take a deep breath and reply, “I hope so, Aiden. I really do.”
As I walk away, I glance back and take in the man I’ve been fantasising about every day for the past week. His stance is wide and his hands sit in the pockets of his black jeans. I turn away, still sensing his eyes burning my skin while I push through the crowd in the same direction as Faith. Exaggerating my swinging hips will give him something to miss while I’m gone.
I find Faith hanging onto some random bloke who doesn’t look happy. She might be annoying the crap out of him, so I intervene.
“Faith,” I shout above the noise and tap her shoulder.
Her body spins in my direction and, as if it’s the first time she’s spotted me tonight, she spreads her arms out to greet me. “Vickieeee, meet my new friend!” Her shining face is unapologetic when she asks him, “What’s your name again?”
“I didn’t say,” he snaps making it plainly obvious she’s being a nuisance.
