Yes, Mom...Arrogant step-brother is totally fine! -hint the sarcasm-

- Chapter 20

Ashley's P.O.V.

 

 

I stood still in front of Aiden, waiting for him to finish his sentence. To say I was nervous would be understatement of the century. Anticipation was bubbling inside my veins while my palms were getting moisty. I hoped that he didn't notice me shaking slightly. I felt like there were only two of us in the living room- Aiden and I. Blake and Sarah seemed so far away, like they belonged to other, distant universe.

He cleared his throat. ''Beautiful. You look truly beautiful, Ash.'' I could see that he turned pinkish, obviously not enjoying his current position. His compliment made butterflies in my stomach crazy. A warm, fuzzy feeling spread all over my body, along with trickle of electric wave.

''Thanks. You don't look bad youreslf.''- I managed to say without stuttering. Sarah looked pleased with me, wearing that  wide smile while Blake, standing next to her, chuckled. She clapped and grinned: "Come on, boys and girl, we have party to attend.'' And we were gone.

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Ride with three of them was very funny. Blake was cracking jokes all the time, but that didn't stop Sarah to tease life out of him, which made Aiden and me laugh so hard, I even had tears in my eyes. When we finally got to the club called "Carpe Diem'' I started to feel nervous. I really didn't like this kind of places, eventhough it seemed awesome. Still, I decided to suck it up and try to have great time.

Aiden and Blake knew the guy on the door, which was great considering I wasn't old enough to be here. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded with tons of people. Some of them were drinking and kissing, others were dancing to some song I wasn't familiar with.

''You like it?''- Aiden yelled in my ear, trying to be heard over blasting music. I nodded and smiled, feeling my hips start to move a little. Well, I did have dance classes for 3 years. 

''I'm gonna get us something to drink.''-Blake announced loud enough for us to hear him. ''I know for Aiden, what about you, girls?'' I didn't have to think about that, alcohol wasn't option in my book.

''I'll take vermouth. Ashley?''- Sarah asked, observing the place. ''Coke, please.'' I saw that she made a face, but didn't say anything.

''Be right back.''

He was back after 15 minutes, thanks to big crowd at the bar. I thanked him and drank my Coke in less than five minutes. I was very thirsty and the club was getting hotter and hotter by the second.

I loosened up a bit. Actually, I was having good time, until a boy, maybe a year older, approached us. He had really creepy smile and was obviously drunk. 

''Dance with me.''- He slurred, nodding at the dance floor, as his smelly breath swarmed around me. I cringed at his proposition, retreating into Aiden's side. The intruder then smiled stupidly at me, swaying on his feet. Aiden put his arm around my shoulders, glaring at the boy in front of us.

''You better leave my girlfriend alone or I swear I'll gonna beat you up so bad you're gonna wish you'd never woke up this morning.''- Aiden growled, shocking me. Did he just say... girlfriend? He could've just said sister, but no, he likes complicating things.

''Chill out.''- He put his hands in surrender manner, attempting to stay still. Aiden relaxed next to me, but still hugging me tightly. Even in this awkward situation, I couldn't help but to feel safe and protected in his embrace. With time passing, Aiden was becoming my rock...and I didn't know how to feel about that.

The boy staggered, but managed to get to his friends, thanks God. Sarah and Blake were grinding against each other, enjoying their night, totally oblivious to our little drama. Aiden whispered in my ear, startling me.

''Wanna dance?''-He asked, rubbing his hand down my back, spreading tingles from my head to toe. I agreed, taking his hand in mine, heading to dance floor. He put his hands around my waist, pressing my body to his. I found myself lost in the lakes in his eyes, they were so mesmerizing.

Everyone else seemed to disappear. We danced to a couple of songs, until a slow one came. I just couldn't take my eyes from his. His face was inches away from mine and there wasn't free space between us. We were swaying slowly, as notes floated around us. It was easily the most romantic night in my life. I smiled meekly at Aiden and he returned it. Yes, the happiest moment ever.

''Thank you.''- I whispered, as the song was coming to an end. I could see confusion in his eyes, those gorgeous eyes of his.

''Why?''- He didn't understand why I'm thanking him, but it felt so right to me.

''For everything. For tonight. For this dance.''- I answered truthfully, my voice thick with emotions. In that moment, I couldn't read emotions on his face. He just kept staring at me, not saying anything. Worriness creeped inside me, step by step, but was suddenly replaced with happiness, the moment he started moving his face closer, and closer, and closer...