Matchplay A New Adult Romance - By Dakota Madison Page 0,46

give him another chance and I was ready to let him back into my life.

As soon as I reached for Aaron’s hand, he grabbed mine and quickly laced our fingers together. His grasp was tight as if he was afraid I might change my mind. When I looked up at Aaron, his face was glowing with joy.

He brought my hand to his mouth and kissed my fingers. We looked into each other’s eyes and the energy between us surged. It took my breath away for a moment.

“I’d better get you back to your dorm,” he whispered.

When we got to the front door of my dorm, I wondered if he was going to try to kiss me. I wondered if I’d let him. I didn’t have to wonder long.

Aaron leaned over and gave me a soft kiss. We both looked at each other and there was another energy surge between us. He didn’t hesitate to pull me into him and kiss me again. This time with more intensity and urgency.

When we broke away to both take a breath, he said, “I think I’d better go.”

I didn’t want him to. “My roommate will be out of town this weekend at a speech tournament,” I

blurted.

Aaron raised an eyebrow. “Are you propositioning me?” He gave me a sly grin.

I smiled but didn’t deny it. Part of me was actually happy to see some of the arrogant Aaron returning.

It was as much a part of him as the sensitive Aaron was. They were all sides of the complex guy I was growing to love.

“I’ll pick you up on Saturday at seven. Wear something really nice.”

I nodded. Aaron gave me one last kiss on the forehead then put his hands in his pockets and watched as I unlocked my dorm’s front door.

Ten

A Bounce Back On

Saturday, I wore the only dress that I had, the one I had worn Parent’s Weekend. I hoped Aaron wasn’t disappointed that I was wearing it again. I decided to dress it up a bit by pulling my hair back into a loose pony tail and wearing the pearls my mom had given me before she died.

At exactly seven, there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, Aaron handed me a small bouquet of sunflowers.

“Thank you,” I said. “They’re beautiful.”

“So are you.” Aaron grinned.

So was he. I didn’t think Aaron could get any more gorgeous until I saw him dressed in his charcoal grey suit. He could have put any male model to shame. Both of us eyed each other with such lust, I was sure he was thinking the same thing I was. Let’s skip the dinner and go right to dessert here in my dorm room.

“We’d better get going. Our reservation is in 15 minutes.”

***

The trendy restaurant was one I had heard about but never actually saw. It was supposed to be one of the most expensive in the city.

When we entered, the atmosphere was a bit haunting with an industrial vibe. I felt like I had entered a de Chirico painting.

The host led us to a secluded table near the back of the restaurant and we sat down.

After we ordered, Aaron’s expression turned serious. He gazed into my eyes. “I hope you don’t think this is too much too soon but I wanted to give you your Christmas present is little bit early.”

It was only the beginning of December. “I didn’t get you anything yet.”

He grabbed my hands in his. “And you don’t have to. Your being with me is enough of a gift.”

He reached into the breast pocket of his suit and removed an envelope, which he handed to me.

It wasn’t what I was expecting at all. My curiosity was definitely piqued. I opened the envelope and pulled out two airline tickets. They were to St. Petersburg, Florida.

“I want us to see the Dali Museum together,” he said softly. “I know he’s one of your favorite artists and I wanted you to build some happy memories there. You seemed so sad that the last time you went was connected to your mom’s death.”

“When?” I asked.

“I was hoping we could go after our exams but before Christmas. I know you want to see your dad but I was hoping we could spend a long weekend there. My uncle has a condo in St. Pete that he never uses.

He said I can use it any time I want.”

Aaron had such a tenuous expression on his face, it almost looked like he was in pain waiting for my