The Naughty List (The Naughty List #1)(31)

But I was surprised and delighted to see that Christian looked like he was taking a shine to Kira. He’d even started sitting next to her. I mean, it was directly across from me but also next to Kira. And even though they didn’t talk to each other, they both talked to me, which was also something they had in common.

A happy thought struck me. Aiden’s party was this weekend, and it was only natural for new couples to form at a party. Even Romeo and Juliet met at a party. I could get Kira and Christian together. Maybe then he’d focus his attention elsewhere.

SOS CHEATER INCIDENT REPORT

CASE: 004

CLIENT: Madeline Haskel

SUBJECT: Roger Stanvick

Dear Ms. Haskel,

SOS is happy to honor your Potential Boyfriend Background Check voucher. And although it’s tragic that we’ve had to deliver bad news to you on three separate occasions, we hope that by providing you with this service, you can make an informed decision on your next choice of companionship.

Mr. Stanvick will be observed within 48 hours of this notification. Please remember that this voucher is only valid for one background check per semester.

Thank you for your referrals, and SOS truly hopes that your dating needs are met. If you need to cancel this assignment, please text the stop order form within 24 hours. Have a great day.

CHAPTER TEN

IT WAS GETTING LATE. I YAWNED.

“What was the ETA?” Leona asked. She stretched out across the backseat of my car, her dark hair spreading like a fan across the leather upholstery.

I leaned against the headrest. “An hour ago.” Here we were, camped out in front of an all-night miniature golf course, and we couldn’t even play. The parking lot was deserted, and the sky was nearly starless. There was little pep in this car.

Luckily this was a small assignment, only two Kittens needed. And Leona was the only one available to help me. I was very thankful. Alone, I might have fallen asleep.

We were on a potential boyfriend background check. We reserved that only for our repeat clients. It wasn’t something I was proud of since officially, the clients weren’t dating the suspects. But if SOS had investigated for them at least three times, the client was given a certificate for a complimentary background check. Hopefully it could save them future heartache.

“He works here, right?” Leona asked. Sometimes it was difficult being alone with her. She didn’t have the perk that Kira did.

“Yep. And my informant said he was working ten to two this morning.”

“It’s after eleven.”

“Thank you, Leona. I hadn’t noticed.”

“Whoa.” She sat up, and I could feel her glare on the side of my face. I turned slowly to her.

“Sorry to snap,” I said quietly. “I just want to go home.”

Leona eyed me from behind her glasses. She was angry. She didn’t like to be scolded or talked down to. And I should have controlled myself better. Being short-tempered just wasn’t the Smitten Kitten way. I pursed my lips.

“Things have been getting harder,” I said apologetically.

She nodded, her face clearing. “I know, Tess. And you’ve seemed, well a little distracted. Is everything okay with Aiden?”

My mouth opened. That was an unexpected question. “Of course. Why would you ask that?” My heart beat a little faster.

She shrugged. “I don’t know. You two don’t seem to be spending as much time together.”

I blinked rapidly, a stabbing pain in my ribs. She was right. We hadn’t. But Aiden had basketball, and I had cheerleading. Between that, I had SOS assignments. Lots of them. Oh, my word. Were we growing apart?

“Great Caesar’s ghost! Give me your phone, Leona. Mine’s dead.” I needed to talk to Aiden. I needed to hear him.

Leona’s eyes widened at my abrupt change in demeanor, but she pulled out her phone anyway. “I’ll be outside with the binoculars,” she said cautiously.

I waited until she got out into the parking lot and shut the door before punching in the numbers. “Pick up, Aiden,” I whispered, glancing at the dashboard clock.

“Hello.” Shoot. Mrs. Wilder.

“Hi, it’s Tessa.” For the first time, my voice wasn’t dripping with sweetness. I just wanted to talk to her son. “Can I speak with Aiden, please? It’s important.”

“He’s not with you?”

My stomach dropped. “What?”

“Aiden’s not here, Tessa. I thought he was out with you tonight.”

I was shaking my head, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. “No … I’m … I’m not with him.”

“Huh.”

That was it? That was all she had to say? I tried to take a deep breath, but I was having trouble breathing. What was going on? Where was my sweetie?

“Tell him I called,” I murmured and hung up. I couldn’t stick around and wait for any of her snide remarks. My eyes stung, and I sat up straighter to check my reflection in the rearview mirror. I was surprised to see that a little bit of my mascara had smeared. I wiped it quickly. What else could go wrong?

There was a knock on my driver’s side window, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned, my hand at my throat.

Christian was bent down, looking in. He waved. What in the world?

I turned my key in the ignition to get power and lowered the window, my brow furrowed. “Christian?”