The Naughty List (The Naughty List #1)(42)

My adrenaline carried me up the wooden slats of Aiden’s lattice quickly. He’d left the window open, and he sat up when I swung my legs over.

“Hi, baby,” he called from the bed, looking all Hugh Hefner in a robe. I quickly wondered what he had underneath it. I was happy his mother’s bedroom was on the first floor. I might need more than a foot rub tonight.

I smiled. Just smelling his room, perspiration with a hint of soap, felt so natural to me. So much better than the smell of Christian’s cologne, which still lingered in my nose. Stop. I didn’t want to think about him. Not here.

“Where were you?” Aiden asked, getting up to meet me at the window, closing it quietly behind me.

“Tonight?”

“Uh …” He nodded. “Yeah. I called you like five times.”

Shoot. Where had I told Aiden I was going to go? I blanked. Great Scott! This was already going badly.

“Tessa?” he asked.

I met his gorgeous green eyes, and I could see they were so concerned. But he was too adorable to have his brows pulled together like that. I used my thumb to smooth out the wrinkle between them.

“Let’s not talk about me,” I said, trying to channel my inner perk. “What have you been up to? I missed you.”

“Really?” He grinned, leading me toward his bed. He smoothed out the plaid comforter and then patted it. “Sit down,” he said. “I made you hot chocolate.”

Aw. That was just about the sweetest thing he could have ever done. I saw the World’s Best Athlete mug on the side table and grabbed it, taking a sip. My eyes weakened as I looked at him.

“You…” I almost cried. “You put marshmallows in it?”

He chuckled. “You sounded down. I wanted to pick you up.”

I stared at him as he stood in front of me, his robe tied shut. I closed my eyes.

“Do you remember Mary Rudick?” I asked suddenly. This was it. My heart was beating so fast, I thought I might pass out. I was vaguely aware of the pulsating in my ankle.

“Kyle Turkowitz’s ex-girlfriend?”

I nodded. “She was a great captain,” I said. My eyes had begun to water. Orion’s belt! Please let me be brave enough to tell him.

“She was good,” Aiden agreed as he sat down next to me. “Why are you thinking about her? Doesn’t she live in California?”

“Yeah.” She was lucky. After starting all of this, she was able to have a life now. And she probably had a boyfriend she didn’t have to lie to.

We were quiet for a minute, and then Aiden reached out to take my cup, setting it back on the side table. “Come hug me,” he whispered. “I want to hold you.”

And I couldn’t say another thing. I practically collapsed into Aiden’s arms, crying softly as he stroked my hair.

“Oh, baby,” he murmured. “Is it your parents? Are they splitting up again?”

I sniffled, but I didn’t answer. Instead I pulled back, looking into his beautiful green eyes. All this time, I could have told him. But now it was too late. He couldn’t find out. I’d do what Christian wanted and soon, I’d be like Mary Rudick. Aiden would be away at college in a few months and after that, just one more year of SOS. One more year of lying.

“I love you,” I said. “I couldn’t even cheer without you in my life.”

He smiled. “Tess.” He put his palms on my cheeks and drew me close to him. “I’ll never not be in your life. You are my life, baby.”

Aiden kissed me softly, tenderly. Then he laid me down and tucked me between his flannel sheets as he curled up next to me. He stroked my hair, murmuring in my ear. Then, to the sound of his heartbeat, I drifted off.

SOS CHEATER INCIDENT REPORT

CASE: 054

CLIENT: Emily Hodges

SUBJECT: Wiley Penchant

FINDINGS: At approximately 2 a.m. on March 3, Mr. Penchant was observed leaving the Windmill hotel with a female other than the client. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the accomplice was Mia Hodges, the client’s sister. Mr. Penchant and Ms. Hodges left the hotel in different vehicles, but before leaving, Ms. Hodges was overheard saying, “You can’t tell her, Wil. She’ll be devastated. I love you too, but Emily can’t find out.”

Enclosed are the photos documenting the time the two spent in the hotel room. Surveillance captured footage of them kissing, along with other sexual situations. Mr. Penchant also gave Ms. Hodges a box and wished her a happy “one-year anniversary.” It was not clear what they were celebrating.

SOS is confirming this cheat, and considering the severity of the findings, we would also like to extend our list of reputable therapists. You will find it enclosed with the photos.

We trust that this report will remain confidential as some of the information contained within could compromise our top-secret status.

SOS is sorry for your loss, and we offer our deepest sympathy. We hope that we will not have to assist you again in the future, but please keep us in mind for referrals.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

“QUEEN OF SHEBA!” KIRA GASPED, DROPPING HER maroon and gray pom-poms on the wood floor. “He knows?” She sat down, stunned.

I nodded. The squad was not taking the news well. Neither was I. I hadn’t even ironed my cheer skirt this morning. In fact, my braid had strands of hair dangling from it.