Kira actually hesitated before slipping her hand into Aiden’s. His grip was steady, firm and a soft warmth that spread through her fingertips. A feeling she tried to ignore, which shot through her at the touch.
The sun hung high over the mansion grounds as they walked side by side, Aiden’s strides confident and his hand never letting go of hers.
Kira wondered why they were going out by this time of the day, but it was still cool.
“Plus, it would be nice to step out”, she thought to herself with a smile.
When they reached the sleek black car, Aiden moved ahead, letting go of her hand to open the door. “After you,” he said, his voice smooth and low, as he gestured for her to step inside.
Before sliding into the seat, her fingers brushed the edge of the door as she hesitated. She glanced around, realizing that someone was not with them.
It was the first time to see Aiden without Bryan or Bryan without Aiden.
“What about Alpha- I mean Bryan?”, she asked, confused.
“He’s at a meeting and won’t be joining us today,” he informed her. “It’s just you and me.”
“Oh, okay”, Kira responded softly as she got in.
After making sure she was comfortable enough, Aiden closed the door and headed to the driver’s side. Soon he drove off.
The car hummed quietly as Aiden drove, his eyes fixed on the road.
Kira sat beside him, her hands resting in her lap, trying to focus on anything but the overwhelming silence. At some point, she found herself glancing at him, his jaw tight and his grip steady on the steering wheel.
The car rolled past towering trees and along winding roads. Kira stared out the window, watching the peaceful scenery drift by. It gave her some peace and calm.
She remembered she had not asked where they were going, and Aiden had not offered the information. He simply kept driving and after a while, the car slowed as they entered a more populated area.
Kira noticed the small shops, restaurant, and cafes. Her brow furrowed slightly in curiosity.
Finally, the car pulled up in front of a quaint little ice cream parlor. The kind with the sweet smell of waffle cones wafting from inside and colorful benches outside.
Kira sat up straight and blinked in surprise as Aiden parked the car, stepping out without a word.
He moved around to her side, opening the door for her once again.
“Ice cream?” She thought, not expecting this for their outing. She didn’t think this will be where they will go for their outing.
It’s not like she thought of anything else, but this definitely did not come to mind. But somehow, it felt… right.
Stepping out, she could not help but smile at how unexpected the choice was.
The bell above the door jingled softly as they both stepped inside the ice cream parlor. The air was cool and filled with the sweet aroma of creamy ice cream and waffle cones.
Kira was trying so hard to hold in her excitement. She loved this location for their hang-out.
Approaching the counter, there was a large menu board which displayed an array of ice cream flavors.
Kira scanned the options, her eyes on different colorful choices as Aiden stood beside her. He also went through the menu, but with a casual ease, as if he had been there before.
Which he had.
When it was their turn, Kira didn’t hesitate for a moment before speaking. “I will have a scoop of strawberry cheesecake and a scoop of mango sorbet.”
Aiden nodded and stepped forward. “I will take a scoop of caramel swirl and a scoop of rocky road,” he said, giving the cashier who was familiar with his face a friendly smile.
The cashier rang up their order, and Aiden glanced at Kira. “Strawberry cheesecake and mango sorbet, huh?”
“Yes”, she smiled and licked her lips.
Aiden chuckled at her expression, clearly noticing her excitement. “Refreshing choice.”
He was glad to know she liked the location he chose, even without her telling him.
Soon, the cashier handed over their ice cream, and Aiden took the bags with a nod, but not before he paid. He then turned to Kira and held out her cone with a smile. “Here you go,” he said, his tone softer than before.
He also handed her a napkin, and she took it with a grateful smile, their fingers brushing briefly, “Thank you,” she muttered.
“Let’s find somewhere nice to sit,” Aiden said while looking around.
He eventually found a small table near the window. It was perfect.
He pulled out a chair for Kira before sitting across from her.
As they settled into their seats, Kira took a tentative lick of her strawberry cheesecake ice cream.
Aiden observed her with interest and asked, “How do you like it?”
Her eyes brightened. “It’s really good,” she said, savoring the flavor. “I didn’t expect it to be this delicious.”
“I’m glad.” Aiden nodded in satisfaction, taking a lick of his caramel swirl ice cream. The flavor also satisfied him.
When he looked up, he caught Kira’s curious gaze.
“I take it, this is not your first time here?”, she asked, intrigued by his familiarity with the place.
Aiden chuckled softly. “Yes, you could say that. This place is one of my favorites,” he admitted. “It’s also Bryan’s favorite. We usually come here together. The ice cream here is one of the best we have had.”
Kira raised an eyebrow, taking another bite of her ice cream. “I can see why. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with very delicious treats.”
Aiden nodded in agreement. “Exactly. I’m glad you like it.”
As they continued to enjoy their ice cream, the conversation between them began to flow more naturally. The tension was not all that much unlike how it normally used to be.
Kira found herself feeling more at ease.
Soon it was late and they finally left after enjoying themselves. As they arrived at the mansion, stepping inside, they found out that Bryan had been waiting for them.
As soon as Bryan saw them, he raised an eyebrow, his hands in his pockets as he spoke.
“I was wondering where you guys were and no one would pick up my call.”