11. Sean

11

Sean

As the evening rolls in, there's an unfamiliar flutter in my stomach, a blend of anticipation and nerves that feels alien.

It's date night, and yet, as I make my way up to the Airbnb, my usual swagger feels a bit off-kilter. I push open the door to find Aubrey in the common area, Luke and Emma in tow. My gaze lands on Luke, and something inside me shifts—each moment I spend with him, it becomes undeniable that he's mine.

The moment I see Aubrey, it's like someone hit the pause button on life. There she is, stunning in a way that's all effortless charm and head-turning curves. Her outfit's doing her all kinds of favors, highlighting every curve in a shout-out to her undeniable hotness.

Hair's up today, adding a touch of class that makes me think, "Wow." It's not just her looks; it's the vibe she gives off—confident, captivating, a total knockout. Standing there, I'm hit with a wave of "damn, I'm lucky." My cock twitches to life, and all I can think about is what she’d look like out of those clothes, screaming with pleasure underneath me.

"Wow, if I knew you were going to clean up this nice, I would've worn my one good shirt," I joke, trying to ease the whirlwind inside me.

Aubrey smirks, rolling her eyes in a playful dodge. "If your one good shirt is anything like your hockey jerseys, I think I'll pass. But thanks for noticing."

Emma, ever the lifesaver, jumps in, her presence a calming balm. "You two go on and have fun. Luke's in good hands. Aren't you, buddy?" she coos, tickling Luke, who giggles in response, oblivious to the grown-up complexities swirling around him.

With a grateful nod to Emma, I offer Aubrey my arm, a gesture that's part chivalry, part necessity—I need the support to keep my cool. "Shall we?" I ask, half-expecting her to make a run for it.

But she doesn't. Instead, she links her arm with mine, and we head out, leaving the safety net of the Airbnb behind.

The drive to the restaurant is a mix of comfortable silence and electric tension. Every so often, I steal a glance at Aubrey, her profile illuminated by the passing streetlights, and I'm struck by the realization that this—us—might just be the start of something real.

Pulling into the restaurant's parking lot, I turn off the engine but hesitate to break the bubble we've created. "You know, Aubrey, I was thinking... after dinner, maybe we could talk about—"

"Sean, let's just take this one step at a time," Aubrey cuts in, her voice gentle but firm. "Tonight's about us getting to know each other outside of the whole... parenting dynamic."

I nod, chastened but hopeful. "Fair enough. But for the record, I'm a great date—even when I'm not trying to impress you with my parenting skills."

Aubrey laughs, and the sound fills the car, easing the knots in my chest. "We'll see about that, Mr. Ice. We'll see."

Stepping into "The Charred Barrel," the go-to steakhouse in Cedar Creek, the nearest town to the ranch, Aubrey and I are greeted by the warm, inviting glow of rustic charm that makes the place a local gem. The interior, a harmonious blend of elegance and country comfort, sets the perfect backdrop.

The hostess leads us to our table, nestled in a cozy corner that promises privacy and an intimate dining experience. I slide into the booth, the gentlemanly part of me itching to take the lead and impress Aubrey with my ordering prowess.

"So, Aubrey, how do you feel about the ribeye? It's their specialty here. I was thinking we could start with the—"

Aubrey raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "Hold up, cowboy. Who says I need a man to order for me? I've been making my own culinary decisions since I could reach the microwave."

I can't help but chuckle, taken aback but thoroughly charmed by her independence. "Alright, alright. Fair point. I guess the days of men ordering for women are long gone, huh?"

She nods, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Gone the way of the dodo. But, tell me, Sean, were you really going to order for both of us without even asking what I like?"

I lean back, adopting a pose of mock defensiveness. "I was just trying to be the suave, sophisticated date. But, for the record, I'm all for your independence. In fact, it's one of the things I, uh, admire about you."

Aubrey's laughter fills the space between us, easing the last remnants of my nerves. "Well, Mr. Suave and Sophisticated, how about we compromise? We'll pick the dishes together. Deal?"

"Deal," I agree, thrilled at the prospect of navigating even this small decision together. "But just so you know, I was totally ready to be wowed by your culinary choices."

As Aubrey glides away, humor and grace in equal measure, the pang of nostalgia hits me—like rediscovering a classic hit you can't believe you forgot. Our banter, easy and electric, reminds me why I was so drawn to her at that party that now feels like another lifetime.

Then, as she steps away, presumably for a moment of peace from my irresistible charm, my gaze inadvertently catches Buck Winston making his grand entrance. Buck, with his less-than-stellar reputation and two female companions who scream 'trouble,' doesn't exactly blend into the background.

I can't help but frown as Buck eyes Aubrey with an unsettling interest, his gaze lingering far longer than decency allows. Then, with a conspiratorial whisper to his companions, he saunters off after her.

For a moment, my protective instincts flare. The idea of Buck, of all people, following Aubrey sets off all sorts of alarms. But then, I catch myself. Aubrey's not just any woman; she's sharp, capable, and more than able to handle Buck Winston or any other challenge thrown her way.

"Ah, she’s got this," I mutter to myself, settling back into my seat. The initial urge to leap up and play the hero fades, replaced by a deep-seated respect for Aubrey's strength and independence.

Besides, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that Aubrey is full of surprises. Buck might think he's the cat about to pounce, but I wouldn't be surprised if Aubrey turns out to be the lioness.

I can't suppress a chuckle at the thought, my imagination running wild with scenarios of Aubrey putting Buck in his place. "Go get 'em," I whisper under my breath, a grin spreading across my face.

As I wait for her return, the realization dawns on me that my feelings for Aubrey run deeper than I've admitted to myself.