Chapter 8

The fundraiser went smoother than any other year I've attended. Unfathomable amounts of money were donated this evening, and I'm still in shock. There was enough money donated to fund every single Little League in both the United States and Canada for the next year. Any kid wanting to participate in hockey will have the opportunity and money won't be an issue.

My heart warms at the thought of less fortunate children having the opportunity to play one of the most expensive sports free of cost. I can't even imagine the weight it'll take off the parent's shoulders when they find out they won't be paying a single penny for this season.

The success of the event put me in an unusually good mood, so I volunteered to clean up the banquet room at the end of the night. Ace was supposed to be my ride home, but I wanted to stay and he was dead set on getting home to study for one of his big tests. When he tried to convince me to leave with him, I told him I'd find a ride using one of my ride-share apps.

As I clear the last of the plates from the round tables I pull my phone out of a pocket sewn into my dress, then put in a request for a ride, but it's immediately clear no one is out driving tonight. Taking a glance outside, I realize just how hard it's beginning to snow. The white powder is heavy as it clings to the ground, coating everything in a thick blanket. It's coming down so hard I can't see more than a few feet out the window, and it's well into the darkness of night.

Sighing, I slide my phone back into my pocket and cross the room to set a stack of dishes next to the woman elbow-deep in hot soapy water.

"That's the last of it," I smile as I wipe my hands on a wet dish towel. "Is there anything else I can help with before I head out of here?"

Amy, the woman in charge of the volunteers looks up at me from across the room. "If you could take the trash out to the parking lot on your way out, I would appreciate it."

"Of course," I nod. "Thanks for letting me stick around and help out."

She laughs before saying, "I should be the one thanking you. Several of our volunteers called out at the last minute and I thought we'd be here all night. You worked efficiently enough to make up for at least three of my regular helpers."

"It's my pleasure," I laugh gently, my cheeks blushing from her praise. "Have a good night."

She waves me off as I pull the last trash bag from the pile that had been sitting beside the door. The bag is heavy as I grip it, pulling it off the ground. I'm pretty sure people threw away full drinks and didn't bother emptying them out beforehand. The snow blasts my face as I open the double doors and step outside. A shiver runs down my spine, raising the hair on the back of my neck, but I brush it off as being nothing more than a chill after doing a quick scan of the parking lot. I can't see much. There are only three cars left.

Amy's, her assistant's, and a car I don't recognize.

I wonder who else would be here this late?

Shaking my head, I assume someone had too much to drink and left their car. Snowflakes land on my long lashes as I stalk across the parking lot with the heavy bag. The trash barely clears the side of the dumpster as I heave it over, but it makes it.

My phone vibrates and I pull it from my pocket once more, checking to see if anyone has accepted my ride request, but there's radio silence on the app. No one is out driving in this storm. They'd have to be out of their minds to risk driving strangers around in exchange for mediocre tips. My phone dies just as I'm about to switch over to a different ride-share app.

Fuck.

Wrapping my arms around myself, I begin walking home. I can't ask Amy or her assistant to drive me. They live on the opposite side of town and I overheard them both talking about what little gas they have left in their cars and how terrified they are to drive in the snow. They don't get paid for several more days and they can't afford to put more gas in their cars until then.

It's only ten blocks away. I can do it in ten minutes, give or take a few depending on how slippery it gets. When I chose these heels I wasn't imagining my night would end like this.

Streetlights guide me as much as they can, but it isn't much. The snow is coming down even harder than when I first stepped outside. It's cold, but the snow is more wet than anything. It's drenching my gown, making each stride harder than the last. Stray strands of hair slap against my face as they blow in the wind.

I don't make it more than a hundred yards before I hear a car approaching me from behind. I can barely see it, but I recognize it as the car from the parking lot. The darkly tinted window slides down and a familiar face comes into focus.

It's the guy from the bar. I noticed him at the banquet tonight, but there was a girl hanging all over him. She rubbed her hands along his forearm as he placed bids on numerous items donated to the auction. My jaw dropped every time he raised his card, alerting the auctioneer of his bid. He spent hundreds of thousands of dollars tonight.

He's smiling at me as he says, "Can I give you a ride?"

I laugh as I hold my arms against my cold, wet body. "You already walked me home, and now you want to drive me in the worst storm of the year?"

His smile fades slightly. "If I wouldn't let you walk home alone on a beautiful night, what makes you think I'd allow you to risk your life in a snowstorm? It's getting worse and we both know you shouldn't be walking, especially by yourself."

My walking slows, and I turn to face him. I'd be stupid to not take him up on his offer. "Can that car make it in this snow?"

He doesn't hesitate. "Yes, now please get in the car. I don't want to drag you in here, but I will if I have to."

My eyes widen at the thought of him physically forcing me into his car, but I'm almost excited by it. "What's your name?" I ask.

"Duke," he beams. "Duke Lexington." There's a playful charm to his voice, like he's proud of the name he bears.

"Aspen," I say in return. I take a step forward, then whisper, "Fuck it," as I get into his fancy matte black Lexus 300. The rich leather aroma hits my nose immediately as I duck inside, seeking safety from the storm. It's immaculate. Not a speck of dust anywhere, and here I am, dripping water and snow all over the black interior.

I sigh, closing my eyes as I lean my head into the headrest and allow myself to breathe. The leather mixes with his sandalwood and citrus scent. The concoction is intoxicating as I inhale it, euphoric almost.

"All set?" he asks, an eyebrow raised as he watches me through whiskey-brown eyes.

"Yes," I nod. "My phone died. I don't normally walk home alone like this. You've caught me twice now, so I'm sure it looks like I'm a loner, but I've just been put in unfortunate situations this week."

"Is it unfortunate I found you tonight?" He almost sounds hurt by my choice of words, so I correct myself.

"No. That's not what I meant at all. I just meant I've had a weird week, that's all. It's nothing you've done."

He's quiet for a moment, then says, "Good. Charge your phone." He points toward a wireless charging station installed in the center console.

"Thank you," I smile as I set my phone down in the center of the charger, making sure it's charging before moving my hand away. I feel tension in the air as my fingertips linger between us, but then visions of his brunette girlfriend jog my memory. "Do you remember where I live?"

He glances over at me and I watch the street lights shine across his face as the car moves down the road. "Of course."

Curiosity gets the best of me, and I can't help myself. "You didn't mention you had a girlfriend the other night. She's very pretty."

Clearing his throat, he's serious as he speaks. "She isn't my girlfriend."

I let out a laugh. "She's not? That's not what it looked like when you had her hanging off your arm while you funded half the Little League by yourself."

"You noticed?" his lips curve into a smirk. "I was almost getting the impression you didn't recognize me."

"Of course, I recognized you," I let out a soft giggle. "I mean, I thought it was you. I didn't even know your name and we've only met once." Shaking my head, I realize he's trying to change the subject. "What's her name?"

He's quiet again. "Olivia." His knuckles shift from a tan shade to white as he grips the steering wheel. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Who is she then? The two of you looked pretty cozy at the fundraiser."

I shouldn't care. I shouldn't even be asking because it's really none of my business, but I find myself feeling jealous. I've been thinking about him nonstop ever since he left my house. It hurts to find out he avoided one major detail: her.

My phone buzzes as it comes to life in the center console, catching both of our attention. I grab it, then read the texts popping up on the screen.

Ashley

Power is out. No heat and no hot water. Don't come home if you don't have to.

I groan, letting my hand fall into my lap with my phone.

"What's wrong?" he asks, his voice curious.

"My roommate texted me. The power is out at my place." Rubbing my hands through my wet and tangled hair, I feel disappointed knowing I won't get a hot shower or central heat to warm me back up when I get home.

Duke hits his brakes, then turns the steering wheel, making the car drift. We're facing the opposite direction before I can even say anything. "I'm taking you to my place. You're too cold to go somewhere without heat."

"I'll be fine," I argue, glancing back in the direction of my house. "I don't think Olivia would like another woman staying at your place." Her name rolls off my tongue with bitterness.

"Fuck Olivia," Duke spits. "You're coming home with me."

"No, I'm not," I laugh. "I am not about to start a feud between you and some girl I've never met. She made it clear to everyone in the room that you are hers, and no one else's. I'm not getting involved in that."

A low, frustrated growl escapes from his throat. "It's all fake. We aren't dating and it's all for show. Her dad is the coach for the team I play on, and I keep my captain's seat because he thinks we're together. She has a high profile appearance across social media and it makes both of us look good to be together. We benefit from the world thinking we're a couple, but the truth is I can't stand the thought of actually being with her. Have you looked at her? Fake tits, fake eyelashes, fake everything. I want something real, and she isn't it." The word vomit flows from his mouth as he falls over his words. "You are coming back with me and we're going to get you warmed up. You aren't getting involved in anything by spending one night at my place. I'd like to do this for you."

My lips part as my jaw drops. He's admitting a secret far darker than any I've ever kept, and he's trusting me with this information. Is it all for show? For social media likes, a career push, and clout?

We're both silent as we sit, processing the information he dumped on me. I almost feel like an idiot for not picking up on it, but how could I? I barely know the guy. He walked me home once.

"What happens if someone sees us going to your place together and reports back to Olivia? Or posts it online? What if word spreads that you're cheating on the coach's daughter with the rival's little sister? Then what?"

"It won't happen," he shakes his head. "My penthouse is discreet and no one will see us. I'll make sure of it."

He's driving faster than I'd dare to drive in the storm and he's getting farther and farther away from my little house.

It's like he can hear my thoughts, and he knows I'm actually contemplating going back with him. "I have a fireplace," he says as he reaches toward my side of the car, gripping my ice-cold fingers in his rough, but warm hand. Instinctually, I go to pull away, but he's holding me firmly. "Please," he pleads.

"I don't need you to do anything for me," I correct him, but I don't pull away.

His voice is soft. "I know you don't, but I want to. It's just one night, and nothing needs to happen."

"Okay," I give in. "One night, and you'll take me home in the morning when the power comes back on."

He's smiling from ear to ear. "Deal."