Aurora Collins

"There's so many cameras," Charlotte whispers in awe and stares at the photographers in shock. "Don't look too closely, your face will come out weird in the pics." Daniel chimes in.

We're seated in the limo about to get out. "Alright let's go, the food table is calling my name," Seth says impatiently.

We step out and immediately I'm blinded by lights. Shit.

I keep my head down and walk forward, a while later I feel a hand slip into mine. I look up and Aaron is next to me with his head held high daring the photographers to take a picture of him.

They don't by the way.

I've had about two glasses of cherry wine and it's helped soothe my nerves.

We step in I feel much more relieved to be away from the lights and noise. There's already a lot of people here and they're eyes go to Aaron almost immediately. Then they're eyes go wide when they see me next to him.

"You've stopped my blood circulation," Aaron mutters after a little bit.

I immediately loosen my tight grip on his hand. "Sorry." I smile sheepishly.

People start to approach Aaron and tries his best to keep a conversation. Charlotte is dancing with Daniel and Seth is stuffing his face with chocolate covered strawberries in the corner.

Well, time to put my plan into action.

I sneakily let go of Aaron's hands and he looks down at me. I quickly occupy my hands with fixing my hair. "I'll be right back," I whisper in his ear and step away before he can say anything.

My eyes connect with a handsome man with blonde hair and black eyes on my way to the bathroom and I give him a little smirk.

Mhm, he'll have to do.

I touch up my makeup and sure enough, when I get out he's in front of me.

"Hello." He says in a deep voice. He's dressed in a blue suit and his hair gelled neatly.

"Hey," I say with a smile.

"My names Kevin, would you care for a dance?" He says in a thick Australian accent and holds out his hand. Fancy.

Like perfect timing, a slow song comes on.

"Well Kevin, I don't see why not," I reply and slip my hand into his.

He guides me to the dance floor and his hands snake around my waist. I wrap my hands around his neck. My eyes look behind him for Aaron and I spot him near the back talking to other gentlemen.

But his backs turned to me. Damnit.

"So are you from here?" Kevin asks moments later.

"Nope. I'm from New York." I say distractedly. He nods his head and moves slowly with my body.

"Are you looking for someone?"

"No, I prefer pizza."

"What?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry. I zoned out." I laugh and dip my head. Soon the guilt settles in. I'm using these nice men to get back at Aaron. I'm terrible. I'll just leave before he starts to get feelings.

"No worries, I like pizza too." He smiles revealing a set of straight white teeth.

"I hate pineapple though," I say and scrunch up my nose. His mouth opens in shock.

"Pineapple is amazing." He says confidently.

I chuckle at his argument and look for Aaron once again. Now he's looking at us.

Not happily if I may.

He's staring at us with a scowl on his face and he calmly sips his drink. I smile in satisfaction knowing I got to him.

I lean on closer to Kevin until my mouth is right next to his ear.

"You smell really nice."

He laughs out loud and thanks me. "I thought you were going to tell me a big secret or something."

"Nope, you smell like roses." I smile politely. But Aaron smells like a whole garden of flowers.

Stop.

"You look amazing." He says after a while and gazes down at me.

Uh oh. I don't like how he's looking at me. The way his eyes twinkle...

Is he starting to like me?

Abort. Exit the premises.

"Hey, I need to pee really badly."

"Uh..okay sure." He says and steps backs with a dreamy smile. I mouth thanks and walk away.

I'm stopped by another man who steps in my way. He's wearing a friendly face with jet black hair and grey eyes. Pretty good looking.

"Are you... Aurora Collins?" He asks with a small laugh and sparkling eyes. Not brighter than Aaron's.

"Yup that's me," I reply and my eyes connect with Aarons a few feet away. Aaron downs his drink in one sip and sets it down and strides towards me with a hard face.

"My father used to work with your father. I'm Marcus. Can I have this dance?" He asks hopefully and I don't have the heart to say no.

"It's my pleas-,"

"Apologies Marcus, she's with me." Says a deep silvery voice before gently grabbing my hand and dragging me towards the dance floor.

Aaron does not look happy.

"What are you doing? That was so rude!" I exclaim quietly and remove my hands from his grip.

Even after I do that he wraps his hands around my waist and pulls me close. I ignore the tingles I feel when his hands touched my skin. "You're my date." He says angrily.

"Yeah well, Marcus seemed nicer than you." I retort and place my hands on his shoulder.

Another slow song comes on and I mentally roll my eyes.

God, who's choosing these songs? My freaking pet fish?

"And Kevin McCarvey for god's sake? The church, goody-two-shoes?" He scoffs and I narrow my eyes.

"I was having a better time with him than I am with you right now!" I snap hotly. His eyes flash and he comes closer.

He leans down until he's near the crook of my neck and I'm able to feel his breath on my skin.

"You know you're always having a much better time with me." He whispers and I feel a shiver run down my spine.