Chapter 5 Aiden's Choice

Carol’s POV My jaw drops. What? I replay that section of the interview over and over again. Aiden has very clearly stated he’ll only go public with his fated mate.And now… it seems like he’s talking about me. A human. Feeling too dumbstruck to keep rewatching the same portion, I let the interview continue. The interviewer excitedly asks a few more questions. She asks if he’s finally found his fated mate, and quickly follows up by asking what werewolf pack they belong to. To my relief, Aiden politely declines to answer. The interview comes to a close and I drop my phone on the desk. Why did he do that? I wonder, awestruck. I don’t even know how to respond to Fiona. I leave my phone on the table and bury my head in my hands. I have no idea how I’m going to be able to collect myself for my meeting with Aiden. I nervously review my notes and pray for time to magically stop. My wishes do me no good. Before I know it, I find myself in the meeting room. Zack and I sit on the same side of the conference table. I play with my skirt nervously and try not to think about who will be sitting in the unoccupied chair within minutes. Zack notices my anxiety and smirks. “Nervous, huh?” He mocks. “I’m not surprised. Better start writing your resignation now.” I don’t bother to respond. In comparison to everything else I’m facing, Zack seems insignificant. The tense silence in the room is broken by the sound of the door swinging open. Zack and I both stand as Aiden steps into view. Seeing the video of him on my phone had already made my heart flutter, but seeing him in person is on a whole other level. As soon as he enters the room, Aiden’s eyes lock with mine yet again. I see surprise cross his face. The expression morphs into something more complicated. He starts to approach me, but Zack intercepts him with a handshake. “Aiden Cruz! What an honor to finally meet you,” he gushes. “I’m a huge fan of yours. I’ve loved you since day one! Here, take my business card!” He pushes his business card into Aiden’s hands. Aiden smiles politely. “Thank you,” he says, and breaks the handshake. Aiden’s gaze moves back to me. Before Aiden can speak, Zack cuts in again. “It would take someone who knows how you play to know how you live,” Zack declares. “That’s why you’re in the right place to get hooked up with the perfect property. Isn’t that right, Carol?” Zack offers me an innocent smile, but I see the malice in his eyes. He’s pretending to include me while really trying to humiliate me. I fight down the flush of embarrassment. I could lie, of course — after researching Aiden all morning, I certainly know a thing or two. Despite that, I know I’m going to tell him the truth. “I don’t know much about hockey,” I admit. “Regardless, I will do everything I can to help you find what you’re looking for.” Swallowing my nervousness, I step closer to Aiden and hold out my business card. He has a strange smile on his face. “Thank you, Carol,” he says softly. The sound of his voice saying my name again makes me shiver. We move back to our respective seats. Zack immediately launches into his full proposal. “I’ve found the perfect places for you,” he says confidently. He pulls a few reference photos out of his folder. Each photo depicts an expensive home, each more lavish than the last. After some flashy pitches, he reaches the last property on his list. “And this one is my very favorite,” he declares. He slides Aiden a photo of a huge apartment. “This is a spacious penthouse located on the west side of town. It’s in the very heart of the city, just a short walk from where you’ll be practicing hockey.” He taps the photo with his pointer finger. “It’s got an amazing view and a number of guest bedrooms… Not that your guests will want to sleep anywhere other than in the master bedroom with you.” I frown at Zack’s words. The implication of attracting women with the stylish penthouse was obvious. I know that would appeal to many celebrity athletes, but it didn’t feel right for Aiden. There were a few images of his previous house in the file I got from Daniel. His home was fairly minimalistic. The basement, which would have made a perfect game room, had been remodeled to house a private gym and a large swimming pool. Zack appears to be finished with his pitch judging by the way he crosses his arms and smirks. Aiden offers another smile, although this one doesn’t reach his eyes. “The choices are very nice,” he says. Zack leans back in his chair, clearly satisfied with his performance. He looks at me with a mocking expression. The unspoken message is clear: ‘You don’t stand a chance.’ I swallow hard and look down at my folder. I also had some relatively similar properties to Zack. There were plenty of lavish houses in the city, and most celebrity athletes would certainly love any of them. Despite that, I hesitate. I find myself flipping past the more extravagant locations, and my attention is drawn toward the more understated houses. I pull out a selection of photos and look up. “I understand that your life keeps you very busy,” I say. “As a celebrity in the public eye, you’re constantly put under pressure by the public. The houses I have selected will allow you an escape.” Aiden’s eyebrows raise. I take this as a good sign, and I continue. The houses are smaller than the ones Zack had proposed, although certainly still sizable. Instead of focusing on lavish interiors, my selections are much more understated and beautiful. Most importantly, I highlight the amenities of each house. I make sure to point out that each property I have chosen is equipped with an extensive personal gym and a swimming pool. I can feel myself becoming more and more certain the more I speak on each house. Finally, I close my presentation. “If these houses aren’t to your tastes, I have other similar options ready,” I say. “I am committed to making sure you have the house that will truly feel like your home.” Aiden hasn’t spoken a word or even moved since I began presenting. I can feel Zack staring at me, most likely with a mocking look on his face. All of the anxiety I feel melts away as I watch a smile spread across Aiden’s face. I can tell that it’s genuine this time. Aiden gets to his feet. “Thank you both for your recommendations,” he says, “but I have made my decision.” He turns toward me. “I trust your choices, Carol. I would love to tour your selections with you.” I feel a rush of joy so powerful I can’t suppress my smile. I hear Zack spluttering in disbelief beside me. Before I can speak, Zack pushes out his chair and jumps to his feet. “Fine,” he spits, “I see how it is.” He turns and stalks toward the door like a kicked dog. As he reaches the door, he turns back with a vindictive look on his face. “Congratulations, Carol,” he says sarcastically. “You always have such a way with the men in our field.” I roll my eyes, but I don’t bother responding. He isn’t worth getting into an argument over, especially after such a success. As he starts to close the door behind him, I feel Aiden’s hand tighten around mine. “Come back here,” Aiden orders.