Chapter 31 Scout’s Honor
SCOUT’S HONOR
DYLAN
It was my girl’s birthday, and like hell I’d see her smile disappear.
I knew what I was doing could be considered as mild stalking, but it was for her happiness and safety. Because that fuckface made her sad on her special day.
I had followed him to the washroom, quickly shutting myself in a stall. I stayed quiet as I heard his smug voice.
“Yeah, man.” His voice was loud enough for me to catch every word. I turned on the voice recording on my phone when he continued, “Don’t worry about it. She won’t care.”
My nose flared.
“I’m stringing her along—yeah, the one who is uptight. She’s buying me an expensive lunch on her birthday, can you believe that?”
His chuckle made my hands curl into fists. “No, no, if she’s lucky, I might even sleep with her. Hell, I don’t even have to try. I’m sure she’d come crawling if I asked her to.”
Like fucking hell she would. She’d sooner kick you in your balls than do any of that for a piece of shit like you.
I ended the voice recording. It was more than enough.
My jaw clenched. “Fucking cocky bastard,” I said under my breath, swallowing the urge to storm out and confront him head-on.
I let the conversation drag on, Justin’s laugh echoing in the small tiled room. Walking out of the stall, I lowered my cap to hide my face and washed my hands. He barely glanced at me when I turned the tap too high and splashed water on his expensive suit.
“What the fuck?” Justin yelled with surprise and rage as his perfectly tailored jacket soaked through, the water running down his trousers and forming a small puddle around his feet.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” I said, splashing more water, and before he could recover, I rushed out.
He screamed at me, but he tripped over the puddle, making my mood lighter.
I spotted Katie sitting alone at a table and walked back to my corner seat. I had been eyeing their conversation before he left, and I didn’t like that she was frowning instead of smiling on her birthday. I requested a few things from the server, and she willingly obliged.
Katie’s posture was stiff, but she seemed genuinely happy when the cheesecake and the cantaloupes were served. I smiled but ducked when the server nodded my way, Katie’s hazel eyes snapping in my direction.
Oh shoot.
Before I could walk away, she reached me with a narrowed look in her eyes.
“Oh, hi, Katie! Fancy seeing you here,” I said, my tone dripping with mock surprise.
She looked stunning in that dress. Even though I knew I had been a prick when she picked it, I liked how it hugged her waist and flowed down to her knees.
She looked elegant and graceful, making my pants feel a little tighter.
“Dylan,” she said, raising her brow. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s nice weather, and I thought I should really go…” I trailed off, seeing the look in her eyes. “I stalked you. Somewhat?”
She closed her eyes and sighed. I didn’t want to cause trouble on her special day, so I stood up and said, “You look… stunning.”
Katie opened her mouth to say something to me, but I asked her, “Can you call your colleague for me?”
“Why?” Her tone was suspicious. “Dylan, you know I’m here with—”
“Please,” I said, batting my lashes and doing my best to feign innocence. “I’ll leave once you make the call.”
“Promise?”
I nodded, raising three fingers. “Scout’s honor.”
As soon as she made the call, I took it from her and told them that Katie was taking a leave and ended it before giving it to her. She looked surprised, her eyes widening when I removed my cap.
“Let’s go,” I said with a smile, holding her hand.
Surprisingly, she didn’t argue and willingly let me drag her away, but she paused after a few steps.
“I can’t just walk up and leave,” she said, looking around the restaurant. “I have to tell him and—”
“Why not?” I demanded. “You know he’s an asshole.”
Her lips pursed, and I knew that she knew I was right. “Wait a moment!” She walked up to the bar and wrote something down on a notepad before walking up to me.
She looked more relaxed with a small smile gracing her lips. I swallowed, letting her hold my hand as we moved to the exit. As we walked away, the server gave her a knowing thumbs-up.
“Didn’t you break your promise?” She teased, and I was glad she was back to her usual self.
I nudged her shoulder and said, “I promised to leave, but I didn’t mention that I’d leave alone.”
“So you planned this beforehand?” She asked.
“Katie darling,” I said, my voice playful. “You didn’t really think I’d let you suffer through this, did you?”
“Suffer?”
I poked her arm, wishing I could kiss her, but I didn’t want to crowd her space and confuse her when she had just left her date. “You know what I mean. You didn’t look… yourself when you were with him.”
“Like I am with you?” Katie whispered, her eyes soft.
My eyes lowered to her lips as I nodded. “Yes.”
I leaned towards her instinctively, but the elevator doors dinged open. We broke apart, clearing my throat as I led her to my car. Opening the door for her, I sat in the driver’s seat and started driving.
“What did you write?” I asked, curious. I hope she wrote, ‘You suck and you probably have a small penis.’
But I very much doubted she wrote that. I was, however, confident that he did have a small penis.
“I told him that I left and—” she glanced at her phone, and I saw his caller ID, making me grimace.
But she didn’t pick up the phone, turning on the silent mode as I drove us to her home. The hum of the engine filled the space between us as we stayed quiet.
Even though it was comfortable, I couldn’t stand it and finally broke it.
“Happy birthday, Katie,” I said softly, squeezing her hand.
Her eyes met mine, her pupils dilating. I wish I could wish her on my knees with my mouth between her thighs, but this would do for now.
“Open the dashboard,” I added, a playful grin tugging at my lips.
Her fingers trembled slightly as she did, revealing a bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers. The scent of fresh flowers filled the car and she inhaled them deeply. Her eyes glimmered, and for the first time that day, her smile was genuine.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice full of warmth, making my heart pound in my chest.
I squeezed her hand in mine, my body giddy with excitement.
“I probably don’t know anything about your work… but,” I stammered, keeping my eyes fixed on the road as I cleared my throat before continuing, “I bought you a gift certificate for metal supplies and also a wheel kit.”
I didn’t hear her reply and when I glanced at her, her lips were parted and her hazel eyes were shining. “Dylan you didn’t have to... thank you for your gifts,” she whispered, squeezing my hand and making my heart stutter.
I smiled, knowing she would use her presents well.
When we arrived at her place, she surprised me by asking me to stay put when I was about to get out and open her door.
“Don’t move,” she said, plucking a single sunflower from the bouquet and tucking it behind my ear. Her fingers gently brushed my skin. “You look good like this.”
I felt my cheeks flush, heat rushing to my face.
Katie smiled and leaned in, her lips inviting.
“Wait,” I stopped her from kissing me for the first time. And also the last. “I… I need to show you something.”
She looked confused. Of course, she would. I have never stopped her from kissing me.
I stepped out of the car, opening the passenger door. “There’s more in store,” I said.
We walked toward the front door, and just before she unlocked it, I whispered, my breath hot against her ear, “It’s going to be loud.”
Her hand trembled slightly on the doorknob as she pushed the door open.
The scene inside was perfect since I had helped adorn her place with my sister and her friends. Floral decorations on every surface, pastel-colored balloons bobbing gently in the air. The soft hum of cheerful voices and laughter surrounded her.
Her eyes widened.
“Happy Birthday!” They all cheered. Her family, friends, and loved ones, with Amanda standing at the center with a proud smile.
We had planned a small surprise party for her since we knew she’d never celebrate her day so loudly. Amanda had seemed suspicious when I asked her to bring Katie home, but thankfully, among the chaos of a birthday party, I knew she wouldn’t care.
Katie stood there stunned with the bouquet of sunflowers clutched to her chest, a beaming smile spreading across her face, her eyes glassy.
My heart threatened to burst out of my chest at the sight of her beautiful face.
I hope I can make her smile like that on every one of her birthdays.