Page 95 of Thunderstruck
Assistant.At least he’s not on a date, though I still feel like I interrupted something so my reply comes out squeaky. “Good! We won, so that’s good.”
“Great! And how are you doing?”
Derek Riley is asking after my wellbeing.“Good,” I chirp. And since that sounds dumb, I tell him about what the guys did with their made-up injuries. The longer I talk, the easier it gets, and I almost sound normal by the end. “They totally made my night.”
He hums. He was quiet while I recounted the second half of the game, and it still takes him a while to say anything. “I think,” he says slowly, “Cole had the right idea. From what I’m seeing online, a lot of people are questioning that lastHot Scooparticle.”
Relief rushes through me. “Really?”
“Don’t freak out, but there are a whole bunch of pictures of you circulating around.”
“Please tell me they’re good pictures.”
“It’s you with the Thunder, and all of the guys are looking at you like you’re their best friend.”
That’s good, right? That sounds good. “Okay, but what if it’s the same situation as that airport photo? I swear I barely talked to any of those guys, but everyone thinks I was—”
“All the commentary is looking pretty good, Carissa. You can relax.” Derek’s words are warm and comforting, for which I am grateful. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s anotherHot Scooparticle tomorrow, butthey’d be stupid to keep trying to tear you down when you have a whole team behind you. Ah.”
I frown at that last surprised word, gripping my phone tighter. “What?”
“Janie just sent me another picture of you, and now I’m thinking you didn’t call me to talk about you. OrHot Scoopfor that matter.”
What sort of picture could tell him all that? He’s right, but still… “What picture?”
“I just texted it to you.”
I look down as the text comes in, a smile cracking through my nerves when I see a photo of me held in Cole’s arms. Our heads are pressed together and my eyes are closed, my lips up in a smile. But it’s Cole’s expression that has me riveted. He looks entirely at peace wrapped around me, smiling gently and completely relaxed.
“That’s a man I’ve never seen before,” Derek says. “You’ve obviously done something to him.”
“Is that good or bad?”
“Why did you call me?”
I take a deep breath, hoping this conversation was a good idea. “Because I think he’s willing to try a relationship, but something is still holding him back from committing. And I’m terrified he’s going to break my heart if I give it to him.” Is this the kind of conversation I should be having with a guy’s best friend? I don’t know. But I’m pretty sure Cole doesn’t trust anyone as much as he trusts Derek, except maybe his dad and Gramps, and I am so scared that this little life I’m building for myself is going to fall apart and leave me drifting again.
“He told you about his family curse, right?” Derek asks.
“Yeah. Do you think it’s real?”
“Logically, no. But I believe Cole believes in it, and a conviction like his is enough to give something power. Curse or not, if he’s worried he’s going to lose you, then he will.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I breathe, sinking lower in my seat. “Are we doomed?”
“Not according to that picture I sent you.”
Sighing, I lift my feet up onto the seat in front of me, scrunching myself up. “So I know you’re all famous and stuff and I have no right to ask you anything, but will you tell me what to do? You seem like the kind of guy who knows what to do in every situation.”
He laughs, and once again I wonder how the whole world isn’t in love with this man. Well, they probably are, now that I think about it. I’ve never seen a tabloid say anything bad about Derek Riley, like he has some kind of superpower of likability. “I’m glad you have a high opinion of me, Carissa, but I’m sure Cole will be the first one to tell you that I’m not that smart. Though…”
I roll my eyes at his thoughtful tone. “Do you know what to do in this situation?” I ask in a deadpan.
“Maybe. I think we need to get Cole to go to Sage’s wedding.”
Of all the things I thought he might say, it wasn’t that. “Just to clarify, I’m asking you to convince Cole to dateme. In a permanent sort of way.”
He laughs again. “I’m aware. And the more I know you, Carissa, the more I think you’re perfect for Cole.”
