Page 160 of A Little Crush
He’s not far off, though it’s not like my nausea has anything to do with him. Not really. I blame the smothering ambiance and the pit of despair churning in my gut. If tonight doesn’t go how I desperately need it to, I’ll lose my shit.
Digging my fingernails into my palms, I try to focus on the man in front of me. “Do you…do you know who I need to talk to if I want to place a bet? I know it’s one of the Harden brothers, but?—”
He grabs my arm and tugs me to the side of the room. “Jesus, new girl. Ever heard of keeping your voice down?”
Keep my voice down? Is this guy serious? I mean, I get it. Or at least, I would if we were walking around campus or something. It’s not like what the Harden boys are doing isn’t shady at best, but under their own roof? Who’s going to overhear me? The boogeyman?
I try to smooth out my features, attempting to hide my annoyance at Conspiracy Man’s sharpness before saying, “Sorry. I, uh, I’ve never done this before, and I heard…”
“Ford. He’s the guy who can help you out.”
“Ford?”
The stranger shifts his gaze to his left, and I follow it, finding a Harden boy, in the flesh, across the giant family room. Ford. Got it. Light brown hair, a wide smile with straight, white teeth, and light green eyes. Yup. He’s definitely a Harden boy, and from what I’ve heard, he’s also the nicest of the bunch.
Maybe this won’t be so impossible after all.
“Ford,” I repeat under my breath. Turning back to Mr. Conspiracy, I add, “Thanks.”
“No problem.”
A gaggle of girls surrounds the youngest Harden brother, though I’m not surprised. I can almost feel his charisma from here. Forcing my legs to move, I step around another pretty brunette and paste on a smile, waiting to be addressed as if I’m in line to meet a famous person. Then again, Ford Harden is famous. He’s like royalty, along with the rest of his brothers, so I guess I’m not too far off-base. And here I am, about to ask him for a favor. A big favor.
Yeah, this is totally going to blow up in my face.
If he sees me, he doesn’t show it. Nope. He’s zeroed in on a gorgeous blonde with curves for miles. Honestly, I’m a little impressed. Not by the girl’s curves––okay, I’m impressed with those too––but with how easily Ford ignores everyone else in the room. Pretty sure he’s hoping to get laid, and by the look on the girl’s face, I’m going to bet he has nothing to worry about. If only that was the wager I was here to make. She looks like she’s on cloud nine just by being in the same vicinity with this guy. If the situation were any different, I’d turn on my heel and leave them to it. Problem is, I’m not here to mingle. I’m here to get my money back, and the only way I can do that is to interrupt the flirt-fest unfolding in front of me.
Perfect.
I clear my throat as he goes in for the kill, about to kiss her in the middle of this very crowded room. If he hears me, he doesn’t show it. Seriously, this guy is the king of ignoring me. He kisses her deeply, playing tonsil hockey as he snakes his arm around her waist.
Okay, now this is just awkward.
I clear my throat a little louder, but hestilldoesn’t acknowledge me.
“Excuse me!” I call out.
He lifts his hand, flipping me off without bothering to tear his mouth from hers.
I repeat,perfect.
Come on, Violet.
“I hate to interrupt, but I’d like to discuss a bet?”
With a groan, he lifts his head from the girl but doesn’t bother looking me in the eye as he tucks his conquest’s hair behind her ear. “I’m not taking any more bets tonight?—”
“I know, but?—”
“Find me later.”
“You don’t understand,” I push.
He drops his hand to his side and sighs. “Duty calls,” he tells his makeout buddy. “Give me two seconds.”
Her bottom lip juts out, but she doesn’t bother arguing as Ford rolls his head toward me. “All right, you win. What do you want?”
“There was a, uh…” I gulp, surprised by how difficult it is to hold the man’s gaze now that he’s finally gracing me with his attention. Seriously, are the man’s eyes made of emeralds? They’re so bright, they’re practically glowing. I look at his chin instead.Focus.“There was a problem with a bet?”
