Page 30 of Players Love Hard
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After dinner, Jamie parks in front of my house. My hands shake from the nerves rocking through me. Jamie’s rich, like mega-wealthy, and here we are out front of the rowhouse in Northeast Philly where I live with my parents. The house where I grew up. I still have posters on my bedroom walls from when I was in middle school. I even have the same bedding and furniture.
I smack a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks for everything.”
He cups the side of my face in his big hand and brings my mouth to his. A soft kiss causes my heart to flutter. His touch is so delicate and sensual it causes tiny bumps to dot my skin.
“Let me walk you in,” Jamie offers.
“No,” I say against his lips. “You don’t have to do that.”
He laughs. “Why? Are you embarrassed by me?”
“No. But I have to get my brother ready for bed.”
“You mean you have to play Mage Wars with him,” he says, tipping up my chin with his finger until our eyes meet. “Who better to play with him than me?”
I stare into his eyes, unsure how to respond. “Really? You’d do that?”
“We’re not that different, Shan.”
He’s right. But no matter how much I like Jamie, it’s hard not to see the money and everything that comes with it. I’m sitting in a sports car that probably costs more than my parents’ house.
I nod in agreement, and he smiles. “If you don’t mind playing against a loud-mouthed ten-year-old, then let’s go.” I push open the door, glancing over my shoulder at Jamie. “I’m not responsible for anything my parents or brother say. And if my mom offers to show you old pictures, please say no. She likes to embarrass me in front of guests since we don’t have them often.”
He chuckles. “Oh, hell no. I’m saying yes to that. Now that you mention it, I might insist I see your baby pics.”
I roll my eyes and get out of the car. Jamie’s at my side in seconds, hooking his arm through mine to lead me up the stairs to my house. A wave of heat smacks me in the face when we step inside. It’s a welcome relief from the chill that was causing my teeth to chatter.
My dad is in the recliner in the corner. He tilts his head to the side to watch the television. Mom has her head down, eyes focused on the paperback book in her hand.
“I’m home,” I say to get their attention. When my parents glance in my direction, I point at Jamie. “This is Jamie, my boyfriend.”
My dad’s eyebrows rise in confusion, as they should. I never told my parents about Jamie. In fact, I offer little of my life outside of the mundane conversation about work and school.
“Boyfriend?”
“Yeah.” I tug on Jamie’s hand for him to follow behind me over to the recliner.
Jamie stretches out his hand to my father.
“I’m Jamie O’Connor, sir. Nice to meet you.”
“You know the game I play every night with Cameron,” I say to my dad.
“Mage… ugh, what’s it called again? The one with the swords and magic spells.”
“Mage Wars,” I finish for him with a nod. “Jamie’s dad created it.”
My dad narrows his eyes at me before refocusing his gaze on Jamie. “Is that so? Then, I guess you’re the one I should blame for frying my son’s brain.” He chuckles and then gets up from the recliner to shake Jamie’s hand again. “You need to show me how to get the Elixir of Life before you leave.”
“Dad,” I groan.
He shrugs. “You’re not here all the time with Cam. He can’t advance to the next level without it.”
“I know but?—”
“I don’t mind,” Jamie interrupts. “I have time.”
