Page 72 of The Fadeaway
“Try twenty-one,” she whispers even though we’re alone in the elevator.
We arrive to our floor and I gape as the doors open. “You’re a virgin?!”
A group of young guys enters the elevator and Gabby’s face turns crimson at their knowing smirks.
We rush out past them, but one of the guys yells out, “Happy to help later in room three fifteen.”
Gabby practically sprints down the hall. Blair and I follow, laughter echoing throughout the floor as we enter our room.
“I’m sorry,” I say when I can force the laughter back. “I just had no idea.” I wave a hand in front of her. “You’re gorgeous. I don’t know how you’ve managed to keep your V-card.”
“After the accident, I didn’t leave the house much,” she admits.
Blair takes her hand and threads their fingers together. I don’t know a lot about the car accident that left Gabby with the scars marring her beautiful face, but I get glimpses of her insecurities and I hope her moving to Valley will be good for her.
Blair’s phone beeps and she drops Gabby’s hand to pick up her phone. “The guys are getting on the bus now to head to the hotel. We’ve got about fifteen minutes to get ready.”
My stomach twists into knots. “Should I text Joel?”
“I say, you put on the sexiest outfit you packed, and we’ll wait downstairs for them. Shock attack.” Blair claps her hands. “Go get ready.”
* * *
Joel
“Wanna grab a drink at the bar?” Wes asks, looking too damn happy for him. His usual preference after an away game is to go to his room and chill with Z.
I shrug, deciding not to question his sudden interest in hanging out. “Sure, let me just drop my stuff in my room first.”
“And maybe you should shower, too.”
“Dude, what’s with you?”
He’s all smiles as he exits the bus ahead of me. I text Kitty on my way to the room.
Me: Did you see the game?
Kitty: I did. Congratulations on another win.
Me: Thanks. What are you up to tonight?
Inside the room, I drop my bag on the bed. I don’t really care if Wes has to smell me or not, but I want to hear from Kitty before I head down, so I jump in the shower while I wait for her to respond. Once I’m out and re-dressed, I still haven’t heard from her, so I pocket my phone and head down to the bar.
When I see Blair sitting next to Wes, I bristle. Why invite me to tag along? Glancing at the rest of the table, I see Gabby and Nathan are with them. And someone at the far end of the table I can’t see, hidden by Nathan’s big head. One drink and then I’m out.
My phone vibrates, and I reach for it, reading the text as I walk across the bar.
Kitty: Hanging out with you.
I start to type a response, but something pulls my attention to the table and as Nathan leans forward, I’ve got a perfect view. She fidgets nervously watching me with wide eyes. My chest aches. Actually fucking aches. She’s here. Kitty’s here.
I ignore the rest of the table, walk up to her, and pick her up enjoying the squeals of delight as she wraps her arms around my neck.
“You’re here.” I clutch her to me, start to put her back down, but instead hold her against me and crash my mouth down over hers.
I hear the guys laughing at me and I flip them off with one hand, not breaking the kiss until I’ve shown her just how glad I am she’s here.
When I finally pull back, she’s breathless and her cheeks flushed. “I guess that means you’re okay with me being here?”
