Page 51 of The Tip-Off
“Suns would be cool. I bet the guys would love having you close so they could come watch games and stuff.”
“You wouldn’t think it was cool?”
“Sure.”
He laughs. “Thought you’d be more pumped at the idea you’d be close enough to rope me into more shenanigans.”
“You underestimate my abilities. I can find a way to do that no matter how far away you are.”
“I have no doubt.” I know he’s smiling as he says it and I feel a little pang of sadness that he’s going to leave in a few weeks and I probably won’t see him again. He’ll be in the NBA and I’ll be just a normal college kid trying to find my way. “Speaking of shenanigans, I was wondering if you’re free Thursday?”
“I work during the day. What’s up?”
He clears his throat. “Every year the Valley athletic department does an award ceremony for student-athletes. It’s a bit stuffy, suit and tie and the awards themselves last a few hours and can get pretty boring...”
“Wow, you’re really selling this.”
“Butthere’s free food and booze and everyone will be there. Wes is bringing Blair, Mario and Vanessa, Joel and Katrina. Do you want to be my date?”
My stomach does a happy flip. “Sounds fun. I’m in.”
“Cool. It starts at seven. Wes and I have to be there a little early to help with some setup stuff, but it shouldn’t take too long. Pick you up at six?”
“It’s a date,” I sing-song.
“Yep, it’s a date.”
24
Gabby
Thursday night findsme in my room trying on every dress I own. Blair assured me that any dress would do, that the only people who get super dressed up are the athletes that are accepting or handing out awards, but I’m not dressing for the student-athletes of Valley, I’m dressing for Zeke.
At five minutes until six, I go back to the first dress I tried on, a deep red one-shoulder gown that’s long and hugs my body from top to bottom. It’s classy because it covers so much skin, but sexy because of the way it accentuates my curves. I opt for black heeled sandals and leave my hair down and in its usual big wave style that hides the left side of my face. I keep my makeup simple and skip the jewelry. I’m hoping forholy shit, but in ashe doesn’t even look like she triedsort of way. Or in Zeke’s case, I’m going forlet’s bang right fucking meow.
At the top of the hour, he knocks. Right on time.
“It’s open,” I call and shove all my necessities from my purse into a little handbag for the night.
I look up when I hear the door open and prepare to tell him I just need two minutes, but the sight of Zeke takes my breath away.
“Wow, Gabby, you look… wow.”
“Right back at you.” I abandon my purse and walk toward him. He’s wearing the hell out of a black tuxedo, complete with a bow tie. I do a circle around him, taking in every inch. Good God. “In fact. I think we should just skip this award thingy.”
“Wes and Blair are waiting in the car.”
“Damn them,” I tease as I cross the room to get my clutch.
On our way out the door, he places a hand at my back. The touch sends goosebumps racing over my skin and I inhale sharply. He must hear my reaction because he mutters an apology and moves his hand.
The awards are held inside the field house. A platform covers one side of the gym floor, chairs set up in tidy rows facing it. Zeke and Wes lead us to the opposite side, where a bar and cocktail tables are set up. We’re among the first people here, but even so, the eye candy is incredible.
“It’s like Vanity Fair meets Sports Illustrated up in here.” I unapologetically gawk at a tall, blonde girl with tan skin and an athletic build. I’m guessing tennis or maybe volleyball.
“Back in a bit,” Wes says and drops a kiss to Blair’s mouth.
I’m still taking in the number of hot jocks in my proximity that I almost forget Zeke is next to me. Also, I’m a liar.
