Page 24 of Scoring the Player
“Quitting while you’re ahead. Smart.” Brogan smiles at us. “Nice to meet you, Dahlia. Have fun, you two.”
I let Dahlia go ahead of me and flip Brogan off as I follow her. We stop by the keg, where I get another beer, then we run into some more of my teammates and guys I know from classes and partying together. I introduce Dahlia and everyone is great to her, but I can feel her closing off more with each second.
I thought we’d moved past her being shy around me, but I guess that was wishful thinking. I ask her a little about herself, her designs, even freaking Eddie Dillon, and she answers succinctly but doesn’t provide any more details than necessary to answer the questions. I’m running out of ideas and this is officially going to end as the worst date ever. Or, fuck, Brogan’s in my head. Worst non-date ever.
“Are you okay?” I ask, as I lead her to a quieter spot on the far side of the yard.
“I’m sorry. I know I’m ruining this night. I’m just so nervous. I heard two girls whispering about Felix’s new girlfriend. Everyone thinks we’re together. I’m so sorry. Rumors spread fast at a party.”
“You’re not ruining anything.” I give in and touch her again, taking her hand and linking our fingers. “And you don’t need to be nervous or sorry. Let them think we’re together. Who cares?”
“If only it were that easy.”
“It’s been hours and no one has said anything about the video.”
“Except your ex-girlfriend.” She meets my gaze.
I guess that answers the question about whether she knew Bethany was my ex.
“Bethany’s bullshit is about me. Don’t pay her any attention. That’s what she wants. She’s sleeping with my teammate and trying to make me jealous.”
“She wants you back,” Dahlia says.
“No. Well, yes, but not because she really wants to be with me. She wants a reaction because it makes her feel like she still has control over me. That’s all she wants. To feel like she has the upper hand.” I gave into her drama too many times and now I’m paying the price.
“I’m sorry.”
“Thank you, but you don’t need to apologize for her bullshit.”
“I can still be sorry. That must suck.”
I smile at her. “I’m not ever going down that road again, so it doesn’t matter what she says or does. Don’t let her get to you.”
“She’s pretty.”
I follow Dahlia’s gaze across the yard to where Bethany is dancing with Armstrong. Sure, she’s pretty, but she uses it like a weapon.
“So are you.”
One side of her lips pulls higher than the other when she smiles. “You’re a terrible flirt.”
“I’m a great flirt.” I move closer and rest a hand on her hip.
“You know what I meant.”
The air between us is charged and maybe I’ve figured out how to make her more comfortable. Hint: it’s with my fingers and mouth.
Keeping one hand at her hip, I bring the other up to her face and push back her hair, so I can see more of her.
“Felix,” she whispers.
“Mhmm.” I trail my fingers along her cheek.
“I’m not going to have sex with you.”
“Not tonight, I know.” I step closer, eliminating some of the space between us. “But we can do other things.”
Her neck is so long and delicate and she smells so freaking good. I dip my head to press a soft kiss to her skin. She stills, but tips her head slightly, giving me better access.
