Page 74 of Tempting the Player
“I know he likes me, or is at least attracted to me, but he won’t cross the line unless I push him over it.”
She laughs louder but it’s partially drowned out by the music coming from the backyard. “Oh, Jane, what are you planning?”
I take in the living room and kitchen of the football house. A few people are hanging out inside playing video games and a group of guys is playing cards at the dining room table, but otherwise everyone seems to be outside.
I turn back to Dahlia. “Nothing. I’m not going to do anything. No matter how much I want to. I respect his decision to keep things between us purely professional.”
“Wow, you almost sounded like you meant that.”
“I do.” I shove at her shoulder lightly.
“So, all this is just for you then?” She waves a hand in front of me. Did I put a little (a lot) of extra effort into getting ready? Absolutely, I did.
“Oh, hell no, I want him to die a little inside when he sees me in this dress.”
She keeps on laughing at me as she grabs two cups from the kitchen counter, then starts to fill them with Sprite and vodka.
“But as much as I am dying to kiss him again, I don’t want to mess things up. I have no idea what I’d do without him. He makes me feel safe.”
“I’m glad.” She hands me my drink and then loops her arm through mine. “I’m sorry you’ve had such a tough semester.”
“Me too, but I don’t want to think about any of that tonight. I want to drink and dance and have fun with my girls.” Even as I say the words so confidently, my insides are a mess of emotion. Hendrick is worried about the threats escalating. I have so much faith in him, I really do, but his worry has added to mine. I want to enjoy tonight, but to completely let go and believe that he can handle anything that might happen—that’s a lot to ask of him and a lot to trust.
“Me too. Come on, let’s go find Daisy and Violet.”
Our friends aren’t difficult to spot. Neither is Hendrick. They’re all standing together in a big group. The backyard is filled with people and the music is loud.
My stomach is filled with butterflies as Dahlia and I walk toward them. Hendrick spots me first, which is really not surprising. I’d swear the man has a tracker on me with the way he always knows where I am.
His hazel eyes lock on me as he steps away from the group and toward me.
“I think he definitely died a little inside,” Dahlia whispers before letting go of my arm and stepping away.
“Hey,” Hendrick says, his stare drops to take in the black dress and strappy high heels. “Nice dress.”
“Thanks.” I do my own slow, appreciative scan of his outfit. He looks nice, as he always does, but tonight he’s casual, looking like half the other guys at this party in jeans and a plain gray T-shirt. He’s pulling it off better than any of them, though. So, so much better. “Borrow Archer’s clothes again?”
“Nope.” He grins proudly. “These are all mine.”
“Sorry I’m late.”
“Daisy warned me you don’t leave the house without trying on at least half the dresses in your closet.”
I finally look past him to my friends. The three of them are all watching us. “What else did she say?”
“Not much, don’t worry. All your secrets are still safe.”
“If I had any, I’m pretty sure you would have already figured them out.”
“True.” He opens his stance and in a high-pitched voice asks, “Ready to get crazy?”
“Was that supposed to be me? I don’t sound like that.” Okay, I probably do.
He tips his head toward my friends. “Have fun, but don’t take drinks from strangers.”
“Duh.” I stay glued to the spot. It’s safe here and I want to soak up the feeling.
His fingers find mine at my side and he brushes his thumb over them lightly. “I’ll be right here all night. As close or as far away as you want.”
