Page 80 of Tempting the Player
“He’s actually a really cool guy,” I say. “We have mutual friends. And he’s here with his brothers.” It’s as close to the truth as I can say.
Cam shrugs. “Looks like this place is about to be a ghost town. You wanna get out of here and come back to my place?”
I don’t know why his offer surprises me since his hand is only a few inches from my vagina, but it does.
“Back to your place? For the night?” I probably sound like an idiot, but I need him to spell it out for me.
“Well, yeah. There’s probably still a few guys up so we can drink and chill, and then you can crash with me.” His hand creeps an inch higher, making his intentions very clear.
I won’t lie, part of me wants to go for no other reason than to see this thing through and find out if Cam can make me forget about the massive crush I have on my bodyguard.
I’ve been berating myself all night about being so loose with my affection for him when he’s been very clear about what can and can’t happen between us. It’s not fair to him.
Still, I know going home with a guy I don’t know that well—not to mention one who didn’t exactly impress me on our first and only date—amidst everything going on is a dumb idea. I can’t very well ask Hendrick to tag along while I hook up with some other guy. Can I? I consider it in my drunken state.
“Are you ready to go?” Hendrick’s deep voice cuts through the night air. When I glance back at him, his gaze is hard with...jealousy? Maybe. Grumpiness at being out past his bedtime? Most likely.
“I got her, man,” Cam says as his hold on my leg tightens. “She’s coming home with me.”
If looks could kill, Cam would be a very dead man. I stand quickly and step in front of Hendrick. “Actually, I think I better call it a night. It was good to see you.”
“Don’t go. It’s still early. I can give you a ride to your place later if you want.”
Hendrick looks like he’s seconds away from busting a blood vessel in his eye. Yeah, I need to get him out of here.
“Sorry. I really should go now.” I give Cam a small wave as I step away from him.
Hendrick’s already heading for the house, leaving me to hurry after him in shoes that were not meant for rushing.
“I need to say goodbye to Dahlia,” I tell him.
He nods, his grumpiness still making his features hard and dangerous looking.
I spot Felix’s black hair and Dahlia is right next to him. I push past Hendrick to get to her.
As soon as she sees my face, her smile drops. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just tired. I hit a wall.”
Her lips curve back into a small smile. “Tonight was fun. I’m glad you came.”
“Me too.” My throat is thick with emotion. “Are you staying here tonight?”
“Yeah, I planned on it. Is that okay? You’re staying at Hendrick’s, right?”
“Right. Yeah.” How could I forget I have to go home with the guy currently glowering at me.
“Okay.” She hugs me. “Text me and let me know you made it home.”
“I will.”
She looks past me to him. “He doesn’t look very happy either. Are you sure everything is okay? Did something happen with you two?”
“Nothing happened, I promise. I just need sleep and he’s probably tired because he’s old.”
She laughs and with another hug, we finally say our goodbyes.
The street is dark and quiet as Hendrick and I walk the block from the house to get to his truck. He unlocks it and opens the passenger side door, still saying nothing.
