Page 132 of Tempting the Player
“Nope.” Her smile pulls wide. “Maybe this summer I’ll be designing outfits for the both of you.”
* * *
An hour later, my friend’s boyfriends have reached a level of impatience that has a symphony of vibrations and pings going off in our living room.
“I cannot believe Hendrick hasn’t texted at all,” Dahlia says. “Did he have plans tonight?”
“He’s hanging out at home, I think. I told him he could come over when we were done.”
“Well now I feel bad that we’re leaving,” Daisy says.
“Go, go,” I tell them. “I don’t mind. Really. I’ll clean up.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me next door?” Vi asks. “Text Hendrick and have him meet us there.”
“Maybe. I’ll let you know what we decide.”
After they leave and I toss the empty wine bottles and wash the glasses, I text Hendrick.
Me
Hey, chicks before dicks time has come to an end. Want to come over?
Hendrick
Already on my way.
EPILOGUE
JANE
On a sunny October day,the fall after Hendrick came into my life, he takes me to my first NFL game. The stadium is huge and beautiful. I didn’t expect it to be so beautiful. Bright colors and fun music and so many happy, smiling people.
My parents are here. I’m not surprised in the least that they absolutely adore Hendrick. They haven’t come right out and said it, but I’m certain they’re thrilled my boyfriend doubles as my bodyguard.
The girls came with us, too. Partly because who doesn’t want to watch an NFL game in a private suite? Partly because they’ve all come to love Hendrick and wanted to do this for him. But mostly because Felix is playing. After graduation, he moved to Minnesota to play and today his schedule brought him here. Dahlia is beside herself with nerves and pride.
“Are you nervous?” Daisy asks me as I hum lightly, warming up my voice.
Oh yeah, I’m also singing the national anthem today. So, when I said that Hendrick brought me here, that was only sort of true. Today I get to step onto the field that meant so much to him and sing for thousands of people.
“A little, but not as much as I expected,” I tell her honestly. I’ve performed a few times since the Spring Fling. Once with Eddie Dillon this summer on his tour (top five best moments of my life) and twice with The Letterman Jackets.
It was several months after Ted was arrested before Eric managed to get the band back together. Mackenzie was the most reluctant, but she finally caved when Eric found someone to play drums. Ashesomeone. I think somehow Ted being replaced by a girl made it easier for her. And they sound even better than before.
“You’re going to be great.” She bumps her shoulder against mine.
“Can I borrow Jane for a few minutes?” Hendrick asks, coming to stand next to us.
“She’s all yours.” Daisy grins and moves to join Vi, who’s trying to console Dahlia.
“Borrow me for what?” I ask as he takes my hand.
“I want to introduce you to a few people.”
We tour the facilities, where Hendrick introduces me to past coaches and trainers and some of his old teammates. I don’t know a ton about football so most of the players I don’t recognize, but when Hendrick shakes hands with Keegan Daughtry, I get a little starry-eyed. He shows up just as much on celebrity gossip sites as he does the sports section. He’s incredibly private about his personal life, doesn’t maintain a social media presence, and rarely does interviews. All that should make him less popular than other football players, but he’s gorgeous and amazingly talented so people clamor for every single detail they can get.
“And this is Jane.” Hendrick places a hand on my lower back. Then Keegan’s attention is focused on me, and wow.
