Page 56 of Tempting the Player
“Good to see you again, man,” Felix calls out as he leaves.
The air is heavy with tension once we’re alone. I sit on the edge of the bed and grab my phone off the nightstand. Hendrick is still sort of gazing about like he can’t believe he’s in my room or he’s considering murdering me for being such a terrible client.
I read his texts and clear the missed calls—all six of them, then I tap out a reply.
Me
I’m so sorry.
He glances down at the screen to read my text, then looks up at me. “It’s all right. Guess I overreacted. I’ll get out of your way.”
“Wait.” I jump up and reach for his arm. “Don’t go. I’m sorry I made you worry, but I’m glad you’re here. I wanted to talk to you.”
He looks down at where my fingers still rest on his forearm. I let my hand fall away.
“Okay. About what?” His rough voice makes goosebumps dot my arms.
“Sit,” I say as I do just that. I bring my feet up in front of me to inspect my polish.
He lowers himself to the top of the mattress like he’s ready to bolt at any second.
“I messed up my nails.” I press a thumb to the smudge to fix it, but only manage to make it worse.
When I look up, his stare is on my bare legs instead of my feet.
“How was Flynn’s game? Did they win?” I ask as I inch closer to him.
“Yeah.” The mention of his brother finally seems to soften his expression. “He scored thirty-three points, and they won by a landslide.”
“Wow. That’s a lot of points for high school, right?”
“It’s a lot for any level,” he says.
“Violet’s boyfriend, Gavin, plays basketball at Valley, so I’ve seen a few college games. What grade is Flynn?”
“He’s a sophomore this year.” Hendrick’s body relaxes further.
“Is he going to play basketball or baseball in college?”
“I don’t know. He hasn’t said much about it since I’ve been home. He hasn’t said much of anything, really. He’s the quiet one.”
“There’s always one,” I say and cross my legs so I can move even closer.
Hendrick’s body tenses slightly as my knees brush against his thigh. “What’d you want to talk about?”
I lay my hands in my lap. “I was really pissed when I found out you were my bodyguard. Not just because you’d lied, but because I thought we had a connection and then it felt like it’d all been in my head.”
“It wasn’t in your head,” he says hoarsely.
“I know.”
His head lifts like he’s surprised by my answer.
“I felt it again this week. The texting and then talking today. Every time you touch me or look at me like you’re doing now. I’ve had other security details and it’s never been like this. There’s something about you. Something about us.”
“Jane,” he starts. The apologetic and tortured swirl of emotion in his eyes pushes me to interrupt before he can let me down easy again. Being rejected, even when it’s polite, still hurts like a bitch.
“I know. I know. You can’t protect me if you’re distracted, and sleeping with me would be distracting. You were absolutely right about that.” I give him a flirty smile. “I didn’t ask you here for that.”
