Page 27 of Once Upon A Player
“Sure.”
I turn to my sister, who’s standing between Will and Caleb. “Hey, Mac. You need a lift home?”
“I drove. I’m thinking I might need to take these two boys home. Look at the state of them.”
“I’ve got my own car,” Caleb growls.
“I’m getting a taxi.” Will pulls out his phone, and I laugh at their fragile egos that can’t cope with being called boys.
Outside the pub, Violet shivers, and it takes a massive amount of willpower not to wrap my arm around her and share some body heat.
Down, boy.
“That was fun,” she says as we reach the car.
“Good. Glad you enjoyed it.” I open the passenger door, and she gets inside with a smile of thanks. I straighten, take a deep breath, and walk around the car.Don’t rush it.If I ask her in tonight and she’s not ready to take this friendship to the next level, it might put her off altogether.
Jesus, Carter. What the fuck has Violet done to me? I’ve never been this indecisive when it comes to girls, not even when I was fourteen.
First time for everything.
It’s gone midnight by the time we arrive home, and Violet pulls out her keys before glancing at her car.
“Well, see you soon, maybe?” She opens her door but doesn’t get in straight away.
Asking her into my penthouse at midnight might be pushing things, but I have another ace up my sleeve.
“Are you free tomorrow night? We’re going to Hydra. Be great if you could come.”
Her face lights up as though she doesn’t have any problem being seen with me in a place as public as a top nightclub. Then she groans. “Tomorrow night? I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m working.”
“No problem.”Shit.
“The thing is, I swapped my shift from tonight to tomorrow, so I can’t really let Katie down at the last minute.”
“It’s okay. Another time.”
She bites her lip, which is way too distracting, before pulling a small square envelope out of her bag. “Happy birthday.”
I grin, can’t help myself. She got me a card. “Hey, thanks.”
I take it from her, but before I can open it she flaps her fingers at me. “No, wait until I’ve gone. I mean, um, well. Whatever. It’s up to you, but no problem if you don’t want to.”
“Was I meant to understandanyof that?”
Her shoulders relax. “No. Definitely not. Except the bit about not opening it until I’ve gone.”
Now I’m intrigued. “Okay.” And screw going at a snail’s pace. “I’ll call you next week.”
She doesn’t answer, but her smile makes me want to cross all the lines and make her mine.
Cold shower for you tonight, mate.
As soon as Violet’s taillights disappear around the corner, I rip open the envelope. Inside isn’t a card, but a single sheet of parchment, and I pull it out. In purple ink—no, wait, invioletink—she’s written a message in copperplate.
Happy Birthday!
You’re invited to a Picnic in the Park
