Page 19 of Faking the Play

“I was thinking we’d have some friends over,” I said.

“You know any time we invite ‘some friends,’ it turns into a party where we don’t know half the people,” Ethan said.

“Which means more people who’ll hear the truth about Amelia without it looking like we planned to make a big deal of it,” I reasoned.

“He has a point,” Ryan said.

I gave him a surprised look. He wasn’t exactly a social person. “I thought you’d hate this idea.”

“Oh, I do,” he agreed. “But it’s for Amelia.”

And, even if he wouldn’t say it, he’d do anything for her.

We all would.

Chapter eleven

Amelia

Iwas a little surprised when Logan sent me a text asking me to come over, since I’d just gone out with Ryan last night, but when I arrived at the apartment building, I was momentarily distracted by the vast number of people around. College students, including the majority of the football team, came in and out of the entrance, laughing and talking like they were at a party.

Because theywereat a party, I realized as soon as I opened the door and saw people in the hall too, with most of the activity taking place just outside the guys’ apartment. I almost turned around and walked out, but then I saw a friendly face and felt that familiar warmth bubbling up inside me.

“You made it!” Ethan beamed as he came down the hallway toward me. Heads turned to see who he was talking to even as he shouldered people out of the way to get to me.

I caught glimpses of surprised expressions as he picked me up in a hug and spun me around. Despite my discomfort at the situation, I couldn’t help but laugh. Ethan always had that effect on me.

“You’re having a party,” I said as Ethan set me on my feet. “That’s why you asked me over?”

He put his arm around my waist and lowered his mouth to my ear. “Trust us. It’s part of the plan.”

I scowled for a moment, but then he pinched my hip, making me squeak in surprise. I glared up at him, but it was impossible to stay mad at Ethan Blake, especially when I didn’t really want to.

“I’m so glad we finally ran into each other again,” he said, giving me a wink as he led me into the apartment. “You’ve always been such a good friend. Someone we could always count on.”

He wasn’t being overly loud, but he definitely made sure his voice carried. The fact that he sounded slightly drunk when I couldn’t smell even a hint of alcohol on him made me think that this was part of that plan he’d mentioned.

“Amelia!” Logan greeted me with a hug almost as exuberant as Ethan’s, pressing me against that hot, hard body for what felt like a moment too long for friends.

“Hey, Logan.” I hoped my smile wasn’t as stiff as it felt. “You didn’t mention you were having…people over.”

“Sorry about that.” He brushed a kiss against my cheek. “I figured you wouldn’t come if you knew.”

“There’s my girl.”

I turned toward Ryan’s voice and found myself engulfed in one of those hugs that blocked out everything else. I rested my cheek on that solid chest and just took a few seconds to breathe him in—the laundry detergent and soap scents that he shared with Ethan and Logan, but also that hint of spice that came from his own unique combination of aftershave and just him.

“I know you’re not a fan of crowds,” he said quietly as he pressed his lips to the top of my head. “But I think this is going to help.”

I nodded. If they thought having me here would make things better for me, I’d go along with it. I might not be comfortable, but I knew I was safe with them.

“Let’s get you something to drink,” he said as he stepped back from the hug, but reached down to take my hand. “Just follow our lead.”

I nodded and let him lead me to the kitchen where a pair of guys were arguing over something.

“…not the point, Otto. You’re being an ass.”

“It was a fucking compliment, Terrick. What ever happened to girls just saying thank you?”

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