Page 79 of A Little Tempting

Giving them privacy, I clear my throat and turn to Griffin and Everett, surprised to find Reeves missing. I mean, I guess I knew there was a possibility he wouldn’t be here, but a tiny piece of me hoped I’d see him.

Not. Your. Date.

Shoving aside the thoughts about how good Reeves would probably look in a suit, I take in my brother and his best friend.

Damn. Even I can agree they look like a couple of models in their fitted suits. Well, if Everett didn’t have the face of a father changing a dirty diaper. His nose is scrunched, and he looks like he took a shot of lemon juice as he stares at Finley and Drew on the couch.

Hoping to distract him, I stride his way and grab his wrist, shaking him playfully. “Hey, Ev.”

He tears his attention from the couch and looks at me, his eyes softening. “Hey, Dylan.” Hesitation clogs his throat, and he steps back, his attention flicking over me quickly. “You look…”

“Don’t finish your sentence,” I beg. Memories of my millionth conversation with Finley about Cinderfella’s true identity swirl in my brain like a bad song, especially after my kiss with Reeves a few nights ago. And it’s weird. Not knowing what I want anymore. Who I want. If I even have a say in the matter. I tuck my wavy hair behind my ear, drag it over my bare shoulder, and turn to Griffin. “Hey, big brother.”

“Hey, baby sister,” he returns. “I like your dress.”

“Thanks.” I smooth out the silky fabric, then reach for the lapel of his suit and tug softly. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Where’s your date?”

“We’re picking her up on the way.”

“Did you convince Reeves to stalk her social media before asking her?” I quip.

“Yeah, until it bit me in the ass.” He grins shamelessly. “Big surprise. She failed.”

“Of course she did.”

“Yet, you passed with flying colors,” Griff reminds me.

“It’s a modern-day miracle.” I glance around both of them, unable to help myself or my stupid curiosity, as I search for the devil himself.

“Reeves is meeting us at the dance,” Griffin adds, reading my mind.

“Oh.” I nod. “Great. Did he find a date?”

“He’s probably going with a client,” Everett interjects.

Casting his friend a warning, Griffin clears his throat and tugs at his pressed white button-up sleeve from beneath his black suit. “I don’t think he asked anyone else. But my date’s waiting, so we should get going.”

“Totally agree.” Finley jumps to her feet and tugs Drew with her. “Besides, we need to make time for pictures with everyone, so hustle up, guys. Let’s go get Griffin’s date.”

A limo is waiting for us outside. And after we all climb in, we’re off.

* * *

We’re late.Or at least later than everyone expected. Finley had us stop at a pretty photo spot—her words, not mine—and made us pose for a solid twenty minutes until Everett pitched a fit, saying he was done taking pictures. Now, here we are.

I’ve never been to a college dance. Actually, I’ve only been to one dance. Period. And it was pretty freaking miserable. I practically face-planted at the entrance, spilled punch all over my date, and ended the night with an awkward handshake without any intention of ever facing the guy again. Yeah, it was a real treat.

At least I’m here with Everett. He might be bossy and controlling, but he’s known me for so long I don’t feeluncomfortable around him. Hell, I’m almost excited. None of the guys have ever been to a college dance. And even now, when I know they’re all inwardly moaning and groaning about attending tonight’s shindig when they’d rather be hosting a Game Night at their place, it’s kind of cute seeing them put on a brave face all so Maverick can make Ophelia’s dreams come true and right the wrongs from his past.

Actually, it’s really cute.

And their dates? Well, who wouldn’t want to get all dressed up and be on the arm of one of LAU’s finest bachelors? It didn’t hurt ticket sales for the dance when word started getting around that most of LAU’s hockey team would be attending, and damn. I don’t know how busy these dances usually are, but this? This is kind of crazy.

Whoever planned Homecoming picked an excellent location. It’s an old library, reminding me of the one inBeauty and the Beast. With his hand on my lower back, Everett guides me toward the entrance. Ahead of us is a massive stone building with heavy oak doors propped open and a long, thick maroon rug laid out, leading to a large open corridor. It reminds me of a castle or something. Dark and rich oak accents. Marble floors. Crazy high ceilings. Chandeliers hung overhead. The warm, almost cozy light gives me hope I won’t wind up with a headache by midnight in spite of the thumping music, and my shoulders relax as I take it all in.

“Yo, Reeves!” Maverick calls from the front of the group.

My heart jumps as I search the open space despite my best effort to appear unaffected by a guy whoisn’tmy date. But I can’t help it. The last time I had any one-on-one time with Reeves was in his room when he kissed me. I can’t believe he kissed me. Even so, it didn’t necessarily mean anything. He was proving a point, and boy, did he ever prove it. Chemistry is…chemistry, and with Reeves? I felt it in spades. The problem is, it’s his literal job to make a girl feel special, and here I go, falling for it after one freaking kiss. At least with the masked guy from the party, I knew it wasn’t his job to make girls feel seen and appreciated. Reeves? Well, it’s messing with my head.

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