Page 18 of Tame the Player

I throw a hand out. “I’ll find my own way home, Jeremy.”

“Shoot,” he mutters, and I assume he’s left me be, but it isn’t long before he’s pulling his car up next to me.

“Get in.”

I keep walking. “I’ll get myself home, thank you very much.”

“Catherine, don’t be ridiculous. It’s ten miles, and it’s dark outside. Just get in and I’ll take you home.”

I look down at the stupid heels I’m wearing and I know my feet won’t make it ten miles. I huff and then walk in front of the car, open the door, and get in. “I want you to take me straight home.”

He pulls back out on the road and is driving slowly. “What happened back there? Why are you acting like this?”

I turn, staring daggers at him. “Why? Why am I acting like this?” I’m flabbergasted because he’s serious. He doesn’t have a clue. “Jeremy, I was your date tonight, and you completely ignored me. You didn’t introduce me to anyone or include me in any conversations, and then—” I huff out a breath, trying to contain myself, but it’s impossible to do. “And then your friend Clark, propositioned me.”

Finally, he shows some emotion. “Propositioned you?”

“Yes, he wanted to take me home with him. I had to stomp his foot and shove him for him to let me go.”

His hands tighten on the steering wheel. “Oh, Catherine. I wish you wouldn’t have done that.Clark is harmless, and he’s the vice president of the company.”

My mouth drops open, and I just stare at him. Is he for real right now? He has to be joking. “I’m sorry, are you telling me I should just let him hit on me?”

He pauses. “Well, no, I mean, I’m just saying….”

I hold my hand up. “Please stop talking. Just take me home, Jeremy.”

The rest of the car ride is in silence. I’m steaming mad, and I can feel myself about to lose my cool. As soon as he pulls into Holden’s driveway, I’m opening the door before he gets to a complete stop. I jog up the steps, ignoring Jeremy calling to me from his window. He thinks he wants to talk to me right now, but he doesn’t. Right now, he’d see a whole new side of me. Nope, I’m going to calm down, and then I’m going to give Jeremy a piece of my mind.

11

HOLDEN

My face hurts from smiling so hard.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed myself like I am tonight. Of course, I keep thinking about Catherine and the fact that she’s out with that Jeremy, but after meeting him, I can’t bring myself to feel threatened. He didn’t even notice how beautiful Cat looked tonight.

My brother King bunts the ball and takes off running around the bases. He slides into second, and when Cole gets him out, he gets up and limps back to us.

“King, please don’t hurt yourself,” Haven exclaims.

He groans. “I’m too old for this.”

Haven just laughs, rubbing her slightly roundedbelly. “I hope not. I’m pretty sure your son will want you to play with him.”

And just like that, King stops limping and picks Haven up with a spin. They kiss, and I have to force myself to look away. It almost feels like I’m invading on a private moment.

Dom and Gabe are trying to coach Cole on his pitching technique, and I elbow my sister. “You having fun?”

She crosses her arms over her chest. “I am. I love being here with you guys. It’s like we’re a real family.”

I put my arm around her shoulder. “We are a real family, Chrissy.”

She nods, but her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Right.” She gestures toward Cole. “He’s a good kid.”

I can’t help but agree. I haven’t been around a lot of teenage kids, but I already know Cole is special. To see the way he is with his mom and just how he carries himself tells me that he’s a great kid. “He’s the best.”

Of course, my sister the matchmaker can’t stop now. “His mom is pretty great too.”

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