Page 5 of A Whole New Trick

While I find his request odd, I don’t detect malicious intent behind it. I believe he really wants to mess with his teammate, but I don’t want to be involved.

“I’m not interested in being the butt of a joke.”

His smile falters. “My bad. I didn’t mean to make you feel awkward.”

I believe him.

“It’s fine.” I scan my surroundings for a glimpse of Lacy, but I don’t see her. I debate if I should try to search for my social friend or if I should just stay put.

“I just wanted to see a little life in Dane, is all,” Cam continues, looking genuinely remorseful to have made me uncomfortable.

His words pique my curiosity. “What do you mean?”

He shrugs. “Dane has had a tough go of it lately. I dragged him out to force him to have some fun, and you’re the first girl he showed interest in tonight.”

For a moment, I’m flattered. Then I register the words,the first girl.

Dane is a star athlete and hot. He won’t have an issue finding a woman if he chooses.

But why can’t that be you?

Because I’m not interested in reforming assholes. Not anymore.

I don’t know for sure if Dane is an asshole but past experience, unfortunately, has me assuming that’s the case until I’m proven wrong.

I lift a brow. “How would making him jealous help him through a tough time?”

“I don’t know.” A sheepish look crosses Cam’s features. “It was just a thought. It seemed like a good idea at the time. Forget I said anything.”

I observe Cam’s demeanor and analyze his remorseful expression. I’m reminded of a night not that many months ago when I dragged Carlee out on a double date.

Ike was one of the good guys I met on my recent stint on a dating app. He had a friend, Henry, who was looking for a nice girl to date. Knowing Carlee was hung up on Corey, though she denied it, I asked her to join me on the date.

Imayhave also encouraged Carlee to post a photo of us while on the date, knowing her nosy brother would likely see and share news of the date with Corey. But things worked out better than I had hoped.

When Corey and Carter crashed the double date, I knew Carlee and Corey were inevitable. They both just needed time to figure that out themselves. So while I don’t understand Cam’s thought process, I do understand the motivation to help out a friend through somewhat underhanded means.

That’s the only reason I can think of that explains the next words that come out of my mouth. “Okay, I’m game.”

His mouth falls open. “What?”

“Let’s do it.” I shrug. “If you think it’ll help, let’s make Dane jealous.” Though, I’m not convinced Dane will be jealous. It’s not like we spoke to each other and had an amazing connection.

Though, hedidcheck me out pretty hard…

Cam blinks. “You sure?”

I nod. “Yup.”

His features color with embarrassment, giving him an almost boyish appearance. He inches closer and bends down to once again whisper in my ear. “I’m not sure it will take much. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you since he started talking to his friend.”

He hasn’t?

I bite my bottom lip and shove down the flattery trying to billow in my chest. “Should we dance?”

His hand moves to rest against my hip, a respectful distance from my ass. “I don’t think that’s necessary.” Amusement laces his tone.

I tilt my head back to see his expression and see him glance at something over my shoulder. “What do you mean?”

---