Page 90 of Playmaker

He looked over the room. “If we were friends.”

Every hair on my body stood up when he said that. It wasn’t just the words. More than what he said was how he’d said it—the tone. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it. Back in high school, a teacher had offered me help on a test, if we were “friends.” I knew what kind of friends he meant. Sure, back then I’d had a reputation, one I’d earned, but I’d only bartered sex for affection. Not for grades. This wasn’t a real offer, obviously. Pierce thought I was stupid enough to sleep with him and hope that got me a recommendation. “Being friendly is definitely going to get me a legitimate job offer.” My voice was flat.

The fucker grinned at me. “I’ve got a room upstairs—we could work out the details. See which brother can better help your future. Even if you’re not interested in making partner, we could have some fun together. Helen just gave Whit her room key, so he’s going to be busy.”

I’d been watching Cooper too. But I’d seen him return the plastic card. I had no idea if Pierce had, but he thought I’d sleep with him because I was upset Cooper might sleep with someone else. Like I’d want to strike back at Cooper by fucking his brother.

Maybe that was the tactic he’d used on Cooper’s high school girlfriend.

Pierce put his hand on my thigh. High on my thigh. I picked it up and dropped it back on his own leg. “Find a way to fuck with Cooper without using me.”

I stood up and left.

* * *

I was almostat the reception entrance, ready to catch my own cab, when Cooper caught up to me.

“I saw Pierce corner you, and then you left. Are you okay?”

Somehow, despite happening often enough, those propositions never failed to upset me. Make me think somehow I’d asked for the advance, even though logically I knew I hadn’t.

“He said he could help me make partner and invited me to his room upstairs.”

Cooper swore long and proficiently. “That’s it. I’ve had it. Let’s get out of here.”

“Don’t you need to stay till the end? You’re one of the groomsmen.”

“I don’t fucking care.”

“Whittaker!”

His father stalked out of the ballroom, his mother following as usual. Behind them, Pierce smirked as if he’d accomplished something. Maybe this was what he’d wanted.

“We’re leaving,” Cooper said flatly.

“No, you are not. You have obligations to this family, and you will fulfill them before you take off with your?—”

“Be very careful how you finish that sentence, Father, because I’m better with my fists than either you or Pierce.”

His father drew himself up. “You’ve embarrassed this family sufficiently. You will apologize.”

Cooper shook his head. Pierce’s mouth fell open.

“I have no obligation to be insulted for choosing my own career, one where I’m valued and wealthier than any of you. I don’t have to be reprimanded for prioritizing people based on something other than their social standing and wealth. And I definitely don’t need to apologize for removing my date from an event where she has to deal with sleazy propositions from my jealous brother.”

“Whittaker Zane Cooper. That is more than enough. We’ll discuss this later, including your accusation, but you will do as you’re asked right now.”

“I’ve done that for the last time. Come on, Callie.”

He gripped my elbow in his large hand, steering me away from his family. I expected some yelling, but no, not these people. Cooper walked us out without a look back, but his hand was vibrating with tension as we left.

* * *

We werequiet on the way back to the hotel. We were in a cab, since this was expected to be a drinking occasion, and I didn’t want to say anything publicly. Was he okay? Had he broken with his family, or was this part of their dynamic? If Cooper wanted to brush them off, it was probably good for him.

Back in the room, I removed my sandals with a sigh of relief. I was used to flats at work, and I had no intention of wearing heels regularly.

“Tired?” Cooper asked.

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