Page 24 of The Drop

“See, that one could have backfired; you might have not let me come any closer” He leans forward and whispers in my ear as he says it, and I shake my head to cover the shiver of excitement that runs through me.

“I mean, any girl in her right mind wouldn’t have stopped you.” I let out an involuntary sigh, grateful we’re not face-to-face right now.

“Is that so?” I feel him let out a rough laugh.

“So next move?” I put my hand on his chest. I’m scared my question might put an end to this little game.

He leans back to look at me for a beat, then down at my lips and just as I think he’s going to close the distance between us, he moves his head and kisses me on the cheek. “I’ve never tried these with a girl like you before, Brooke.” I can feel his breath tickling my ear. “Uncharted territory for my moves.” He steps back, putting distance between us, and we both stare heatedly at each other.

“Hey!” We both jump at the interruption as Gunnar walks into the kitchen, pointing his thumb behind him “Cami is getting tired; I’m going to take her back.”

“I’m up for heading back, too.” I make a snap decision and announce, sliding off the counter and walking toward Gunnar. “You can stay.”

“Nah, I’m good. I’ll grab Cami and meet you out front,” Gunnar nods, heading back into the party.

I bite my lip and turn back towards Grant; he’s staring at me with his eyebrows turned down like he is confused. I’m confused, I feel like we are about to cross a line, and I’m not sure I’m ready.

“You should try those moves out on those girls who were watching you model.” I laugh, trying to deflect how unsure I suddenly feel, and I notice his frown deepens. “I’m sure they’d be happy to have your attention.”

“Yeah, maybe.” He pushes off the island and moves past me. “Get home safe, Brooke.” He says it coldly, and I follow behind him, but I don’t look in the direction he heads, not wanting to set myself up for disappointment.

Gunnar and Cami meet me at the door, and we walk out to the sober ride waiting for us.

“Where did you go?” Cami sighs, resting her head on my shoulder as soon as we get into the car and we head back to the apartment. “Get up to any fun?”

“No, no fun.” I sigh, already regretting telling Grant to flirt with the other girls. “Just maybe mistakes”

Cami doesn’t hear as she’s already asleep, and I lean my head on hers and close my eyes till we reach home.

Chapter Eleven

Grant

My mind is racing with questions and instant regret about not correcting Brooke about flirting with other girls tonight. I wasn’t just going to flirt with other girls to hook up after she left, but I was too confused with the moment we just had. I knew I was into her, but I thought it was just an attraction. I could just get over the friendship, but it looks like there might be something more there, and she might feel it too.

“There he is,” I hear Adam boom from behind me, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Told you he didn’t leave.”

I'm back out on the deck, leaning against the railing with my beer. I’m not in the mood to keep partying, so I moved out here to be alone when Brooke left. Sighing, I chug the last of my beer before turning around. Adam and Bear move toward me with a few guys from the team and girls in tow.

One girl starts talking to me, and I play the game for a bit, but my brain keeps drifting back to flirting with Brooke. It’s not the same and I know I’m not interested in her, but I am interested in the bottle of whisky Bear has been carrying around,and it’s getting me drunk enough to give a shit maybe not about earlier.

I reach out a hand for it again, and when he gives it to me, I take a deep pull, ignoring whatever Adam is saying to the group of us.

“You good?” Bear asks me, motioning to take it back, obviously sensing something is up.

“Yeah, just kind of over it.” I shrug, moving the bottle away and swaying slightly, I try to take another drink before Adam grabs it and gives me a look.

“Hey, rookies! Call a sober ride and escort your captain home,” he orders out to them, and they immediately listen like little minions.

“I’m good,” I growl, reaching to grab the bottle.

“You will be once you head home.” Adam throws an arm around me, moving us to the front of the house. “You’ll be pissed tomorrow if you embarrass yourself in front of the team, so go home.”

I know he’s right, but I’m not going to admit it. I push him off and stumble towards the front lawn to wait for the ride and wave the rookies off when it arrives, and I throw myself in.

The other door opens, and I turn towards it. The girl I had been talking to earlier pokes her head in. “Room for one more?” She smiles, trying to be seductive, even in my drunken state, I know I’m not into it.

“Nah, not tonight.” I know I sound like an asshole as her face drop and she slams the door, I just want to get home to bed, so I tell the driver my address and lean back, closing my eyes.

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