Page 3 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
Henley
By the time I’ve done my hair and makeup, my mood has lifted a little. Even though I don’t care for Dakota’s fraternity events, they’re important to him, so I can muster up some effort.
I’ve got my wavy brown hair hanging over my shoulder, pinned behind my ear on one side. My black dress reaches the floor, but it features a slit that showcases my toned leg and the gorgeous pink platform heels on my feet.
Swiping shiny gloss over my lips, I study myself in the mirror. I look fucking hot.
The doorbell goes off, and I hurry to open it.
Dakota wastes no time pulling me into his arms to kiss me in a rushed greeting. When he releases me, he takes a step back and looks me over. “You look great. Good choice with the dress.”
He’s wearing a suit that is clearly a designer piece—charcoal and tailored to him perfectly. He looks pretty damn handsome himself.
Dakota usually dresses nicely. I used to think it was cute he made an effort with his appearance, but now, it’s started to feel…curated. Everything is about his image, as if every single detail has it’s own purpose. No true originality.
“Aren’t you going to check out the shoes?” These heels are shoutingfuck meand the fact that I have to draw his attention to them is frustrating.
“They look good, Henley. You look hot.” His smile is genuine, reaching his eyes.
I lean into him again, and this time, he kisses me for real. It’s not rushed or forced, just a moment of true affection. It melts away my earlier annoyance, letting the smile on my face become less forced.
“Much better,” I say as I grab my small clutch really only holding my ID and bank card. Since there isn’t room in the bag, I slip my phone into the side of my bra. “Ready.”
After years of avoiding even the idea of a relationship, too focused on scholarships and grades and good times, I can’t deny how nice it is to have someone who’s all mine.
Even if half the school is obsessed with him.
Imagine if female athletes got even a sliver of the attention men do. Instead of people looking into who we’re dating or how much money we’re making, we’d be criticized for not taking our career seriously or not being grateful for the opportunity.
Dakota walks ahead of me toward the elevator, already burying his head in his phone to text. “Sorry for the rush, babe. We need to get on the road so I can make sure the pledges show up and look presentable.”
I look down at my shoes and roll my eyes. I don’t know if it’s more annoying he’s texting two minutes into our first date night in weeks, or that we’re taking the elevator for one floor so he can do so.
“How was practice?” he asks without looking at me as he opens the passenger door to his Audi.
Once I’m buckled, I wait for him to get in the car before responding, “We didn’t have practice today. I ran on my own.”
We’ve talked about my schedule a dozen times at least. Next week, we’ll start our team workouts in preparation for the season. I’ll be limited on when I can run solo without overexerting myself.
“That’s what I meant.” He flashes me a smile before putting the car into gear. “I hope you don’t mind, but after the event, Kal and his roommates are hosting a party. We’ll have to stop by.”
I’m not surprised there’s an after-party, but I am annoyed we have to go. “Can we just make an appearance and then head out? I was kind of looking forward to being alone with you tonight.”
He looks over at me with a smirk. “Of course. I can’t wait to get that dress off you.”
Satisfied he means it, I sit back and prepare to smile and nod my way through the next few hours.
Music fills the house, accompanied by the noise of beer pong and cheers for those doing keg stands.
The event was fine. Boring, but fine. Most of these guys come from rich families and their social events feel like a corporate holiday party, the kind where you’re forced to make small talk with people you already spend too much time with.
A few of Dakota’s teammates are also in the same fraternity, and I’ve seen them around enough that it wasn’t too awkward to make conversation. Their dates seemed nice too.
Most of the time, I love a party. Tonight, though, I’m on edge, and I’m ready to not be around anyone but my boyfriend for a few hours.
If only I could find him.
He disappeared about five minutes ago, saying he had to talk to Kal and would be right back with a drink for me.
