Page 67 of Fake Dates and Home Plates
Because he makes me feel the same way.
As we walk through the front door of an unfamiliar house, it’s clear the party has started without us.
“Barlowe,” Ezra calls, tossing back a shot at the counter. “Thought maybe your girlfriend chained you to her bed.”
Not a bad idea, honestly. I look up at Theo, and the heat in his eyes tells me he’s having the same thought.
“Come on, Henley. There are three shots waiting for you at the bar and a coffee table that wants to be your dance floor,” one of the guys shouts.
I’m not sure who he is, but it’s clear my reputation is well known here.
Despite the chill game night we had with his teammates in the fall, this is a full on party. The music is loud, there are peoplemaking out on the couch, and I can spot a table for beer pong in the kitchen.
For the first time, I find myself feeling hesitant at a party. It’s been a long time since I let go, having spent most of the school year focused on running or hanging out with Theo.
I grab at Theo’s hand, a little nervous. “I can drive us home later if you want to celebrate with your teammates.”
He shakes his head. “You hate to drive. Either we both let go and have a little fun tonight, or I can be your bodyguard.”
Reaching up on my tiptoes, I give him a peck on the lips. “What makes you think I need a bodyguard? Worried about me?”
Theo’s kisses me, deeply and a little inappropriately, considering the audience. Whoops and whistles fill the air.
“I’m always worried about you, Henley. I really don’t plan on drinking much tonight, but we can use a rideshare app if we need to. Why don’t you just have some fun?” He wraps an arm around my shoulder and leads me to the makeshift bar.
Ezra hands me a shot. “Hope you like tequila.”
I do.
I tend to make the best decisions while drinking it. And by the best, I mean the worst.
Thankfully, the liquid has been chilled, and someone even cut up limes and set a salt shaker out.
With Theo’s hand on my shoulder, I lean my head in and lick it before pouring salt on it. Then, I grab a lime and tell him, “Bite.”
The peel is between his teeth, ready for me.
There’s a round of cheers, and I tap my cup against Ezra’s. Then, I lick the salt from Theo’s hand before throwing back the shot. As soon as I’ve swallowed, I’m reaching up to take the lime from Theo’s mouth, biting down.
He’s grinning at me. “Even if you throw up on my shoes tonight, that moment makes it absolutely worth it.”
Theo grabs us both a beer, and we make our way through the party. He never leaves my side, introducing me to everyone he knows.
Arms wrap around me from behind, and I freeze.
Sunny squeals in my ear, “I’m so glad you’re here! Come be my beer pong partner.”
She drags me away without waiting for an answer, but I manage to grab Theo’s hand so he’s forced to follow. It’s clear she’s already pretty tipsy, and since I haven’t had any alcohol in months, I’m also feeling the effects from just the one beer and tequila shot.
Sunny crosses her arms, looking at the table, “My turn!”
Grumbles have me laughing. Clearly, it was not Sunny’s turn at all, but I’m guessing her brother’s teammates aren’t willing to argue with her.
Except for one.
“Sunny, you can’t just kick everyone off the table because you want to play.” His voice sounds like he's forcing the annoyance.
She scoffs. “Pretty sure I just did, Lukas.”
