Page 5 of Playing for Keeps
“Why did you escape the party?” She asked with a short rotation to face me.
“I had to make a call, kinda hard to do that with people in the background yelling,” I answered. “What about yourself?”
“Oh, I had to make a call as well.” I tilted my head at her answer until she smiled playfully. “No, honestly, I just wanted to get out of the noise. Parties aren’t my thing.”
“Me neither. I only came because my brother pretty much demanded it.”
“Same.” She spoke. “Though not a brother, friend.” She quickly added.
“Close friend?” I asked, though it wasn’t the question I wanted to.
“Best yeah, known one another a long time. Live together. Work together even. You might say we are best friends.”
“Yeah, I got a few of those,” I added. “So where do you and this best friend work?”
“The Hail Mary.” She answered.
“Damn, I haven’t been there in a while.” Though that might have to change now, I thought.
As the night continued, we both offered little things about each other, but never more than perhaps you’d freely provide on a first date. Something about her was intriguing, which kept my full attention on her. Hannah had a laugh that captivated me, her smile shone brighter than the lamp we used, and the way she spoke pulled me in, making me want to keep the conversation going no matter what the topic. I had forgotten about the party just below our feet. My brother, whom I was sure had found some star-struck woman to fawn over him. I didn’t check my watch or worry about getting home; I just fell into the time we shared.
“Are you cold?” I asked, noticing the slight shiver she made.
“Just a little, I’m fine.” Nodding my head with her answer, I stood, making my way just inside the house, snatching up the blanket draped over a chair. With a quick movement, I returned to her, swinging the throw around her shoulders and arms, securing it closed in front of her as I kneeled before her. She looked into my eyes; her lips curled into a soft, grateful smile, a spark igniting between us.
“Oh, hey.” My attention lifted to Maximus as he walked out with his arm around his wife. Clearing my throat, I stood,giving my teammate a quick palm pat. “Sorry, man, didn’t know anyone was up here.” He continued.
“No worries, feel free to join us if you want.” I offered, and yet I couldn’t help but hope he turned down the invitation.
“And who is this?” His wife asked with a cheerful voice.
“Shit, sorry. This is Hannah.” Turning, I motioned to her. “Hannah, this is my friend Maximus and his wife, Lola.”
“Nice to meet you, Hannah.” Lola quickly said, looking from her to me with this expression of humor. Lola was a lovely girl but had always been a little strange, I thought.
“Hannah…” Maximus repeated her name with a pause as his wife slapped his stomach, my brows furrowing in confusion. “Nice to meet you.” He grinned. “We’ll leave you both to it.” He added, taking his attention from Hannah and giving me a wink before they left.
With a confused chuckle, I made my way back to her side. “Sorry about that, they typically aren’t that strange.” I paused. “Well, he isn’t.” I teased.
“Not a worry at all.”
DING
She quickly took her hands out of the blanket, pulling out her cell phone with a sigh as she read the screen. “Everything okay?” I asked.
“Yeah.” She replied, her fingers swiping along the keyboard before she laid the device on her lap and turned toward me. “Just, the friend that dragged me here decided to leave with some guy she met.”
“And she was your ride?” I asked. I hadn’t thought of the night ending until that moment.
“Well, no, I have my car, it’s just…” she paused. “I probably should go as well, to be honest. I mean, it’s late.” There it was, I thought.
“May I walk you to your car?” I asked, she smiled in reply.
Walking through the party, I scanned each room for my brother but knew he wouldn’t be there; Easton never stayed at these parties until the end. Giving a nod to Austin as we passed, I hurried and opened the door for Hannah, walking behind her down the long drive. With each step we took from the house, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The way her hair blew in the breeze, the scent of her perfume, hit me harder than someone from an opposing team. A few hours with this woman and she had me spellbound. I’d never felt that before. I wanted to brush it off, Lord knows I didn’t need the distraction, and yet I couldn’t stop myself from enjoying the evening until it ended.
“Just hope she’s being safe,” her voice breaking through my thoughts on her. “I mean, I should have prepared for her to leave with someone; she always does.” She continued as we arrived at her car.
“Why’s that?” I asked, anything to prolong the conversation.
