Page 28 of Sneaking Around with the Player
Me: Show me.
A minute later, she does. I rub at my chest. She’s gorgeous, of course, but it’s more than that. We’ve talked a little less during break because we’re both busy hanging out with family, and I’vemissed her. She’s become such a big part of my life in the past month and I want more. It’s an unfamiliar feeling.
Me: You look killer in red. Don’t change.
Stella: You don’t even want to see the other options?
“Do I want to see the other options?” I mutter under my breath with a rough chuckle.
Me: Is that really a question?
Me: Of course I want to see the other options, but this is the one.
What follows is a series of sexy selfies that has blood rushing south, which is probably the reason I start for the door.
“Hey, Ricci.” Lonnie drapes an arm around my shoulders as I get close. “Meet my new BFF, Toby Malcolm.”
I lift my chin. “Hey, man. I remember you.”
“Same. I hear you’re still playing. Colorado?” he asks.
“Yeah. And you’re going to ASU with this clown?” I tilt my head toward Lonnie.
“I’m too drunk to fight you right now, Ricci, but I’ll get you this weekend.”
“You’re going to Show Low, too?” Toby asks.
“Actually, I’m not sure.”
Lonnie drops his arm and stares at me, confusion marring his brow, but then a smile slowly lifts the corners of his mouth. “I feel you, Ricci. Hey, you call if you want some backup with Walters.”
I laugh. “I think I better do this one on my own, but I appreciate it.”
I hold out my hand and he takes it. “If you change your mind, you know where to find us.”
Outside in my car, I pull up the ski resort address on my phone. Three hours to get there. Maybe less, if I hurry.
Stella
The resort’s holiday party is everything I hoped. From the over-the-top decorations to the band set up in the corner playing Christmas music, to Holly and Teddy making eyes at one another. It’s been such a great week. We’ve skied, snowboarded, had an ugly Christmas sweater party, baked cookies, and so much more.
We leave tomorrow and I’m actually disappointed. Although excited about being closer to Beau.
“I’m so happy for you.” I lean closer to Holly and whisper the words.
My twin blushes and then shoots another dreamy glance in the direction of her favorite football player. Earlier this week, Felix had to go to Scottsdale to check in on the house and me and Lucas went with him, leaving Holly and Teddy all alone. It took some convincing, though. Holly worried she’d say or do something embarrassing, but I gave her an epic pep talk and she finally agreed to hang back with Teddy for the day.
Then it snowed...a lot. We couldn’t come back until the next day and, though it wasn’t exactly how I envisioned it, leaving them alone did the trick. Holly finally made a move. Hallelujah.
They haven’t told Felix yet, which is why they’re shooting covert glances at one another and not making out on the spot.
My cell buzzes in my hand. I know, I know. I should put it away, but this whole fun, ritzy, slightly romantic, holiday party, combined with seeing my sister so happy, has me all up in my feelings. I wish Beau were here. I almost broke down and saw him while I was in Scottsdale, but he was busy with his dad and then...I don’t know, I got nervous.
Beau: How’s the party?
Me: It’s fun. What are you up to tonight?
“Put that away,” Holly nudges me. “You’re missing this and it’s incredible.”
