Page 17 of Tempting the Player
“Then it’s a good thing you ran into me because I am the epitome of fun, and I’m going to make it my mission to make sure you have fun tomorrow night.”
He opens his mouth, looking like he’s about to say no, but I speak first. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
We run a few seconds in silence before he sighs and then says, “I will try to stop by.”
“Really?!” I squeal, and because I have absolutely no chill, I lunge for him and hug him around the neck. I pull back just as fast. “You won’t regret it. You are going to have the best time. I promise.”
“I said I wouldtry.” He emphasizes the last word, pinning me with a stern look. We’re stopped many blocks from my house now, but I have a fresh burst of energy. Energy I’m going to use to get my out-of-shape ass back home. I take a step toward the opposite direction we’ve been running. “I usually run the other way.”
One side of his mouth twitches with a tiny smile. “See you later, Jane.”
“See youtomorrow night,” I call over my shoulder.
* * *
Eric and the guys are warming up downstairs. The drums thump a quick rhythm that matches my heartbeat. I could barely focus all day. It’s a good thing I didn’t have any tests or major assignments due because my thoughts have revolved around the party and Hendrick since I talked to him yesterday.
He did his usual run-by at lunch, but I chose to observe instead of participate. The running outfits are cute, but I think I’ll stick to yoga. The wardrobe is just as cute, but less cardio.
The party starts in an hour, but I don’t expect Hendrick to show for a while since he said he’s going to his brother’s basketball game. If he shows at all. I need to keep reminding myself that he might not come. My expectations are already too high.
Three brothers. I can’t imagine what that had to have been like growing up. I’m an only child. Sometimes it felt like I had siblings; being on sets, a lot of us shared tutors and agents, but between seasons and shows, we didn’t really keep in touch. Hollywood is fast-paced and dog-eat-dog. Not a lot of time for friendship and fun. Which is one of the reasons I’m so determined to make sure Hendrick has a little of the latter. I know what it’s like to lose sight of fun. I’ve found it here in Valley, and I think he can too.
Dahlia knocks on my open door and then steps into my room. “Hey, Felix and I are doing a run to the liquor store. Need anything?”
I shake my head. “No. I think I’m all set.”
“Have you heard from him?” An excited smile tips up the corners of her mouth.
“No. I don’t have his number or anything. I just have to wait and see if he’ll show.” I hold up both hands, crossing my pointer and middle fingers.
“He will. I know it. Archer and Brogan are coming. I asked them at breakfast this morning. And the brother does have a basketball game, so he wasn’t lying about that.”
“I didn’t think he was lying. I’m just not sure he’s interested. I can’t get a good read on him. Most of the time he acts like he isn’t, but then there are these moments...” I trail off, thinking of the way he looked at me in the rearview mirror last night as he drove me home or the way he stood up for me with Cam. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m so desperate for a spark, I’m imagining it.”
“Not interested?” she asks, raising her voice and faking outrage. “How could that be?”
My laugh is tight and stilted.
“Hey.” Her brows tug together in concern. “Are you okay? You seem nervous or down or something. Is this about Cam? Did he make you question your awesomeness? I knew I didn’t like that guy.” She refocuses. “Hendrick would have to be an idiot not to be interested in you. And you’re too good for idiots. Like Cam.” She mutters the last part.
“Thanks, babe. And I’m fine. He apologized and I forgave him. I might even go out with him again sometime.”
Her expression still clearly shows her hostility toward him. “But tonight, I’m not thinking about Cam. He’s fun, but Hendrick...” My stomach flips as I say his name. “I just really want him to show. There is something about him. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t need to,” she says as Felix steps into the open doorway. She looks at him in a way that tells the world just how crazy she is about him. “I get it.”
“Are you ready?” Felix asks her, then he slides his gaze to me. “Hey, Hannah Montana.”
Chuckling, I wave.
“Yep.” Dahlia closes the distance between them, and he takes her hand. They’re so cute together. So happy and so into each other. I want that. Or even a night of it.
* * *
By the time ten o’clock rolls around, the house is packed. Hendrick was right, there’s no way that the entire Valley campus can fit in our house, which is why we moved the party outside.
It’s been cold all week, but no one seems to care as they huddle around with drinks in hand.
