Page 57 of Play Maker

I snorted out a laugh. “Both.”

“That’s a good sign. Emotional involvement means he’s probably not an asshole, though sometimes a girl just wants to be held down and fucked, with mutual consent of course—wait, I’m making some assumptions here, he or she?”

“He.” My cheeks flamed at the image she conjured with her rambling. So much for not thinking of Adam naked. “And he’s not an asshole, but he’s surprisingly persistent when it comes to getting what he wants.”

She bounced a little on the couch. “And he wants you?”

“Yes?” I grimaced. “We both agreed we should stick to friendship, but even with the best of intentions, we ended up in bed together.” I shook my head. “He wants to come to mom’s engagement lunch. As my date.”

Her brows drew together. “Why is this a problem? We’ve established he’s not an asshole, and you’ll definitely have more fun with someone who’ll sneak you out for a quickie.”

I frowned. “I don’t think I could handle a quickie at a formal event.”

She gave me a sly smile. “You’re telling yourself no, but if he asked, you’d totally go for it. I’m proud of you, babe. It’s about time someone revved your engine. What else?”

“I’m notsure he’ll meet Rob’s idiotic standards.”

Eva’s lips pressed together. “If your guy makes you happy, then Rob can shove his standards directly up his ass. You’re there to support Hope, not prance around like a show pony. Look, you’re not about subtleties. Show up as your bold, unapologetic self with a guy who treats your lady parts right. See where it goes with the date, and let your mom sort out her runner up fiancé.”

“What if he’s someone I’m not supposed to have feelings for?” I asked quietly.

Her expression softened into sad understanding. “It’s Mac, isn’t it?”

Panic made me freeze. I’d planned to tell her, but I should have realized she’d figure it out on her own before I’d work up the courage.

“It’s okay, Blue. He was supposed to move on, and I’m glad it’s you. I’m just sorry I didn’t see it earlier.”

“There was nothing to see earlier. This is a new development.” I winced, completely out of my element. “Am I supposed to apologize? I don’t know the societal cues for this situation, and I don’t want you to be hurt or angry.”

She laughed, but it wasn’t mean, simply amused. “No, honey. Mac and I had an ill-advised fling, which may have firebombed our friendship, but I don’t have a claim on him. At least, not with you. If one of those manipulative ball bunnies tried to mess with him, I’d ruin her.”

“I think your friendship can withstand the damage you’ve both done to it.”

“Ouch,” she said under her breath, then louder. “Well, if you’re looking for my blessing, you have it. Out of curiosity and the need to patch up the holes in my spy network, how did you guys end up together?”

“The night Mom,Rob, and Shad ambushed me with the wedding date ultimatum, I downed too much wine and walked out on dinner. Adam had the misfortune of giving me his phone number earlier in the day after we spent the afternoon together at a sorority party. I called him to pick me up in Dallas, and over late-night tacos, drunkenly convinced him to give me dating lessons.”

Eva held up a finger as she shook with silent laughter. “I’m sorry. I’m not laughing at you. This whole situation is perfect. I couldn’t have organized it better myself. Mac, being himself, agreed to help you, then he moved you in with him. You didn’t stand a chance in hell of saying no.”

“Thanks,” I said dryly.

She wasn’t wrong. Adam and I had been dancing around a relationship from the day in the sorority kitchen. I frowned. Come to think of it, most of my weak moments with Adam were in kitchens. He did have a habit of cooking without his shirt on.

Eva waggled her eyebrows, hopefully unaware I’d reverted back to thinking about Adam naked. “As much as I want to offer my own take on youreducation, it’s probably best if I don’t get involved. Mac can handle it.”

I chewed on my lower lip, debating my next question, but Eva waved her hand at me. “Go ahead and ask whatever it is.”

“Why did you hook up with Adam in the first place?”

Her mirth faded. “I was lonely. My parents were being themselves again, dragging me into their drama. After a couple of shots of tequila, I just wanted to feel good. Mac was right there, going through girls left and right, and I thought it was my turn. We could have some casual fun without any of the mess.”

I expected jealousy, but the anger on Adam’s behalf surprised me. “Adam deserves more than casual fun.”

“I agree. That’s why I broke it off and left.” She looked away, staring out over the waves for a long moment before facing me again. “You call him Adam.”

“He’s not Mac to me.” I didn’t have a better explanation than that, but Eva understood.

Her lips quirked up in a half-smile. “When things get tough, don’t give up on him.”

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