Step 6: Begin Training
The next morning Hannah pulled up outside Cody’s massive house and beeped the horn. After five minutes of waiting she grew impatient, turned her car off and stormed up the stone steps.
“If he thinks he can blow me off he has another thing coming,” Hannah muttered to herself. She pushed the pewter doorbell and listened to the pleasant chiming resonate through the house.
Cody lived in an impressive three-story New England style house. Everything was stone, white or covered with weathered cedar shakes. It was colossal compared to Hannah’s modest two-story just up the road. Her family wasn’t poor by normal standards, but compared to Cody’s family and the rest of the Goldens, she was a pauper.
Hannah stepped back to look up at the windows, wondering which one was Cody’s. She let out a low appreciative whistle taking in the beauty of his home up close. Hannah could admire the architecture, but she would never understand the need for such a huge home. From all the media coverage after his DUI, Hannah knew Cody didn’t have any siblings and he lived in this home with only his father, Thomas Matthews, a corporate attorney for a ritzy hotel chain. According to the newspaper, Cody’s mother, Tabitha, divorced after some family scandal and remarried when he was only six. She moved to New York with her new husband and had two children, whom Cody never met. The reporter’s angle was that Cody had abandonment issues that led to his reckless ways.
All of the stories surrounding Cody’s arrest whirled through Hannah’s near photographic mind as she gazed at the palatial house. She shook her head. It didn’t matter how regal the home looked, Cody would never escape his reputation in this town.
Hannah was about to press the doorbell again when she heard the locks tumbling. The door creaked open slightly and a short, thin man in a gray suit peered out at her. Not Mr. Matthews. Hannah knew his face from the news. Maybe a butler? Did people really have those?
“May I help you, miss?”
“Um, yes. I’m here to pick up Cody for school.”
The man looked perplexed as he glanced at his watch. “It’s 5 am.”
“Yes, well I have tennis practice before school, so this is what time I leave.”
The man blinked and opened the door wider. He made a sweeping gesture with his arm, ushering her inside. Hannah tried not to gawk at the lavish interior of Cody’s home but the magnificent winding staircase and massive chandeliers dazzled her. When she realized her mouth hung open in awe she quickly snapped it shut and turned back to face the sharply dressed man.
“Cody and I made arrangements to ride to and from school together for the rest of the school year.”
“Oh. I apologize, but Master Cody doesn’t usually inform me of his plans. I’m afraid he may still be asleep. Would you like to me to wake him?”
Hannah sighed. “That’s okay. I can do it myself. Can you point me to his room?”
The man’s nervous eyes grew larger, but he nodded and led the way up the winding stairs. Hannah passed several maids dressed in pale gray uniforms, dusting or polishing the obscene amount of ornamental knickknacks. Hannah noticed how sterile the house felt as she followed the butler down the echoing marble hallways. Nearly everything in Cody’s home was white. It reminded Hannah of an empty hospital. How could anyone feel comfortable here?
The butler’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Master Cody’s room is the last on the left,” he said giving a curt bow before retreating back down the hall.
Strange. Hannah thought the butler would have at least walked her to the door. With how formal everything was it seemed like he should have announced her or something. What if Cody wasn’t even home? Would she just be left to wander the house and show herself out?
Hannah checked her watch. 5:05. Not good. She was behind schedule. She would be late for tennis practice at this rate. Frustration drove her to march forward and knock on Cody’s door.
No response.
“Jerk,” she muttered to herself. It was day one and he was already pissing her off. But Hannah didn’t get to where she was by giving up easily. She twisted the knob and barged into Cody’s room.
It was pitch black inside with the curtains drawn and she tripped over piles of things that littered the floor. She heard soft snoring from the bed and muttered expletives under her breath as she made her way to the curtains.
“Rise and shine,” she called loudly as she flung them open letting the watery pre-dawn light filter into the room.
“What the—” Cody hissed, bolting upright in his massive bed.
“Good morning to you too.”
Cody rubbed his eyes like he couldn’t believe them. “Hannah?”
“You overslept and now we’re behind schedule. Grab your things and let’s go.”
“What time is it?” he grumbled.
“Time to go to school! We have a deal, remember? It starts today.”
“I remember,” he muttered.
Cody pulled the covers back revealing his toned body, his finer assets barely covered by his bright orange boxer briefs. They were the first splash of color in the house and Hannah’s eyes shot straight for his healthy bulge.
Blush burnt her cheeks and she turned away so quickly she tripped over the pile of clothes on the floor and fell flat on her ass.
Cody’s soft chuckling only made her cheeks hotter. He was standing over her offering his hand to help her up. She refused it and got to her feet herself. “Put some clothes on, please” she barked.
“Jesus, Hannah. I’m wearing underwear. Calm down.”
“We’re late,” she steamed, ignoring his comments.
“Fine. Give me five minutes.”
Cody disappeared into the adjoining bathroom suite and shut the door. She heard the toilet flush and then the shower turn on. She looked for somewhere to sit down, but just about every square inch of Cody’s room was covered in clothes. How could someone with so many maids have such a disastrous room? Hannah decided the bed seemed the safest place to wait. She smoothed the comforter and perched on the edge. A minute later the shower squeaked off and Cody emerged from the bathroom, glistening with only a towel wrapped low around his waist. Hannah averted her eyes and stood up abruptly. Mistake. Cody must’ve been walking toward her when she looked down because she smacked straight into his wet chest. She gasped as his arms wrapped around her to steady her.
“Shit, did you chug a pot of coffee before you got here or something? Why are you so jumpy?”
“I’m not jumpy. I’m just not used to being accosted by half dressed men.”
Cody snorted. “Wow, you’ve never seen a naked guy before, have you?”
“I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” she shot back crossing her arms and taking a step back from him.
“You haven’t! Hannah, this is the shit I’m talking about. You’re never going to survive Harrison’s ball if you react like this every time you see a half naked guy.”
“There’s going to be naked guys there?”
“Hannah, what do you think goes on at Harrison’s parties?”
“I don’t know . . . dancing?”
Another snort. “This isn’t Pretty in Pink.”
“What?”
“Let me guess, you’ve never seen Pretty in Pink?”
“No. But it’s your job to teach me how to fit in. I’m sure if I just practice—”
“You can’t practice having a life, Hannah.”
That comment hurt more than she cared to admit. She squared her shoulders and walked to the door. “Get dressed, Cody. I’ll be in the car. And hurry up, because we apparently have a lot of work to do.”
7
The drive to school was tense. Neither Hannah nor Cody spoke until they arrived at Stanton. Hannah pulled through the gate and passed the student parking lot.
“Where are we going?” Cody asked.
“Sports Annex.”
Cody cocked an eyebrow at her.
“I have tennis practice.”
�
�At 5:30 in the morning?”
“No, at 5:00 in the morning. You made me late. So to make up for it you’re going to return my serves.”
“This wasn’t part of our deal.”
“Our deal was you ride to and from school with me and tell me everything I need to know. Since all you’ve done this morning is flash me, insult me and make me late for practice, I think you’re going to return my serves to make it up to me.”
Cody let out an exasperated sigh, but followed Hannah from the athletic lot to the tennis complex.
“Where is everyone?” he asked when he scanned the empty courts.
Hannah was already stretching. “What do you mean?”
“The rest of the tennis team?”
Hannah laughed. “You’re looking at the tennis team.”
“You come out here all by yourself to practice?”
“Yes.”
“Where’s your coach?”
“You don’t know much about my tennis record, do you?”
Cody shrugged.
“I haven’t been coached since I was twelve. I’m ranked number one in the state.”
Cody smirked. “Of course you are.”
“You don’t believe me?” she asked, offended.
“No, I believe you. You’re number one at everything you do, aren’t you? Little Miss Perfect.”
“I’m not perfect.”
“No, I’m pretty sure you’re perfect compared to me,” Cody muttered.
“True. I don’t have a DUI and I’ve never been to rehab,” Hannah retorted while stretching out her hamstrings. She was busy pondering the other things she’d never done when she heard the metal door to the courts slam shut. She looked up just in time to see the back of Cody’s green army jacket as he stalked to the parking lot.
Hannah was on her feet in no time, sprinting after him. She caught up to him quickly and grabbed his shoulder.
“Hey! Where are you going? We’re not done.”
“Oh we’re done, Hannah. I’m not doing this. Take your stupid key and leave me alone,” Cody yelled angrily pulling a skeleton key from his pocket and jamming it in Hannah’s hand.
“Why are you so angry?” Hannah asked in shock.
“Because. You just waltzed into my life yesterday and took over. You think you have me pegged? Some rich fuck up, right? Everyone else has exploited me, so why not you? I’ve got news for you, Hannah, you don’t know me. And I don’t owe you anything,” Cody shouted before stalking away.
“Well you obviously don’t know me either if you think for one second that I won’t turn in your real test scores,” Hannah shouted after him.
Cody halted. His back stiffened and he marched back to Hannah. “I didn’t ask for your pity,” he hissed. “You decided I wasn’t worth your precious time and passed me all on your own.”
“That’s not why I did it. And besides, who do you think the administration will believe?”
“Why is this so fucking important to you?”
“Because you’re right, okay? I’ve spent my whole life trying to be perfect and I’m terrified that it’s cost me a life! I only have a few weeks left to make the high school memories that I thought weren’t important! I’m sorry I had to blackmail you but I don’t even have a single friend here. I don’t know anyone who will help me,” she whispered.
Cody scrubbed his large hands over his face and sighed. “Well that’s the first real thing you’ve said to me, so we’ll call it progress.”
“So you’ll help me?”
“Yes. But on three conditions. You have to be truthful with me, do what I say without question, and we work quickly. I have things I need to do, too.”
“Deal!”
8
Cody shook his head as he watched Hannah walk back to the courts, her tight little skirt hugging her ass as she marched ahead of him. Shit. This girl was going to be trouble and he didn’t need anymore of that in his life.
He pretended not to watch Hannah stretch, but it was impossible. Her body was effortlessly fit, no doubt from years of tennis. Her long legs went on for miles, strong and nimble. She bent to touch her toes and Cody took a steadying breath. Down boy. This one’s not for you. But no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t deny his attraction to her. Hannah was hot. But there could never be anything between them. Good girls like Hannah Stark didn’t date world-class losers like Cody. Plus even if he thought he had a chance in hell with her, she’d never take him seriously. The best he could hope for was to have a little fun. If he just played along he could get through this. Then he’d graduate and leave this place full of ghosts behind.
Done stretching, Hannah unlocked the utility room attached to the courts and grabbed a spare racket for Cody and a bucket of balls.
“Here,” she said handing him the racket. “This one should do. Do you know how to play?”
“I’ve seen it on TV. Doesn’t look too hard.”
It was Hannah’s time to arch an eyebrow. “I’ll go easy on you. Just try and return my serves.”
“Don’t go easy. I play basketball. I think I can handle a little tennis ball.”
“You used to play basketball,” she reminded him.
“Lesson number one. Don’t correct people when they’re wrong.”
“But—”
“Rule number two. Don’t ask questions.”
Hannah sighed. “So you’re telling me that people like to be wrong?”
“No, people want to be right. But more importantly they don’t want to be called out when they’re wrong. Especially the Goldens.”
Hannah nodded.
“Let’s make this interesting,” Cody smirked. “You serve and for every ball I return you answer a question.”
“Why do—”
“Rule number two!”
Hannah sighed. “Don’t ask questions.”
“That’s right. Besides. I need to get to know you to figure out what I’m dealing with. Unless you’re afraid I’ll tarnish your perfect record, tennis pro.”
“You’re on.” A coy smile danced across Hannah’s lips as she stretched her arm high and released a powerful serve at Cody’s head.
“Shit!” Cody dove out of the way. “You know we’re on the same team, right?”
Hannah laughed. “How about you get to ask a question even if you don’t return my serve?”
“Just serve. I’ll be ready this time.”
“Suit yourself.”
Hannah reached up again and slammed another ball Cody’s way. He barely managed to dodge it and stay on his feet. She knew he was nowhere near returning any of her serves today. “At this rate you’re not going to get to ask any questions.”
“Fine. Why are you so good at tennis? Is it your passion?”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “No. My dad taught me to play when I was five. He said it would help my mental focus.”
“And does it?”
“Yes. It’s taught me precision, focus, boundaries, dedication, strategy, how to spot an opponent’s weakness and deconstruct them. Like you, you’re weak on your left,” she said before slamming another serve to his left side.
“That doesn’t sound like any fun at all.”
“Isn’t basketball the same?”
Cody laughed. “God no. I love basketball. It’s like poetry and music, and when your teammates are all playing in sync, it’s like magic.”
“That’s an unrealistic description. Basketball is a sport. Not poetry or music. And there’s no such thing as magic.”
Cody groaned. “How is it possible that you’re good at everything except having a normal conversation?”
“My communication skills are more than adequate.”
“That’s what I mean. No one talks like that, Hannah. The Goldens sure as hell don’t.”
“Okay. Then teach me how they talk.”
“One step at a time. I’m trying to find out where to start with you.”
“Fine. Next question.”
“Have you really
never seen a naked guy before?”
“Why does that matter?”
“Rules one and two,” Cody quipped narrowly missing the tennis ball he swung for.
Hannah rolled her eyes and sighed. “Fine. No I’ve never seen a naked guy. No guy has ever seen me naked. I’ve never had a boyfriend. I’ve never been kissed. I’ve never been on a date. Anything else embarrassing you’d like to know?”
“Hannah! How is that possible?”
“I don’t know? You’re the one who’s supposed to have the answers.”
“Are you straight?”
“Yes!”
“Are you sure?”
“I think so.”
Cody sighed deeply and wiped his forehead. He marched up to the net and beckoned Hannah to join him by curling his finger at her. When she met him he reached across the net and pulled her to him, roughly locking his lips with hers. Hannah gasped into his mouth in surprise. Cody took that as an invitation to shove his tongue down her throat. She shoved him off and slapped him hard.
“What the hell was that?” she yelled.
He smiled, rubbing his cheek. “Just checking.”
“For what, cavities?”
“To see if you’re straight.”
Her eyes widened. “And?” she demanded, hands on her hips.
“I mean you’re difficult to talk to, super conceited, but you’re not hopeless. Now you can even say you’ve had your first kiss.”
Hannah scowled at Cody.
“Relax. You’re pretty and that usually excuses all kinds of flaws.”
“Flaws? And I am not hard to talk to.”
“Hannah, if you want help you have to be open to the truth and that might mean criticism.”
“I can agree to that. But we need a strategy. It just feels like you’re picking on me.”
“You mean like I’m sizing up my opponent to spot their weaknesses?” he said mockingly.
Hannah frowned.
“Relax. Unlike you, I’m looking for your weaknesses so I can help you fix them.”
“That is the deal.”
“So, let’s study the evidence, brainiac. You’ve never had a boyfriend. Never been on a date. You had to blackmail me to get a party invite. And you only just had your first kiss.”
The Boyfriend Series Box Set (Books 1-6): YA Contemporary Romance Novels Page 3