“He’s just using you, Keeley.”
“Zach, I don’t want to fight with you,” she said in a calm voice, trying to placate him.
“Then stop being so damn naive and open your eyes!” yelled Zach. Conversation over. Without another glance, he headed back to his friends.
Keeley was stunned by his words. How stupid did her brother think she was?
Even worse, though, Nicky seemed to agree.
“He’s being completely ridiculous,” Keeley told her on the car ride home. “He thinks I’m taking sides just because I don’t want him playing pranks on Talon.”
Nicky eyed her, as if gauging her mood. “Well, no offense, but maybe he has a point. I know he’s been sweet with the Peeps, but the guy lied to you. Hell, he practically called you easy and you’re just letting him off.”
“I’m not letting him off,” Keeley insisted. She just remembered the way he held her.
“I hate to bring this up, but have you ever considered the possibility that he’s talking to you to get back at Zach?”
“The thought crossed my mind,” Keeley reluctantly admitted.
Talon could be using her to get information about her brother. Zach always complained that JT would use every advantage in his arsenal to win a game. He exploited other players’ injuries and weaknesses without remorse. Zach said JT was a ruthless captain, with no sportsmanship or respect for the game.
It all came down to one question: Who exactly was James Talon Harrington the Fourth? Was he JT, who’d stop at nothing to win? Or Talon, who’d stop at nothing to get her back?
The question was on her mind for the rest of the day, even when she was playing fetch with Tucker. She picked up the slobbery toy and lobbed it across the field for the thirtieth time. Keeley nearly jumped out of her skin when her phone vibrated in the back pocket of her jeans. Talon.
“Hey, baby doll.”
“I liked the pictures. The Peeps were adorable.”
He chuckled. “Peeps always win people over. Are you busy right now?”
“I’m at the park with Tucker.”
“Which park? I’ll come meet you.”
Ten minutes later, she watched as a truck pulled into the parking lot, the black paint gleaming as if it had just been washed. He greeted her with a candid smile as Tucker, who’d never met him, ran up, tail wagging. Talon crouched down and petted him. “You’re the lucky guy that gets to sleep in her bed.” He picked up Tucker’s ball and threw it into the open field.
“So …” She was too nervous to look at him, so she looked at his truck instead. “Did my brother do something to your car?”
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Woke up this morning to it plastic wrapped and painted blue.”
So that’s what the plastic wrap was for. She wondered how Zach managed to wrap it without getting caught. Probably had Cort and Gavin helping him. What if Talon thought she had something to do with the prank? “I didn’t tell him to do it. I didn’t even know that he did something till this afternoon.”
“I know. The thing with Zach and I — it’s more than just …”
“Right. Football.” How could she forget their ongoing rivalry?
He looked uncomfortable as he shifted his feet.
A long stretch of silence passed between them. She tried to think of something to say, but couldn’t. Finally, she glanced at him, only to find him staring back.
“I hate that you look at me like that,” he told her.
“Like what?”
“Like I’m a stranger.”
“I can’t help it. I don’t know who you are anymore.”
“I’m still me. So what if people call me JT instead of Talon?”
“Then why didn’t you tell me you were JT in the first place?” Keeley asked.
Talon’s lips formed a tight line.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
“It’s not like that!”
Keeley looked away. He’d kept his identity a secret on purpose.
“Do you remember that first night we talked? The night we swapped phones at the fair?”
Keeley nodded. “Some of it.”
“Well, I remember every minute. I remember every word you said to me. You were brash and annoying as all hell.”
She remembered it, too. It had all been an act. But she liked to think she was growing into that girl.
Talon went on. “I should have hated you, but I didn’t. I remember thinking how different you were from other girls. I liked it. I liked arguing with you. I liked getting you riled up. You didn’t play nice just because I was some football star. So when you asked me my name, I told you it was Talon. Which was true ... in a way.”
“That’s a load of crap.”
“In my experience, girls have these ideas about who I’m supposed to be. You don’t get what it feels like when girls realize you’re not anything like their image of a football player. It’s like who I am isn’t good enough. So sure, I panicked. A girl caught my attention and I wanted to keep talking to her. On my own terms.”
Keeley was silent so Talon continued.
“Is that so wrong?” he asked, his voice raw with emotion. “I can’t apologize for not telling you I was JT. You wouldn’t have talked to me if you knew.”
It was possibly the sweetest non-apology she had ever received.
“I can apologize for what I implied to Zach.” He paused and swallowed hard. “I’m sorry, Keeley, for saying those things. I never meant to hurt you.”
“Then why did you?” she whispered.
“Because I’m an idiot.” His blatant statement made the ends of Keeley’s mouth curl up. “But I’m not sorry for this.” He reached for her hand, while his voice dropped. “Not sorry for getting to know you, baby doll.”
Her heart was pounding. “Did you know I was Zach’s sister before Java Hut?”
“No,” he told her.
“Are you using me to get to my brother?” she asked, voicing her deepest fear.
Talon’s eyes widened. “What?”
“You heard me,” Keeley said softly, her eyes never leaving his.
Keeley tried to ignore the tiny thrill of adrenaline that she felt at the touch of his hand. “I’ve known who you are for a while now. In that time, have I ever even asked you about him?”
“No,” she admitted. She searched his face for any signs of guilt, but there was nothing.
“I like you, Keeley. I started liking you before I found out about Zach.”
“I like you, too.” Those feelings never went away.
Talon wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. “If you’re worried about Zach, we can keep it a secret.”
Keeley pulled away from him. “I’m not sure I’m ready,” she said.
His phone beeped and he glanced at it. A reminder. “I better get back. My dad thinks I’m out running errands.” She sucked in a breath when Talon leaned down and brushed a quick kiss across her nose. “How about we take it slow? Let me take you on a date. Tomorrow night. Eight o’clock. Are you free?”
She was, but should she go? It was only one date, after all. “Eight. Tomorrow night.”
He was about halfway to his car when he called out, “Oh, and Keeley? Wear comfortable shoes.”
“Comfortable shoes?” Keeley wondered out loud. She looked over at Nicky, who was sprawled out on the floor. They’d been working on homework since Keeley came home from the park. “Where do you think he’s taking me?”
“Somewhere you have to walk a lot.”
“It’s weird though, right? I was expecting a movie or dinner at a restaurant.”
“At least he’s taking you out on a real date. Guys nowadays just want to hang out.”
Now that Keeley thought about it, she never did have an official date with Ra
ndy. They’d just started texting and then boom — they were boyfriend and girlfriend.
Nicky propped up on one elbow. “Do you think going on a date with him is a good idea, though? The way things are with Zach … It’s bound to get messy.”
“I know.” But she was tired of letting Zach’s issues rule her life. She wanted to make her own choices. Find her own voice. Maybe then, she could become the person she saw hidden away. “But I want to at least try and date him. See where it goes.”
“If you’re sure, you’re sure.” Nicky slapped her book shut. “I better go. Mom’s expecting me in twenty.”
“Can’t you stay for dinner? My mom made your favorite potatoes.”
“That sounds so good right about now, but I promised I’d be home when she got off work. Save me some, though.”
When they walked downstairs, Keeley’s mom came out of the kitchen. “I was thinking we could have a game night tomorrow. Are you free, Nicky?”
Tomorrow? But that was her date.
“I’ll bake a pie,” her mom promised.
Nicky shuffled her feet, looking uncomfortable.
Keeley was torn. Nicky loved family game night. Since it was just Nicky and her mom, she didn’t get to do many things as a big family. But she didn’t want to cancel with Talon. She’d never felt this way about a guy before. What the hell. Game night could be rescheduled. And Nicky would understand. “Mom … I have plans tomorrow night.”
“Are you girls going to the movies?”
“Um … well, y-you see …” she stammered, the words getting caught in her throat. She was sorely tempted to lie and say yes. It would be a hell of a lot easier than telling the truth.
“What is it, honey?” her mom prompted.
“I’m going out, but not with Nicky.” The answer got her dad’s attention, too.
“Who are you going with?” he asked. “Randy?”
“No. Someone else.” Keeley felt her cheeks flush.
“A date?” her mother asked brightly. While her mother encouraged Keeley to date, wanting her to meet new people and get out of the house more, her dad was more cautious. It took him a while to trust people.
“I’m just going to go,” Nicky interjected, pointing her thumbs to the door. She waved goodbye before Keeley could stop her.
“What’s his name?” her dad asked.
“Talon.” She hesitated, then added, “But most people know him as JT Harrington.”
An uneasy look flashed in his eyes. “Crosswell’s quarterback? Number seven?”
“That’s him.”
“Ah. Does Zach know?”
She looked down at her feet, stabbing her toes against the hardwood floor. “Not about the date.”
“You’re going to have to tell him.”
Judging by his previous reactions, Zach wouldn’t take it too well. “I don’t want to tell him yet. Not until I know if it will turn into something.” Keeley paused. “Can we just keep this between us for now?”
Her parents exchanged looks. Finally, her dad nodded. “That’s fine, but we can’t keep it a secret forever. One date is okay, though, I guess ...”
“What time is he picking you up? Do we get to meet him?” her mom asked.
The thought of her parents talking to Talon made her nervous. “Is that really necessary?”
Her mom smiled. “Afraid we’re going to embarrass you?” Keeley flushed. “Would it help if we promised not to show baby pictures?”
“I’d be more worried about the stories,” her dad piped in. “Honey, remember that one Halloween when she was six? She wanted to give everyone in her class a special treat, so she passed out candy she found in your purse.”
“Dad,” Keeley groaned.
“Special treat, indeed,” her mom chuckled. “Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call from the teacher asking why my precious daughter thought it was a good idea to hand everyone a tampon.”
“Can you please not tell anyone that? Ever?” Keeley asked.
Her mom just smiled.
That night, Keeley had a hard time falling asleep. Getting to her feet, she walked downstairs with Tucker. She turned the corner and was surprised to see the kitchen light on.
“Zach?” she croaked. He was seated at the small table in the breakfast nook. A partially eaten pie was in front of him as well as his phone. “What are you doing up?”
He put his fork down and nudged his phone to the side with his elbow. “I could ask you the same thing.”
“Couldn’t sleep.” After their argument, she wasn’t sure where they stood.
He pushed the pie in the middle of the table. “Sit.”
She grabbed a fork and sat across from him. They shared the apple pie, taking turns like they did when they were younger.
“What’s going on?” Zach finally asked.
It was the perfect opportunity to tell him about Talon, but she just couldn’t do it. “Thinking about next year. I have no clue what I’m going to do. Or what I’m supposed to do.” It was true, but not the whole truth. “What about you? Why are you up?”
If she hadn’t been watching closely, she would have missed the covert look at his phone. She grabbed it before he could stop her.
“Give it back,” he demanded. He tried snatching it out of her hands, but she was too quick.
It was a photograph of Zach and a black-haired girl sitting together on a bench at the beach. His arms were circled around her waist while her hands were clutched together in her lap. The girl’s body was angled into him, her shoulder and head resting against his chest. His head was tipped back, his mouth open with laughter.
Keeley had never seen this girl before. “Who is that?”
“None of your business.”
Zach’s hair was shorter in the picture and his cheeks were slightly fuller. Keeley realized the photo must have been taken a while ago. She zoomed in on the girl’s hand. Displayed on her middle finger was a silver and blue class ring. It looked exactly like the one Zach supposedly lost his freshman year.
“Missing, huh?” she asked.
“Like I said, none of your business.” He plucked the phone from her hands. “I’m going to bed.”
She knew she was keeping secrets from him, but it never crossed her mind that Zach was doing the same. What else hadn’t he told her?
The doorbell rang. Keeley raced downstairs before her parents could answer. Luckily, Zach was out with his friends so she didn’t have to worry about explaining. Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed her hair and straightened her clothes. It’d taken her over an hour to pick out an outfit. Finally she settled on jeans, her favorite purple top and white high-tops. She’d even curled her hair and brushed on makeup.
Everything was going to be fine. Maybe if she said it enough, it would be true. With one last check of her clothes, she turned the handle and opened the door. Her mouth went dry when she saw him. In the porch light, his blond hair was almost gold.
“Hey, baby doll. You look gorgeous.” He stepped inside and hugged her.
She felt bad for pulling away so quickly but she didn’t want to linger. Her parents were close by. Then she heard footsteps. Too late.
“You must be JT,” her mom said, giving him a warm smile. Talon straightened. “It’s nice to finally meet you. In all these years, I don’t think we’ve ever had the chance to meet. Usually we see you across the field.”
“Talon, Mom,” Keeley corrected.
“JT or Talon is fine, Mrs. Brewer. I know the multiple names are confusing.” He flashed Keeley’s mom a grin and it seemed to charm her.
She closed the door behind them, making Keeley tense. What if she started showing baby pictures or telling embarrassing stories?
“Come into the living room,” her mom said. “Are you hungry? I just whipped up some cookies. Peanut butter with
white chocolate chips. Keeley’s favorite.”
“They smell amazing,” Talon told her.
“Would you like some milk with them? We have ice cream, too. Vanilla, chocolate, rocky road —”
“Mom, we have to go,” Keeley interrupted. She was going to offer the whole fridge if they didn’t leave soon. Quickly, she steered Talon out of the house and into the driveway.
“She seems nice,” Talon commented.
“She is. But she would have stuffed you with food till you couldn’t move.” She climbed into his truck. “So where are we going?” Curiosity was killing her.
“Remember I told you about geocaching with my gramps? Well, we’re going to the state park to geocache.”
“I thought you didn’t do it anymore.” He hadn’t gone since his grandpa died four years ago.
“I haven’t.” He tossed her a grin. “Guess I needed the right partner.”
Butterflies erupted in her stomach. Geocaching was special to him and yet he was taking her. It was hard to wrap her head around. “How does this work?”
“Think of it as an outdoor treasure hunt. You use a GPS system to find specific coordinates. At each location is a container. If you find it, you get to keep whatever’s inside.”
“But how are we going to find anything in the dark?”
He explained that they would use flashlights to find small reflectors. Each reflector would point in the direction of the next reflector. All they had to do was follow the trail and they would find the container.
When they got to the park, she could barely see the faint outline of trees and brush. She’d visited once for a school field trip, so she remembered it was a heavily forested area with hiking trails and streams running throughout. Talon reached in the backseat to grab flashlights and handed one to her.
“Let’s make this a little more interesting,” he said as they walked toward a large wooded area. He directed her to a dirt trail that twisted out of sight. “A game of truth or dare. The first person to spot a marker gets to ask the question.”
He was certainly full of surprises. “Okay. Any limits?”
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