Hooked on the Game

by C. M. Owens

He chuckles lightly while shaking his head. "I only pour it in a glass when I eat. Less backwash."

  Ew. "On second thought, I'll take the glass after all."

  He smiles as he pours it carefully, acting like a pro.

  "So you're twenty-one?"

  "Yep. Not far from twenty-two."

  "And you're set to start work right out of school, I bet." I'm so proud that didn't come out snarky.

  "Yes. Though, I doubt it's for the reasons you think. I'm not going to deny I'm lucky, fortunate in some areas even. Having a job lined up with my grandfather's company is one of those fortunate circumstances."

  "And it's just that easy. Finish college and take over his business?"

  He laughs, sounding a little condescending in tone, but I'm hoping I'm reading too much into it.

  "Definitely not easy. My father hates it. He built his business on his own, and then he married into money. He came from the belly of the lower-class, and he earned his right to stand high in the upper-class - as you called it. He thinks I should start at the ground-level and work my way up."

  "And you don't feel you should have to?" Entitled brat. "You don't think there are people who have been working and waiting for an opportunity like you'll have?"

  "My grandfather needs someone to take over certain pieces of the business as soon as possible. Those pieces aren't the ground-level. Though there are others who have been waiting longer for this opportunity, this is the company my grandfather built from nothing. He wants someone he can trust, and he knows that's me. So is it unfair to some? Yes. But do I feel guilty for being the one my granddad trusts? Hell no."

  I'm almost in awe. He definitely knows how to make you see his side of things. He'll be excellent at negotiations. It's crazy to think about all the times I've envied him and his friends for getting trashed and enjoying a good time, when he only looks at it as a future business investment. He's a workaholic and he doesn't even have a job yet.

  It's as though he's proud of something, but I don't know what. Then it dawns on me. The mention of his grandfather. That's what's sparking the twinkle of pride.

  "You're fond of your grandfather," I observe.

  His smile quirks up while he resumes his task of dividing the fries on the plates.

  "Very." Then he points to my full plate. "If that's the end of the Capperton Inquisition, how about we move to the living room and watch a movie while we eat?"

  He's so confusing.

  "One more question," I murmur softly while sliding off the stool and carrying my plate.

  He heads into the living room and I follow, waiting on him to respond. He waits until he puts his food down on the coffee table in front of the couch and then he leans back.

  "Yes?" he says.

  "Why are you being so nice to me all of the sudden?"

  He frowns as I take a seat beside him, making sure to leave a respectable amount of distance between us without going overboard and making it look like I'm disgusted by him. I was once disgusted by him, but he keeps... blurring the lines.

  His eyes fall to my shoulder where one of my yellowing bruises barely remains visible.

  "Because believe it or not, I don't like knowing you got hurt. I feel like an ass. Seeing the proof of the damage that could have been done... Let's just say it scared me. Now, can we eat?"

  Chapter 5

  Playing Games

  My room looks like fashion central threw up in it. I've tried on seven dresses, three pairs of jeans, and fifteen or more shirts. Nothing looks right. Nothing even comes close to looking right on me. I don't look like a pretty girl dressed up and ready to party. I look like Raya Capperton, daughter of Ray Drivel, the conman's trashy daughter playing dress-up.

  Just when I decide it's pointless, the door to my room creaks open. Butterflies ruffle my stomach as I anxiously wait to see Kade's blue eyes, but I'm met by a different pair of blues instead. My heart sinks back down from my throat as Ember walks in wearing an excited grin and a killer dress.

  Her hair is tossed in perfect ringlets today instead of pigtails. Her red dress is just short enough to drag the eye down, and her classy cleavage brings the eyes back up. She looks far less innocent than she did yesterday. I'm jealous. I've got Paul Colton's latest line of fashion, and she looks better in her thrift store buy. Maybe that's the problem. These clothes are too dazzling for the jaded.

  "Hey. I hope this is okay. Kade let me in and told me where to find you."

  I nod, forcing a tight smile. I'd fallen asleep while we were watching the movie, and Kade must have carried me back to my room last night.

  He'd caught me off guard with the sincerity in his eyes when I asked him about why he was suddenly being nice to me. The look he gave me... He's different than what I once thought, and now it's even more confusing. He didn't say anything much after that.

  We sat in a comfortable silence, kept our distance, and watched a terrible movie like it was riveting. I shouldn't have asked that question. I wish I hadn't. Today we've barely spoken at all, since he was busy preparing for the party. I've stayed in my room most of the day.

  "Is that what you're wearing?" Her wide eyes only cement my reservations. She sees the trashy girl playing dress-up, too.

  "It looks terrible, doesn't it?" I groan, glancing down at the tight white, strapless dress that was meant for someone far more impressive than I.

  "Hell no," she gushes. "It's fucking awesome. That's... I'm so jealous."

  I almost bite back a grin. I'm jealous of her thrift store dress, and she's jealous of the dress I can't actually pull off. "Maybe we should trade."

  She laughs and shakes her head. "Not happening. I'd never look that good in white. There's only one problem... You can't wear that underwear. It's leaving lines."

  I try to glance back at my rear, but I can't twist that way in this tight dress. I finally give up and look over at her rummaging through my drawers until she finds where I store my panties and bras. Another boundary. I need to make a mental note to google what the boundaries are around here. I was apparently raised very differently.

  "Here," she says, handing me a pair of white thongs.

  I don't even know how those managed to make it to the counter. I can only assume Kade tossed them and several other pairs of underwear on the counter that day. It's not something I need to think about right now.

  I slip out of the more comfortable underwear and make the trade for the small stringed thing meant for a goddess. This should be interesting. Ember goes to be in front of the mirror as she checks her hair.

  "It's crazy down there," she giggles, bubbling over with excitement .

  "Already?"

  I'd heard the music, but I thought Kade was just setting the mood right for all the partiers on their way. I guess I've been in here longer than I thought, battling my indecisiveness.

  "You seriously look like sex in heels. I really wish Kade had bulldozed my house."

  I let a laugh out, which is something I really needed. Considering how nervous I am, I'm surprised I'm able to laugh at all.

  "Kade didn't bulldoze my house; some frat boys from his party did."

  "But he's the one you're living with?"

  I shrug and open the door. "I had to live somewhere, and Mr. Colton volunteered his son's house."

  "And Kade is cool with all this?" she asks.

  "I... I think he is now," I stammer unsurely.

  She gives a goofy grin when she sees the lights flickering below. It looks almost like a club.

  "This is going to be so awesome," she gushes, and then she loops her arm through mine.

  These heels make the stairs a little precarious, but I cautiously make my way down. My long hair isn't balled up on my head or swept back in a ponytail. Tonight I'm letting it hang free with some loose curls. Maybe no one will even recognize me.

  Ember giggles more once we rich the thick of the party. It's not too crowded, surprisingly enough. I don't have to press against sweaty bodies to make my way over to the keg
.

  My breath almost leaves me when Kade steps in from the dining room. No. No. No. He's not supposed to make it hard to breathe, damn it. I have to live with him.

  "Hey," he says, grinning when he sees me. His eyes scale up and down my dress, making me flood with a tingle of excitement. "Need one?" he asks, holding up his cup.

  "I need two."

  I motion to Ember, and he offers her his best I'm-too-sexy-to-be-real grin. She shivers beside me, letting her grip tighten on my arm. I don't like that. I don't want Ember eye-fucking him right now.

  "Here," he says, handing me my cup first. Then he fills up another and hands it to Ember.

  She takes it while twirling her hair like a little girl with a crush. I tug free from her as she drools, but Kade either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Thankfully. Crap. I shouldn't be thankful.

  "Feel like introductions?" Kade asks, sidling up next to me.

  I sigh out heavily. "Yeah, sure. Ember, this is Kade. Kade, Ember."

  He chuckles beside me and places his hand on the small of my back. "I've already met Ember when she came in to find you. I was asking if you wanted me to introduce you to everyone. Let you get a feel for the crowd."

  Ember is almost forgotten as I stare into the endless pools of blue that suddenly carry such a meaningful depth instead of a guise of shallowness. "Not right now. I think I'll stick to nursing a beer and observing."

  I glance over to see Ember has moved on to a preppy polo-shirt-wearing guy. My eyes return to Kade and his tight black T-shirt and dark denim jeans. He looks too good.

  A guy has fortunately started talking to him, keeping him distracted as I shamelessly ogle him for the first real time. He doesn't look like a business-suit in training; he looks like forbidden fruit I desperately want to taste.

  "You good?" Kade asks, acting as if he's about to leave me stranded.

  "Um... yeah. Go have fun."

  "Business," he says, offering me a wink. "You go have fun. It'll be loud, so call me if you need me for anything. My number is programmed in your phone."

  The speck of silver in his mouth intrigues me again, but I dare not stare at those perfect lips too long. I can only see a glimpse of the secretive thing when his mouth opens, so it has to be a piercing. Gah, I wish I hadn't thought about it.

  He gives me a quick wave before walking away. I don't have my phone. I was so busy gawking at him that the words never left my mouth. I hope I don't need him for anything.

  I turn around, seeing Ember still giggling in that guy's arms. Whew. At least it's not Kade she's wrapped around.

  I groan inwardly. I can't keep doing that. Kade is... my roommate? My friend? I don't know, but I can't be interested in him. He's an elite and I'm the girl from the trailer park.

  I do well to hide in the back, possibly seeming like the creepy girl just watching everyone. After observing everyone dance and drink for thirty minutes, I start to relax. No one at all has said anything rude to me whatsoever.

  "Raya, right?" a guy asks, proving I'm not hiding as well as I thought.

  "Yes." I force a smile and turn to meet him, drawing in a deep breath to prepare for whatever he might say.

  "I'm Brock." He proffers his hand, and I place mine in his for the shake, though I admit I'm wary.

  He grins, giving me a shot of his dimples as he props against the wall beside me. He's dressed in a pair of designer jeans, a blue T-shirt, and a sexy gaze. Considering I don't know if he's one of the many who ridiculed me, I don't exactly swoon.

  "Nice to meet you," I murmur as sincerely as I can muster, while returning my eyes to the party.

  "It's Get Wet time!" a girl's shrill voice announces as the music dies down. "Same rules as always. When you hear the song, grab someone to lock up with until it stops. All ladies without a partner, prepare to be tossed in the pool!"

  My stomach tilts to the point I'm worried I'll get sick. She can't be serious. Surely no one would actually throw me in the pool. Shit. Kade has thrown me in the pool before.

  "I think I might hang out over here with you," Brock says, grinning as the girl speaks with the DJ behind the traveling booth.

  I swallow hard as she continues. "Tonight, the Get Wet song is Good Man!" The DJ plays a sample, and everyone roars in cheers, getting excited. Then the song changes, and the girl hops down, beaming from the mischief she just delivered.

  I don't feel like partying anymore. Now I just want to go crawl in a closet and hide. The girl who was announcing the bomb-drop sidles up next to Brock, rocking back on her heels as hearts form in her eyes.

  Warm hands wrap around my waist seconds before the Get Wet song kicks in. I'm whirled around and pushed into the corner, gasping for air. My eyes lock with Kade's and he grins as he brings his lips within centimeters from mine, keeping one arm pressed against the wall, blocking our faces somewhat.

  "What... w-what are you doing?" I hoarsely release, swallowing hard thereafter.

  "Making people think we're doing what we're supposed to be doing. Otherwise, you'll get tossed in the pool. Considering you're wearing white, and you don't have... much on back here," his hand trails over my rear, making me tremble as he slides his hand back up to my back and tugs me closer, "you might not need to get caught."

  I shiver noticeably, feeling trapped and completely stupid as a crushing wave of unbidden desire unfurls within me. This just changed... everything for me. I don't even remember how to hate him in this moment.

  "Whenever you see Mel drift toward Brock," he says, motioning toward the game announcer and Brock who are in a tongue-tango lip-lock, "find me, and I'll make it look like we're just as engaged as everyone else enjoying the festivities."

  My knees try to buckle, but I steady them, locking them into place like I just shoved steel rods in there. "So they're a couple?"

  I leave out the part where Brock was acting like he wanted to play this game with me.

  "No," he chuckles out. "Brock isn't in the market to settle down, but Mel wants him. So, she plays this game every party. When the DJ sees her close to Brock, he plays the song. That's your cue. Just find me, unless you want some strange guy locked on your lips or tossing you in the pool."

  His eyes move down to my lips, and his breath catches for a second. With his mouth just slightly ajar, I finally see the silver mystery a little better.

  "You do have your tongue pierced," I murmur to myself. "I thought so."

  His grin slides up, and I look up to see his eyes intensely focused on mine. "You've been trying to get a look?"

  My face heats, and he leans in closer, making this even more intimate. He rolls his tongue in his mouth so that he can shove part of the bar between his pearly whites, and then he bites down on the metal so that it's the only thing I can see other than his perfectly straight teeth.

  Yep. I think I just forgot my own name.

  The bar slinks back into his mouth, and his grin returns. "You could have just asked."

  The song shifts, and the make-out frenzy ends. My breaths are erratic and scattered when he finally leans back and returns my personal space. I waver in my heels, but his arm wraps around my waist to steady me.

  "I guess you did more than nurse that beer," he says with a teasing grin, thinking my staggering posture is due to alcohol. It's not the toxins in the drink that are making me unbalanced; it's him. This is so bad.

  "I guess so," I lie, making his smile grow.

  "Good. You need to loosen up."

  He pulls my hand in his and takes my empty cup. I'll just let him think I've had more than one. If he found out what his touch was doing to me right now, he'd mock me relentlessly.

  "That dress looks good on you. I'm glad I didn't let you bypass the dresses you'd 'never wear.'"

  I giggle lightly, silently chastising myself for sounding like an idiot with a crush. His smile is rewarding though, and it makes me want to giggle more. I look around nervously as he hands my cup to one of his friends to refill.

  Brock is chatting up
some girl, and Mel's eyes are on him, though she does well to hide the scowl I'm sure is lurking within.

  "Don't tell me Brock's your type," Kade says, cutting into my moment of observation.

  "No," I murmur, looking up at him. You are, though.

  "Good. I really don't want Brock hanging out and making your room sound like a carnival."

  It feels like that was supposed to be a joke, but I'm not sure. "No worries. I can promise you won't be hearing anything like that coming from my room. What about you? Are any of these girls part of your business?"

  I attempt to sound teasing, but it sounded more like the words left a bad taste in my mouth. He scans the room, shrugging.

  "Not in that way. I'm friends with them, but I draw the line at those sorts of personal relationships with anyone you see in this room. I don't need the drama later on in life. This group - these people - have some of the most influential parents I've met, which is why they're the hardest partiers. Let's say I hook up with one. Later on she or her husband could be the hitch in a major business arrangement."

  I shake my head in disbelief. "You plan really far ahead, don't you?"

  "I have to if I want to be successful. Considering it'll be my grandfather's business I take over, I want to be very successful. It's what he deserves."

  Again, I melt. He has to stop talking about his grandfather. There's such raw emotion in his eyes when he does. It's beautiful.

  "Do you ever do anything just for fun?"

  His smile lifts up, and his gaze comes back to me. "All sorts of things. I'm driven, but I'm not a robot."

  "So?" I prompt, wanting to delve deeper.

  "I'm talking to you right now for fun. I have no business interest in you."

  My girly grin spreads to display the fool I am. His grin mimics mine before he pulls me to the middle of the dance floor. "Now, let's dance. For fun."

  I let him lead me onto the floor, keeping my perma-grin in place. His hands slide down to my back as we move to the music. Summoning up my bravery, I let my hands run up his chest, reveling in the feel of the hardness beneath the thin shirt. He moves in closer, making our bodies press together as the lust-filled melody guides our movements.