by Liz Lovelock
Okay, date time. Let’s do this.
Jase takes me to a place on the beach I’ve never been to before called Crabbies. I’m sure the teenagers these days give them hell for their business name. “Really? Who names their business this?” I gesture to the sign above me.
Jase laughs. “Yeah, it’s unfortunate. They didn’t think their business plan through. I can tell you the food is perfection. I hope you like seafood.”
The hostess leads us to a booth. It’s a quaint little place. The place has a rustic look to it. I’ll have to bring the girls here. Pictures of fishermen holding their catches are spread over the blue walls. There’s a kitchen area toward the back of the restaurant and a bar just in front of it. The cooks are prepping the large plates of food.
“Here are your menus.” The hostess hands us an A4-sized laminated sheet of paper. “Would you like to order some drinks?”
I order water, and Jase has the same.
“I’ll be back shortly to take your meal orders.” She gives us a smile and then goes to the front counter where she greets another couple.
Their menu is loaded with lots of seafood, which, thankfully, I love. “So, what’s good here?” I ask while scanning.
“I like the surf and turf. Get it, turf for football and surf for the beach.” I laugh.
Glancing up, our eyes lock and he smiles. It’s infectious. I return one. My nerves seem to have disappeared.
“That was going to be my choice,” I admit as I place the menu on the wooden table. He does the same.
Our drinks arrive, and the hostess sets a jug of water on the table as well.
Jase takes a large gulp from his. “So, Paislee, tell me about you. Of course, I know Parker, but I want to get to know you.”
“I’m not sure there’s much to tell. I can’t say I’m that interesting.” I shrug.
His pearly whites shine at me. “Don’t give me that. So, why did you transfer here?”
Not many people have asked me that question. “I wanted to be with my family. What about you? How did you end up here?”
He leans back, stretching. Every vein in his neck pops, and all the muscles in his arms flex. I’m sure my eyes widen. “I got a football scholarship. I’m hoping to make it pro one day.”
After watching him tonight, I have no doubt he’ll make that dream a reality. He’s a senior, so his time will be coming to an end here soon. “That’s pretty cool. You’ll do great. I have no doubt about it.”
“What are your plans after college?” he asks as the server stops by to take our orders. “Two surf and turfs please.”
She scribbles it down and leaves.
I twist the napkin in my hands. The question makes me nervous. “To be honest, I don’t have any plans yet. I’m doing the basics for school, but I’m not sure where my heart is right now.”
He nods as I speak. “I understand that. For a long time, I had no idea what I wanted, and then I played my first game and that was it. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that football was my future, and I’ve never looked back. Perhaps something will come to you soon.”
His words are kind, and it makes me smile wider. He has put my mind at ease about my future so quickly. Not even my own mother has assured me as he did. “Wow, you’re pretty smooth with your words.”
His hand slides across the table and rests on top of my fidgety ones. The tingle his touch causes makes me stop. I’d completely forgotten I was twisting the napkin. I’d even started tearing it into little shreds. “It’s okay. I’m not here to judge. I want to get to know you.” He speaks low. There’s a calming nature about him. It draws me to him.
The rest of the dinner passes pretty quickly. There’s plenty of laughing, and we toss jokes at each other. Our meals are superb—I’ll definitely be coming back.
When we leave, Jase wraps his arm around my waist. I’m not uncomfortable, but it doesn’t feel right. Jase is a great guy—he’s proven that to me tonight—always the gentleman. He would be the perfect boyfriend for any deserving girl—not me, though.
It’s become clear tonight that there’s only one person who can have my heart. Dane.
Everyone sees Jase and me arrive together. Guys whisper and girls scowl. There aren’t that many people here, thank goodness. I have no doubt that word will spread like wildfire.
I sent a message to the girls as we left dinner. They are going to head over once the guys are ready.
The football house isn’t far from Parker’s. At least I know I have somewhere to stay after and can possibly have some drinks.
“Do you want a drink?” Jase asks as he leads me to where the keg is set up.
“Sure, I’ll have one.” I nod to the red cups that are being filled up.
He grabs two from the table and hands a cup to me. His free hand rests against the small of my back. Warmth spreads over me. Jase is greeted by his football buddies. He introduces me as we go. It’s nice to be meeting and making new friends.
“I’ve got to go sort some things out. Will you be right here for a second?”
“Yeah, sure. You do what you need to.” I need a breather. Where are my friends? They’re never on time—even when they give me a timeframe. They’re hopeless.
It’s just another party and session of alcohol and making out. I’ve enjoyed myself, but now we’re out in the big, wide world, and I feel out of place. Kind of like I’m the third wheel to Jase and his party guests. Stupid. I lean against the doorframe leading into the cleared living space. It’s been emptied of everything but two couches. A DJ is set up in the corner with some huge-ass speakers blaring music.
From where I stand, I have a clear view of the front door and the main area. I sip my drink and turn every time I hear someone coming across the porch.
A familiar laugh from the entrance catches my attention. Oh, thank goodness. It’s the girls. They step through the door.
“Oi, don’t act like a grumpy old man. Get a drink into you and enjoy yourself,” Aiden gripes to Dane.
Dane must be in a foul mood, but he looks hot. Jeans sit low on his hips, and he’s wearing a button-up, light-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Drool.
“There are plenty to choose from in here and around the world. Trust me on that.” Aiden winks.
I cringe. Knots twist in my stomach.
Elsie and Addison bounce over to me, looking stellar. They’ve changed from what they wore to the game. Addison is in jeans and a spaghetti-strap purple top with her long, dark hair, a small wave to it, falling over her shoulders. She always looks amazing no matter what she’s wearing. Elsie is in a red dress that fits her curves nicely and rests just above her knees. Her hair is up and out of her face. She could easily be a model. Here I stand—Plain Jane. At least I’m comfortable.
“How did dinner go?” Elsie grins as she slides up beside me. “Tell me everything.”
Shrugging, I say, “There’s nothing to tell. We ate food and talked.” I’m highly aware that Dane is standing with us.
“He better not try anything suspicious,” Parker practically growls. “Did you know he came to me and asked if he could take you out?”
This is news to me and, obviously, to everyone else. All heads turn toward him.
“What?” asks Addison.
“Are you serious?” Elsie is next.
Dane’s eyes become heated. This is news to him as well.
I tilt my head and stare at Parker. “So, what? Everyone needs your approval?” I snap.
All eyes in the group swing my way. Elsie’s and Addison’s eyes become wide.
Parker shuffles on his feet, clearly uncomfortable. “It’s not like that, Pais,” he assures me.
“Well, that’s what it sounds like.” I have the urge to tip my drink over him. “Just because you’re my big brother doesn’t mean you have a say in who I date. What if I wanted to date one of your friends? Would they need to ask you too?”
“They wouldn’t if they knew what was good for them,” he grits out.
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“Screw you, Parker. I can see whomever I want. I don’t need you dictating who I go on dates with. Pull your head out of your ass.” I press the cup to my lips, down the rest of my beer, then turn and storm off.
How dare he? Who the hell does he think he is? My father? Hell, no.
I grab another cup from the table. Turning, I bump into someone. My drink pours over whoever it is. “Damn, I’m so sorry,” I rush out.
“It’s okay. I can go grab another shirt.” Jase chuckles.
My face prickles with heat. Thank goodness it’s somewhat dark in here and he can’t see my embarrassment. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you were right behind me.”
He takes my hand, and he pulls me along with him. I’m led right past Dane and the group. All their eyes are on me. Parker’s and Dane’s are hooded and dark. I smile teasingly. It’s mostly aimed at Parker because he’s a jerk.
I’m not really taking notice of where we’re going. We head up the stairs and along a long hallway. There are four shut doors. Jase doesn’t let go of my hand. Instead, he leads me to the farthest door on the right. He pulls me through and closes the door behind me. Only then, he releases my hand. I clasp my fingers together, twisting my ring.
I’m in Jase’s room. Is he planning something? My chest tightens with nerves.
My focus remains on Jase. He strolls over to the cupboard, pulling his tee over his head. I’m gifted with the perfect view of his tightly formed six-pack and that defined V. Dane’s body is very similar. Here I am, staring at a Jase, all the while thinking of Dane. What is wrong with me?
I rub my clammy hands over my jeans. “Ah, I can step out if you want me to,” I say, though I don’t feel confident. A part of me desperately wants to escape back to my friends.
“You’re okay. I’m just changing my shirt,” he says.
I try to stare at anything but this good-looking, half-naked guy in front of me. Jase’s bedroom is tidy. There’s a queen-size bed right under the window, a cupboard to the right, and a desk right beside the door where a lamp is turned on. Everything is neat. His bed is even made. What a shock. The guys at Parker’s house aren’t this tidy unless they’re about to have a party. Things start ticking over in my head. Jase is going to try something. What am I going to do to get out of this?
“Do you have a maid?” I blurt out.
He chuckles. He strolls over to me, a shirt clutched in his hand. In the dim light, I stare at his muscles then his features. He grins. My heart races. “No maid here. It’s all me and the guys,” he says in a low tone—so low that it gives me goosebumps. He stops just in front of me.
My limbs have become jelly. I need to leave. “Oh, okay.” I laugh nervously. He takes a step toward me. I move back, and I’m met by the door. I can’t go any farther.
“I’ve had a good time tonight,” he says. He still doesn’t move—just stands there with his shirt off.
“Me too,” I reply honestly. Jase’s hand gently glides down my cheek. My first instinct is to run out the door, but I don’t want to be rude. Surely Parker wouldn’t let me go out with someone who he thought might force himself on me.
“Loosen up, Paislee. I’m not about to jump you. I like you. I’m making that known.”
I release the breath I was holding. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought I was going to have to hit you where it hurts.”
We both laugh. Jase pulls his shirt over his head.
Relief washes over me. “Look, I want to be honest. I’ve just come out of something. I’m not completely ready to jump into anything new.”
His blue eyes become soft. “That’s okay, Paislee. I’m not out to force you into anything. It may be strange, but I’m not a guy who will pressure a girl.” He takes my hand and pulls me into his chest, wrapping his arms securely around me. I feel safe—just like I did in Dane’s arms.
We head back down to the party. A huge weight has been taken off my shoulders with my admission to Jase and also his truthfulness. Jase is pulled away by his friend, and I stop at the bottom of the stairs and scan the area, looking for my friends.
I spot Dane first, of course. He’s leaning against the doorframe I was when they arrived. I take in his movements. He runs his fingers through his hair, and he hasn’t shifted eye contact. He’s flirting. I move toward him and notice where his focus is: a blonde girl across the room. She’s smiling and playing, twirling her long hair between her fingers. I hate her. She can’t have him. He’s mine—or was mine.
I make my way over to him. “Who are you making googly eyes with?”
His head whips around.
I glance over to the place where he was looking moments ago.
“Who says I was making eyes with anyone?” He raises his brows.
I scoff. “I know you. The hand-through-your-hair play—it’s your tell. No one else notices it, but I do. You did it with me. Quite a lot, actually.” I laugh, stepping past him and leaning against the wall.
His body turns toward me, and his arm presses against the wall. “Do I now?” His shining eyes meet mine.
The urge to pull his lips to mine is unbelievably strong. I can smell his musk aftershave. Damn, I wish I could kiss him.
I shift my body to mimic his. Now, we face each other. I bring my hand up and start playing with my hair. “You have no idea what that move does to girls. Since you let your hair grow out, it’s like a magnet for people like her.” I tilt my head in the direction of the group of girls. He shifts his gaze back to where I indicated. They appear to have lost interest in him.
Behind Dane, Aiden and Parker are walking off somewhere. Perfect.
My body heats as Dane steps closer. I don’t move away like I did with Jase. The music filling the room seems to fade away, and he leans in to my ear. “Did it work on you?”
My breath hitches, and I say, “You have no idea. It’s my kryptonite.” His hand reaches, and he glides the backs of his fingers down my cheek. Our eyes connect, and I’m lost to him. Nothing and no one else matters but him.
“Pais…” he says in a whisper, causing my stomach to twist. I want him so bad. I crave his touch, his lips.
“Yeah…?” I reply, my voice low. His hand goes to my neck as though he’s going to pull me in for a kiss. I want it. Those pink lips call my name.
I’m about to claim him when Addison shows up beside us. He drops his hand and takes a step back. He pulls away from me. My eyes go wide, and his have gone on a wild search of the room. Panic seizes my chest.
“Don’t worry. He’s out the back,” Addison says dryly, disappointment in her tone. That’s what happened. He thought Parker was here.
Dane’s focus turns to me and Addison. He steps into me, his hand outstretched. “Paislee…”
I flinch and move to put a good distance between us. I pull my lip between my teeth and chew it hard. My chin begins to tremble as he says, “I’m sorry.”
I meet his gaze. He’s unreadable. “You did it again. This is why we can’t be together. You freak the hell out whenever you think Parker is around. You’re like a jittery mouse, searching for something, only you don’t know what, even when it’s right in front of you.” I pause. His anxious stare holds mine. “I’m right here. Right in front of you. You’re the one who is going to end up with nothing because you are afraid of my brother.”
“I’m sorry,” he pleads.
I turn and go for the table where the drinks are. I’m ready to drink myself into a coma and forget all about what I had with Dane. It’s officially over.
“Are you alright?” Addison moves in beside me while I stand at the table and down my third cup. I’m going to need something stronger. My eyes burn into Dane’s back as he leaves the room.
“I miss him. Why can’t he see what’s in front of him and say, ‘Screw it. I want you. Be mine?’” I clench my fists. A hot flush washes over my skin as anger pulses within me.
Addison pulls me into her arms, and I step back. I don’t want sympathy. I’m not even sure what I’m
feeling. I want to hate him. I want to love him. My heart is being torn in every direction.
“It’s okay. Sometimes people are blind until… they can’t have it anymore. That’s what’s happening with Dane. He wants you more now that he can’t or won’t have you.” Addison releases her grip on me and steps back. Her eyes soften.
“I know you’re right. I’m just not sure how to let go, though.”
Addison hooks her arm through mine. Her lips are pulled into a wicked grin. “Let’s drink and be merry. Where are the strong drinks? Beer does nothing for me.” She drags me along with her until we find all the spirits in the kitchen on the countertop.
I lean against it and wait for her to hand me some concoction. “Where’s Aiden, Parker, and Elsie?” I ask, looking around at the other houseguests.
“I think they went through to the backyard. I told them I was coming to find you. Here.” She hands me a cup with pink liquid sloshing inside. I’m not sure this is a smart idea. This looks like pure stuff—the kind of drink that would turn you upside down and make you forget what happened the next day.
“Am I going to remember anything tomorrow?”
Addison laughs as she takes a sip of her own pink drink. Her entire body shivers. “Do you want to remember?”
Her question makes me think. I don’t plan on getting in bed with anyone, and I’m here with a group of friends.
“Bring it on.” I tip my head back and take a mouthful. It burns the entire way down. I’m thankful for the big meal I had earlier. At least I won’t be an easy drunk.
“There’s my girl.” We hit our cups together and go find the rest of the group.
“Oh, my goodness. Jase asked you out?” I laugh, taking another sip of a drink.
Elsie, Addison, and I have found a couch and planted our asses firmly here. The girl I saw Dane flirting with earlier tried to come sit with us. Elsie told her to get lost. I’ve never seen someone scurry away so fast.
Hiccup.
“Yep. He loved me,” Addison slurs. I glance at my phone, attempting to read the time.