Play With Me

by Kristen Proby

  “Let’s go up to bed.” I climb off him and hold a hand out, helping him to his feet. “How do you feel?”

  “Still a little drunk,” he answers with a half-smile.

  * * *

  A hung-over Will is not a fun Will. He’s been surly and grouchy all day, so I left him when he finally lay down to take a nap and decided to return Jules’ dress to her.

  I hate to give it back. It’s so damn pretty.

  I walk into Jules and Nate’s downtown office and whistle softly. Wow. Nice digs. Very high class.

  There’s a kind-looking older woman manning the reception desk. Her name plaque reads Jenny Glover.

  “Hi, I’m Meg. I’d like to see Jules if she’s free.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” she asks.

  “Uh, no. I’m sorry, I’m a friend. I didn’t realize I should make an appointment.”

  “Please have a seat and I’ll see if she’s free.”

  Jenny calls Jules’ office, and less than fifteen seconds later, Jules opens her office door with a wide smile on her pretty face.

  “Hi! Come in.”

  I follow her into her office and am stunned by the view of the Space Needle and the Sound.

  “Wow, that’s some view.”

  “I know. We lucked out on this space.” She grins and leads me to a couch. “What’s up?”

  “I just wanted to return your dress, and honestly get the hell out of Will’s house for a while. That man is grumpy as hell when he’s hung over.”

  Jules laughs and nods. “Yeah, he’s not a good patient. If he’s ever sick, just steer clear.”

  “I could have used that warning yesterday.” I try to hand Jules her freshly dry-cleaned dress, but she frowns at me.

  “Why are you returning the dress?”

  “Because it’s yours.” What the hell?

  “No, it’s not.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Jules sighs and pinches the bridge of her nose. “Will didn’t tell you?”

  “Tell me what?”

  “Meg, Will bought the dress for you. He just had Natalie and I call the designer and make the arrangements. This was never my dress.” She smiles softly.

  I’m stunned. My mouth drops, and I look at the beautiful dress in my hands.

  “How much was this dress?” I ask her.

  “It doesn’t matter; it was a gift, Meg.”

  God, she sounds just like her brother.

  “What about the spa? The shoes? The underwear?”

  “Those were all Nat and me. Will just bought you the dress.”

  “And the diamond earrings,” I murmur.

  “He got you diamond earrings?” she asks with a wide smile.

  “Yeah, they’re gorgeous.” I sigh happily. “I should be mad, but honestly, I love this fucking dress. I want to wear it every day.”

  Jules laughs. “It’s so perfect for you. Will picked it out himself, you know.”

  “He did?”

  “He did,” she confirms. “I heard about what he did last night when you guys were leaving. Wanna talk about it?”

  I squirm uncomfortably in my seat. “I’m not mad about it.”

  “But you’re not happy.”

  I shrug. “He was drunk.”

  “Spill it, McBride.” Her voice is firm, and I know I’m not leaving here without talking to her, and frankly, I need to talk to her.

  I need to talk to someone.

  “Jules, what the hell does he see in me?” I frown and look down at my hands. “I guess that’s what it comes down to. He can have anyone he wants.”

  “Why is it so hard for you to believe that he wants you? Meg, you’re fantastic.”

  “But…” I shake my head, but she interrupts me.

  “No buts. Will adores you, Megan. I’ve never seen him like this.”

  “He’ll get tired of me.”

  “Stop it. Now you’re just being a pussy, and I don’t have time for this shit.” My eyes go wide and I raise my eyebrows.

  “How do you really feel?” I ask dryly.

  “Will is famous, Meg. None of us can change that, and I don’t think he wants to change that. He’s good at what he does.”

  “Yes, he is,” I agree.

  “There will always be groupies. He will always get recognized, especially around this town. Will’s never really cared about all that bullshit.” She shrugs. “It just goes with the job. But Meg, if every time a woman tries to get his attention it makes you start to question his feelings for you, or whether you deserve him, you will never be able to make this relationship work.”

  “What are you saying?” I ask her.

  “If you aren’t in it for the long haul, willing to pull your big-girl panties up and deal with the bullshit that comes along with being famous, then cut your losses now rather than later.”

  I don’t have any words. I just sit and stare at her, then look over at the dress, and back to her.

  “The thought of being without him kills me,” I whisper.

  “Then trust him when he says he loves you. He means it. Enjoy him. Love him back.”

  She looks so damn proud of herself.

  And she’s right. He’s never given me a reason not to trust him.

  “Okay. Thank you. For everything.”

  “You’re welcome.” She pulls me into a tight hug and then walks me to her door. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

  * * *

  Just when I walk through my front door, my phone rings. Football Star reads on the display.

  “Hey there,” I answer.

  “Where are you?” God, he’s so grouchy.

  “I’m at home. Just got here.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I just left your sister’s office and I needed to come home for a while. I see you’re still as charming as you were this morning.”

  He sighs. “Sorry. I slept too long.”

  “Jules told me about the dress, Will.”

  He swears under his breath. “Great, so now I guess you’ll bitch at me about spending too much money on that too?”

  “Actually, I was going…”

  “Because I’m sick of trying to give you nice things and you keep telling me I shouldn’t,” he interrupts. “Do you have any idea how much money I make?”

  “No, I don’t care…”

  “I just signed a one hundred million dollar contract, Megan.”

  Holy fuck.

  “I can afford to buy you dresses and earrings and take you on trips.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay?”

  “Yes. I was going to thank you for the dress because I really love it and I love that you picked it out. But clearly you’re still in jack-ass mode, so I’m going to let you go get over this fucking hangover that has you growling at me like a wounded bear and get some things done around my own house. I’ll see you later.”

  I hang up before he can respond and toss my phone on the counter top in the kitchen.

  I throw in a load of laundry, tidy my bathroom and clean out the fridge, swearing at grumpy football players who don’t know how to hold their liquor.

  Jackass.

  And then it occurs to me: I don’t think he’s eaten today. Unless he ate while I was out, but Will requires a hell of a lot of food, and with that hangover, which he’s not used to, I’m quite sure he hasn’t eaten.

  So I take a quick stock of my freezer and pantry and send him a text.

  Be at my place in an hour.

  * * *

  The lasagna is resting on the tabletop and I’m just pulling the garlic bread out of the oven when Will rings the doorbell.

  I open the door to find him standing there, freshly showered, with a dozen pink roses, and I melt just a little.

  “I’m sorry I’m a jackass.”

  “Come inside, jackass.” I let him in and push the buttons on the alarm like I’m supposed to when I open the door, earning a wide smile from Mr. Overprotective.

  “
You set the alarm.”

  “I did.” I shrug like it’s no big deal. “You seem to like it when I do that.”

  “I do.” He holds the flowers out to me. “These are for you.”

  “Thank you.” I bury my nose in them and take a deep breath. “They smell wonderful.”

  “Like you,” he whispers.

  “Don’t think being cheeky will redeem you from your jackassery.”

  “Jackassery?” He asks with a laugh. “Where do you come up with these words?” He follows me into the kitchen where I put the flowers in the water.

  “Where did you get that lasagna?” he asks, his eyes wide and pinned to the pan of bubbly goodness on the table.

  “I made it.”

  “What?” His eyes dart to mine and he pins me with a glare. “You made that?”

  “Yeah.” I toss the bread in a basket and set it on the table, along with plates and silverware.

  “You can cook?”

  “Of course.”

  “You’ve been holding out on me?” He crosses his arms over his chest and looks down-right pissed off, which makes me laugh.

  “Will, you never asked me if I could cook. You just assumed I couldn’t.” I smile softly at him. “Are you hungry, babe?”

  “God, I’m fucking starving.” He sits at the table, but instead of letting me sit in my chair, he pulls me into his lap and kisses me hard. “I’m so damn sorry for today and for last night. Did I really flirt with another woman with you standing right there, or was that a nightmare?”

  “You did.” I cup his cheek in my hand. “I’m okay.”

  “I’m never drinking again. I swear.”

  “I’m okay, Will. I trust you.” I smile up at him as I pull my fingers down his sexy face. “I thought you were hungry.”

  “God, yes.” He pushes me out of his lap and digs into the lasagna. “And after I eat this, I’m hungry for you.” His blue eyes follow me as I sit in my chair and take a bite of garlic bread.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  It was, perhaps, the most beautiful wedding I’d ever been to in my life. We’ve just left Jules and Nate’s wedding and are riding in limos to the reception site, a beautiful country club in Bellevue. Jules chose to play it safe, with it being fall, and is keeping the whole event indoors.

  I lean on Will’s arm, link our fingers, and sigh happily.

  “That was beautiful.”

  “Jules looked really happy,” Stacy agrees. We are riding with Stacy and Isaac and their kids and Caleb and Matt.

  “The twins were adorable flower girls,” I remark. Josie and Maddie had fluffy, soft pink dresses on and their hair twisted up in sweet little up-do’s.

  “I think it was sweet of Jules to have Livie and Soph wear similar dresses too,” Stacy says with a soft smile.

  “Are we going to talk about dresses all day?” Caleb asks with a frown.

  “Uh, Caleb, it’s a wedding,” I reply dryly. “We’re going to talk dresses and shoes and flowers all day.”

  “Shit,” he mutters and pulls on the collar of his white suit shirt.

  “You look very nice,” I tell him with a sweet smile. And it’s true. He looks damn hot in a suit, all broad shoulders and tan skin. He grimaces.

  “Thanks.”

  “Are you flirting with my brothers again?” Will asks me with a grin.

  “Yep. Get used to it.” I kiss his cheek. “But you’re my favorite.”

  “Gee, glad to hear it, babe.”

  “Here we are.” Isaac props little Liam on his shoulder and we all follow him out of the limo. The other cars have pulled up around us, so all the family is arriving at the same time. The rest of the guests should already be inside.

  I can hear the band playing inside. They sound good. I wonder who Luke got to play?

  “Ready?” Will asks and holds his arm out for me.

  “Yes, let’s party!” I take his arm and he escorts me inside along with everyone else, Jules and Nate bringing up the rear.

  Once we’re all in, Jules’ dad takes a mic and announces the newly married couple.

  “It is my great honor to introduce you all to Mr. and Mrs. McKenna!”

  Applause erupts and the happy couple enters the hall, smiling broadly, absolutely glowing.

  If it wasn’t so fantastic, it would be disgusting.

  Jules’ dress is just flat-out amazing, which doesn’t surprise me. It’s white, and almost Grecian in style, flowing up one shoulder and gathered with rhinestones. Rhinestones cascade down the mostly-open back, holding the dress together. It’s floor-length, and as she walks, Tiffany-blue shoes peek out. Her something blue.

  I scan the elegant room, taking it all in. The guests are beautifully dressed, wandering around, chatting or finding their assigned seats at one of the many round tables, set with soft pink linens and large pink bouquets of flowers and tea-light candles.

  The whole room glows. The band is playing out of my sight, in an adjoining room, where I’m assuming the stage and dance floor are. I can see French doors that open between the two rooms, so those seated at the tables can watch the band and the dancers. People are already wandering in to listen, and they seem to recognize the band.

  “Come on, let’s mingle,” Will smiles down at me. “I want to show you off.”

  “Right,” I smirk.

  “You are gorgeous today. Well, every day, but I love this dress.” He brushes his hand down my naked back and settles it right above my ass. “I can see your dimples.”

  I grin up at him, enjoying that lustful look in his eyes. “I did that on purpose.” My dress is simple, but pretty. Its eggplant, and floor-length. The bodice is v-shaped, ending right between my breasts with a tiny rhinestone broach. It’s sleeveless, the straps only about an inch wide, and there is no back to speak of.

  “Yeah, I thought so,” he laughs. He looks amazing in his dark suit. Like his brothers, he’s broad-shouldered and tall and just delicious.

  I want to eat him up.

  He grabs us each a glass of champagne and we start to wander about the room, chatting and laughing with the other guests. I’m introduced to friends of Nate’s from his fighting days, all of whom are funny and nice, and clearly uncomfortable in their suits. Finally, we make our way back to Nat and Luke.

  “Who’s the guy with Luke?” I ask Will.

  “Oh, you haven’t met Mark yet. That’s his brother. He’s usually in Alaska working.” He leads me to the threesome and introduces me to Luke’s handsome brother.

  Holy shit, I didn’t think it was possible to be hotter than Luke Williams.

  I was wrong.

  What is up with the water these women drank when they were pregnant? Seriously, it’s crazy.

  “Hi, Meg, nice to meet you.” Mark offers me a cocky grin as he shakes my hand. “Too bad Will’s already snatched you up.”

  “Watch it, dude. You’ve been back all of two days. Don’t make me kill you.” Will growls good-naturedly.

  Mark just grins at him. “You’d miss me.”

  Suddenly, Jules is walking briskly to me, her eyes wide and worried. “Um, Meg, we need to talk.”

  “Why?”

  But before she can say anything, I hear it. Lonely Soul starts to play, the song I wrote with Leo.

  And it’s Leo singing it.

  “Luke, who did you hire for this?” I ask, my eyes pinned to Jules’. I already know.

  “Nash,” he replies, his voice confused. “Why, you don’t like them?”

  I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Holy fucking shit.

  Natalie gasps, and Will wraps his fingers around my arm, pulling me around to face him. “What is it?”

  “Meg, I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” Jules runs her hand down my back. “I really didn’t.”

  This is Jules’ wedding. She’s one of my oldest and dearest friends. I will be fine. I will do what I need to do to get through tonight, and it will be fine.

  I paste a s
mile on my face and hug her tightly. “It’s fine, sweetie.”

  “What did I do wrong?” Luke asks.

  “Nothing.” I shake my head and smile over at him. “Nash is a fantastic band.”

  “What am I missing?” Will murmurs down to me. I sigh.

  “Leo Nash is my Leo, Will.”

  “What?” he asks, frowning. Natalie curses under her breath. Jules is still worried, biting her lip.

  “I’m fine.” I look around at the group of people who have come to mean so much to me. They have become like family to me. “Honestly, this is great. The guests will love them.”

  Will is watching me closely, questions in his eyes, and I feel like shit for not telling him the whole story before. But it was too painful to admit to him that Leo left me here while he went and became a big rock star.

  That he just forgot about me.

  “Luke, how did you manage to get Nash?” Jules asks him.

  Luke shrugs. “They’re doing the soundtrack for the new movie I’m producing. They just wrapped up a tour, and are taking some time off, so I asked if they would do this event before their vacation, and they agreed.”

  “You’re so sweet,” Nat murmurs and kisses him.

  “Maybe I should have checked with you guys, though. I didn’t think you knew any rock stars.”

  I shrug. “We used to.”

  Everyone is watching me. “Stop. I’m fine. What’s next? Dinner? When do we get cake?”

  “Yeah, when do we get cake?” Will asks, making us all laugh, but his eyes are still serious and pinned on me.

  “After dinner,” Jules replies dryly. “Which I think they’re about to serve.”

  The band stops playing, and a DJ takes over while we have dinner and go through the motions of the cake cutting and the toasts.

  Natalie stands and takes the mic offered to her and smiles shyly to the room at-large.

  “My husband is usually the one to speak to large audiences, but I’m happy to talk to you all about my best friend.” She looks over at Jules and smiles widely.

  “Are you going to embarrass me?” Jules asks.

  “Maybe,” Nat winks. “See, she can never break up with me because I know too much.” We all laugh and Nat sobers.