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Certainly not me.
Until very recently, I’ve only been treated to surly and moody with a side of asshole. This is an entirely different animal all together.
A far more dangerous animal.
His attention returns to me before sweeping down my length as our parents chat about their golf games and future trips to the Bahamas. I had no idea they were even acquainted.
Although, why would I?
It’s not like I’ve ever mentioned Crosby before. For the most part, I’ve done my best to pretend he didn’t exist.
That’s no longer possible.
His fingers close around my elbow before he carefully leads me away from the group. Garret returns just as we disappear through the elegantly attired crowd toward a room where there are fewer people milling around.
“You look gorgeous. That dress,” he whispers against my ear, “is fucking spectacular.”
Heat fills my cheeks. It’s on the tip of my tongue to admit that it’s cutting off my circulation. Instead I say, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I give him a bit of side-eye. “You look pretty handsome yourself.”
What is it about a good-looking man in a tux?
Add the lip ring, and he’s ridiculously sexy. I’m certainly not the only one who’s noticed. We’ve only been here for a handful of minutes, and already I can feel the hungry gazes tracking his progress throughout the room. It’s like these women are tigers stalking prey.
My attention slips to the silver hoop. I wish I could stop thinking about what it felt like when we kissed. Or how much I’d like to feel it again. I force myself to look up, only to find a smirk lifting his lips and a dark intensity filling his eyes.
The combination is enough to have my belly hollowing out in response.
Before I can blink, he swallows up the distance until his warm breath can ghost across the outer shell of my ear. “I’ve given you a couple of days, but I couldn’t stay away any longer. Have you given any more thought to our conversation?”
Unfortunately, I’ve been able to think about little else since we spoke in the school parking lot. And since I had a test to study for yesterday, that was a problem.
As I open my mouth to tell him that it’s not a good idea for us to get involved, we’re interrupted by two couples. The men slap Crosby on the back and ask about Western’s prospects in the playoffs, while their wives boldly eat him up with their eyes.
After about ten minutes, I decide it’s time to circulate and extricate myself from the group. With one last glance over my shoulder, I leave the handsome football player behind. After ninety minutes of talking, my cheeks hurt from the smile plastered across my face and I’m in desperate need of a break.
With a few waves in greeting, I navigate my way through the thick congestion of people before slipping into the kitchen where the caterers are working their magic, and I take the back staircase to the second floor. Once inside the peace and quiet of my room, I collapse against the door. It’s a relief to finally be alone. If only for a few minutes to clear my head and regroup.
I’ve been here for less than two hours and I’m exhausted. I’d like nothing more than to change into my clothes and sneak away. Although, if I do that, Elaine will notice my absence and remark upon it. I’ll give it another hour or so, and then I’m out of here.
Whether she approves or not.
As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done my due diligence.
A sigh escapes from my lips as I gravitate toward the French doors that lead out to a private balcony and rest my forehead against the cool glass. Now that it’s almost winter, the trees in the expansive backyard have been tightly wrapped with burlap. The heated pool has been closed for the season, and the patio furniture has been moved into storage.
One more semester, I remind myself. And then I’ll be free to make my own decisions. Mom won’t be able to control me so easily if I can pay my own way. I have an idea of what my salary will be once I graduate and start working. It’s not great, but it’ll certainly be enough to live on.
Frugally.
In a tiny apartment.
I’m knocked from those thoughts when the bedroom door creaks open, and Crosby slips silently inside. He has the same look in his eyes that he had downstairs.
It’s one that sends my belly into freefall.
25
CROSBY
It might have taken me a while to untangle myself from the growing group of people before sweeping the first floor and poking around upstairs, but I finally found her.
Alone.
I’ve been dying to get my hands on Brooke since I walked in earlier and caught sight of her. I wasn’t lying when I said she looked gorgeous. That dress is killer and does amazing things for her body. In the year and a half I’ve known her, this is the first time I’ve seen Brooke wear something so revealing. I almost hate that she’s wearing it in front of all these lecherous old men.
