Whitley steps up, her ball sailing over all the cups and I instinctively reach out and catch it.
“Atta girl, Lanester! Fucking drink up, Whit!” Sawyer hoots, throwing mad Jersey Shore fists in the air.
I turn to Zach and shrug my shoulders causing him to laugh. “Catch in the air means we get to pick one of our cups for them to remove. Doesn’t really matter since we have a re-rack coming, so tell her which to drink, superstar.”
I randomly point to one of the cups on their end and smile over at Bennett while Whitley has to chug a lug again, putting my team at two cups left!
Dane steps up to throw and all of a sudden I feel bad. We’re whipping their asses, he’s noticeably uncomfortable, and I’m antagonizing the hell out of him. So I decide to throw him a bone...I raise my arms above my head and lean back, like I’m yawning and stretching at the same time. The coolness hits my tummy as my shirt rises ever so slightly and I pop back up, pulling it down in mock shyness. “Oh my, sorry about that.” I bat my eyelashes at him then quickly look to Bennett for telepathic moral support.
Tate looks up at me and mouths, “you are terrible,” but his smile confirms he loves watching me torture his brother. I guess Dane made his shot because Zach is drinking when I turn my attention back to the game.
I miss on my next turn, still a little flustered from my sudden brazenness, but am rewarded nonetheless when I finally dare a peek at Dane. He’s staring at me, as though just waiting for when I’d look, and the light in his eyes makes me feel beautiful, brave, and silly...like tonight is okay.
The game is over in just a few more throws and as much as I don’t really want to, I begrudgingly ask everyone to leave since I have an early morning. Zach gives me a big hug and makes me promise we’re set partners anytime there’s pong to be played and I eagerly agree while Tate and Bennett sneak away to sleep in his room so they don’t keep me up. Whitley awkwardly hangs out a few minutes longer than she should before finally asking Dane to walk her out.
When they’re gone, Sawyer turns me by my shoulder to face him. “He’ll never just be blatantly rude to her, Laney. He can’t, and he doesn’t have it in him, anyway. But don’t get it twisted; he’s never looked at her, or anyone, like he looks at you. Try and remember that, okay?” His eyes seek mine for acceptance of what he’s just revealed.
Shocked into a silent stupor I simply nod.
“Night then, kick ass tomorrow, sweetie,” he playfully throws over his shoulder on his way out.
I swat his butt at his sarcastic attempt at humor, cause we swat each other’s butts now, right?
Just as I make my way out of the bathroom, teeth brushed and jammies donned, I hear a light knock at the door. A peephole isn’t even an option, but I’m not too worried about it, probably just one of them forgot something.
He’s looking at the ground when I crack open the door, but slowly his head lifts and his soulful brown eyes move to mine. “Dane, did you forget something?”
“No, but can I come in for a sec?”
I pull the door open further to allow him entry and then close it behind him, taking a moment for a deep breath before turning to face him. His presence usually puts every sense I have on high alert, but I feel the spark of something even more intoxicating in the air right now.
He reaches out and takes one of my hands, giving it a light squeeze. “You were on fire tonight. Did you have fun?”
“I did, a lot. Did you?” Our joined hands hang between us and his thumb rubs across my wrist, so faint it’s almost as though I’m imagining it.
“I did once I realized you weren’t too mad.” He lets out a sigh, running those long fingers through his dark hair. “I’m sorry Whitley was here, on your bed. She followed Sawyer from their room, looking for me. That’s it.”
“It’s okay. Pretty sure I got her back.” I shrug, laughing. It was way more fun to slaughter her mercilessly in pong than get catty.
“That you did, that you did,” he chuckles. “You’re amazing when you loosen up a bit.” One eyebrow touches his hairline. “Did I see Sawyer grab your butt?” A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, though he’s fighting it.
“No!” I swat his chest with the back of my hand playfully. “There’s a big difference between grabbing my butt and giving me an ‘atta girl’ slap.”
“So you’re good? We’re good?” His worried brow is unnecessary so I boldly reach up a finger to smooth it.
“We’re fine, Dane, I promise.”
“Can I spend some time with you when you get back?” He runs one finger along my jawline tenderly.
Do not shiver, Laney. “Okay,” I say, taking a deep breath in hopes my next words come out in a normal octave. “I’ll text you.”
“Good night, Disney.” His voice is sultry as he leans over to kiss my cheek. “I’ll be waiting.”
Climbing in to bed, the glow to my cheeks and upturn of my lips can’t be helped. Sleep comes easily and I wake to board the bus just hours later. If I had known what awaited me on the other end of that ride, I would have never gotten on.
Chapter Twenty-Six