Page 56 of Shootout
I swallowed and fingered the collar of his coat. My brain was so muddled where Banks was concerned. One moment I wanted him in the worst way, and the next, I was running as fast as possible in the opposite direction. I had to be frustrating him.
“Wild will expect you to be at the games in the WAGs suite.” His smile seemed tentative as if my answer worried him.
“I have a game, and then I’ll be there.”
“Good.” He grinned, happier than I expected for a guy who wasn’t really in this for the long haul.
As though a magnet was pulling me toward him, I stepped closer, and we kissed. And kissed. And kissed. I clutched his coat to hold myself upright while facing an onslaught of powerful, conflicting emotions. I had to stop this now. Reluctantly, I backed away but couldn’t resist gazing into his chocolate-brown eyes.
“I’d invite you up if I could,” I admitted. My honesty surprised even me.
“I wish you could.” He sighed with resignation, leaving me to feel guilty.
“Good night, Banks.”
“Good night, Jessie.”
His eyes lingered on my face, and I couldn’t look away. A loud noise from down the street startled me, and I spun on a heel. I inserted my key card, opened the door, and went inside. After punching the elevator button, I spoke a few words to the night security guard. The doors swooshed open, and I entered. As they closed, I saw Banks standing outside, looking in my direction with what could only be described as longing on his face.
He wasn’t alone.
ChapterTwenty
PRINCE CHARMING
~~Jessie~~
On Saturday, several days later, Cin picked me up and drove to Geneva and Axel’s place to do our makeup and get dressed together. I wasn’t a girlie girl, and I’d never had this experience before. Usually I was the one playing hockey with the guys while the girls got ready for a dance. Not tonight. I was determined to do Banks proud. He could have any gorgeous woman on his arm tonight, but he was stuck with me. I’d make sure he didn’t regret inviting me.
The guys had been gone most of the week on a road trip and had arrived home early this morning. I hadn’t seen Banks, but we’d texted the entire week and talked a few times on the phone. I told him about my continuing problems with Jonas, and he related his ongoing issues fitting in with the team and getting his game back.
But enough of that. I was going to concentrate on a good time. Nothing else. And I’d see to it that he did the same thing.
At Geneva’s house, the music blared, the wine flowed, and the mood was festive. I joined right in, taking care to only nurse one glass of wine. I didn’t want to get drunk before we got to the gala.
I’d bubbled with anticipation all day. Even Jonas couldn’t ruin my good mood. My evening classes had been rescheduled, and I’d just finished my last of the afternoon.
One look in the mirror showed how flushed my cheeks were. Banks and I were attending our first official event as a couple, fake or not, and likely our last. I’d squeeze every bit of enjoyment out of this evening if it killed me to do so.
I’d gone to great lengths to pick out a dress and have my hair done in an elaborate updo. My dress was killer, and I had the figure to fill it out. It showed more of my skin than I usually exposed, but tonight was the night to sweep modesty aside and go for it. All in all, I’d spent the bulk of my meager savings on preparing for tonight, and I’d make the most of it.
A few hours later, we were applying the last touches to our makeup and finishing off our wine. The guys had arrived and were waiting in the living room. I hadn’t seen Banks yet, but I imagined how hot he’d be in his tux and almost drooled all over myself.
“Damn, girl,” Cin said as she took another sip of wine and walked around me, assessing my dress. “You clean up really well.”
“So do you,” I shot back.
“I have my moments.” Cin actually giggled, and she didn’t seem like the giggling type. Then she hiccuped.
“And Geneva, you’re just fucking hot. Axel isn’t going to know what hit him.”
“Three hot girls,” Geneva remarked with her own version of a slightly drunken giggle.
“Is that anything like three blind mice?” I asked.
“Probably.” Geneva belted out her own rendition of “Three Blind Girls” while Cin and I gaped at her in mock horror. Cin put her fingers in her ears, and the three of us erupted in maniacal laughter.
“Don’t quit your day job to be a singer,” Cin snorted, choking on her wine.
