Play Hard (Make the Play #2) (4 page)

“Hey, Cal.” Mom enters the kitchen. She’s wearing pajama bottoms and a t-shirt, and by the looks of her hair I’m assuming she hasn’t showered yet.

“Good writing day?” I cock an eyebrow. Sweat beads along my shoulder blades, sliding down my spine. My practice uniform clings to my skin. Reaching into the fridge I pull out a two-liter of soda, unscrew the cap and pour the carbonated liquid down my throat. Practice was brutal. I’m hungry, thirsty and beat.

“How many times have I told you not to drink from the bottle?” Mom scolds me.

Drawing the bottle from my face, I swallow. “A lot.”

Mom glares at me.

“Sorry.” Carrying the bottle in hand, I step toward her. With my free hand, I give her a one-armed hug. “I’ll work on it.”

The look she gives tells me she’s not buying it. “I need you to do me a favor.”

Inwardly, I groan. Unless the favor is inhaling all the food in the fridge or crawling under my covers, I’m not interested. “What is it?”

“I need you to take something to Olivia at her shop.”

“Why can’t Emmy do it?” Normally I wouldn’t argue. Especially when it involves my best friend and his mom. But now that Emmy and Chris are dating, the Alcott’s are as much a part of her life as mine.

“She’s doing homework,” Mom states.

“Maybe I have homework.”

Mom raises a brow. “Maybe? You don’t know if you do or not?”

I chuckle.
Well played.
“Fine. I don’t have homework. I did it all before practice.” That’s the problem with having Emmy for a sister. She’s in AP classes, so her homework takes a lot longer than mine. It has been getting her out of stuff for years.

“Great.” Mom disappears into the hallway.

While she’s gone, I finish off the remainder of the two-liter. I’m letting out a giant belch when Mom reappears.

“Really? How old are you?” Mom says, but there is a teasing gleam in her eyes.

“Age doesn’t matter. All of our bodies work the same,” I point out.

“But maturity means knowing when to be discreet,” Mom argues.

I don’t respond. Instead I flash her a smile. Mom can never resist my smiles. When I was a kid, I knew I only needed to give her a giant grin and she’d forgive almost anything. Shaking her head, her lips edge upward, and I know it’s working.

She thrusts a giant stack of paper into my hands. “Here. It’s my latest manuscript. Olivia’s gonna read it for me.”

Olivia’s been doing this for Mom for years. Mom calls Olivia her beta reader, meaning she reads over Mom’s books before they go to her editor. She looks for content issues, plot holes, and stuff like that.

“I still don’t know why you can’t just give it to Emmy. I’m sure she’ll see Chris soon,” I say, still hoping I can get out of this. My stomach growls as if reminding me of how badly I need to eat.

“Chris is home studying. Emmy’s doing homework. You’ll probably see Chris before Emmy does,” Mom responds, the beginnings of exasperation painting her tone. Her patience is wearing thin. I need to shut this down before she yells at me. “Olivia wants to start reading tonight.”

“Chris and Emmy are both studying, huh?” I joke. “Seems suspicious to me.”

Mom throws up her arms.
Uh-oh, I’ve gone too far.
“Emmy’s in her room. Alone. You can check if you don’t believe me.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “Take the book to Olivia. This conversation is over.”

A nervous laugh escapes. “Okay, calm down. I’ll go.”

Mom stares at me, pressing her lips together.

Pivoting on my heels, I head to the front door. After snatching up my keys, I race down the walkway and hop in my car. The cool breeze causes goosebumps to rise on my flesh. It’s not that cold, but it feels that way since my clothes are damp. Once inside my car, I toss the manuscript on the passenger seat and turn on the engine. Music streams from the speakers as I pull away from the curb.

I drive swiftly down the street, knowing the faster I do this, the faster I’ll be able to get home and eat. Hunger pangs jab me in the gut, and irritation rises in me that I have to do this. Between Emmy and me, Mom usually asks me to do her favors. I resented it when I was younger, thinking Mom favored Emmy over me. But as I got older I realized that wasn’t the case. It’s actually the opposite. Emmy spent much of her childhood vying for Mom’s attention. It was heartbreaking at times watching her try and fail to gain Mom’s approval. For whatever reason, Mom and I have connected in a way that Emmy and Mom never have.

But the truth is, I’m closer to Emmy than anyone in my family.

That’s why I feel a little bad about throwing her under the bus in my conversation with Mom before. Deep down I’m still kind of bothered by her dating Christian. I know I need to get over it. I hate that it’s affecting our relationship. Nothing has ever come between us before. Hell, nothing has ever come between Chris and me before either.

Chris and Emmy are probably the two most important people in my life. I don’t want to lose them. Sure, things have shifted. Our relationship has been altered in a huge way, but I need to learn how to deal with it.

I turn down Old Creek Road, and Olivia’s shop comes into view. The sky is darkening and light shines through the front windows, emitting a soft glow onto the sidewalk. Row upon row of antiques are visible from the street. Chris has told me that business is slow for Olivia, and I sort of get it. I mean, how popular can antiques be? Especially in a small town like ours. Still, I feel bad for her. I know how hard she works. How hard she’s always worked.

Snatching up the manuscript, I tuck it under my arm and head out of the car. Ambling up the sidewalk, I make my way to the shop. There are only a few people out tonight. A couple strolls past me, hand in hand. When they get close enough I recognize them as Mr. and Mrs. Johnston who live down the street from us. I wave to them before pressing my palm to the glass door and pushing it open. The bell on the door dings.

Olivia’s head snaps in my direction. “Hey, Cal.” She steps out from behind the counter and comes toward me. When she reaches me, she wraps me in a hug. Olivia’s always been a hugger. My parents aren’t touchy-feely, so when Olivia and Christian moved to Prairie Creek it took awhile to get used to Olivia’s affection. When she draws back, the bracelets on her arm tinkle. Her hair is curled around her face and she wears a long, flowing dress. I always find it amusing how opposite from my mom she is in her looks. Especially since they’re such close friends. Mom can usually be found in sweats and t-shirts, and she rarely wears jewelry. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Olivia in sweat pants, and I’m certain I’ve never seen her without jewelry on.

“Ooh, you have it.” She squeals, scooping up the manuscript, a greedy look in her eyes. “I’ve been dying to read this one.” Grinning, her head bounces up, her eyes meeting mine. “It’s a second chance romance.”

She says this like I should know what that means. My mom may write romance, but I sure as hell don’t read it. “A second chance romance?” I raise my brows, willing her to explain.

“Yeah.” She presses the manuscript to her chest. “You know. Lovers who break up and reconnect years later.”

I nod. “Sounds familiar.”

Her smile deepens. “It does, doesn’t it?”

“You and Dan still together?” Olivia and Dan used to be high school sweethearts. Then she had an affair with one of her college professors. That resulted in her pregnancy with Christian, and it caused her and Dan to break up. Earlier this year Dan left his wife, and he and Olivia started dating again. To say Christian was upset would be an understatement. Not that I completely blame him. Dan treated his mother terribly when they first moved back to town. Of course I kind of get that too, since Dan felt hurt and betrayed by Olivia. Still it doesn’t excuse his behavior. And to add insult to injury, Dan is Josh’s dad, and Josh isn’t exactly Christian’s favorite person either. Anyway, I have no idea if Christian is dealing with it better now or not. We haven’t discussed it. He probably talks to Emmy about it, but she hasn’t mentioned anything.

“Yeah,” she answers, her face practically glowing.

“Good,” I reply honestly. No matter how Christian feels about it, I’m happy for Olivia. She deserves happiness, and if Dan treats her well, then I’m glad they’re together. She spent far too long paying for her mistakes. It’s time for her to enjoy life.

“It
is
good,” she says. “And Chris is finally starting to come around. Emmy’s good for him.”

I grin. “Who woulda thought, huh?”

“Oh, I always thought they’d end up together.” Olivia’s eyes sparkle. “There’s always been something between them. I’m surprised you never noticed.”

They say that hindsight is twenty-twenty, and in this instance I know that’s true. When I look back over the years, I can pick up the signs. But I didn’t notice them at the time. I guess I wasn’t looking for them. Christian’s my best friend. Emmy’s my sister. A relationship between the two of them wasn’t even on my radar.

Until it blew up the whole damn radar, that is.

Then I was forced to see it.

Sighing, I glance around the quiet shop. “Need me to help you with anything before I go?” I may be starving, but Olivia’s like a second mom to me, and I’d do anything to help her.

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “Chris already put away all of the new shipment. It’s been quiet today so I rearranged everything. Now I’m probably just going to get a little reading in until closing time.”

I often wonder why she even bothers to keep the place open on nights like this where there aren’t any customers. Then again, I guess the hope of someone wandering in keeps her here. And really, how would she sell anything if she closed early all the time?

“Okay.” I wipe my palms on my dirty pants. “I’m gonna take off then.”

“Have a good night.” She’s already sitting behind the counter, diving into Mom’s manuscript.

Stepping forward, I open the shop door and walk outside to the sound of the bell tinkling. I don’t know how Olivia can stand to hear that thing all day long. It would get on my nerves. The sky is even darker than when I got here. Stars are beginning to emerge. If Emmy were here, she’d be tempted to count them.

When the door closes behind me, something moves to my right, and I turn. Taylor stands in front of Olivia’s shop, her eyes wide with fright. I freeze, her expression sparking fear in my heart.
All traces of the tough girl I spoke to earlier are gone
.
Her head swivels in the direction of the hardware store next to Olivia’s shop. When her gaze sweeps over the closed sign, her body slumps in defeat. She looks over my shoulder, panic evident on her face. In one large stride, she bridges the gap between us. Latching onto my arm, she looks into my eyes.

“Kiss me,” she demands.

“What?” Cal asks, stunned.

I get why he’s confused, but I don’t have time to explain. Dusty is walking in this direction. His gaze is combing the street, and any minute he’s going to spot me. When he does, I’m dead. I can’t let that happen. There’s nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. And if I try to run, he’ll see me.

This is the only option. If Cal kisses me, Dusty won’t see my face. He won’t see me at all. Reaching up, I curve both my hands around Cal’s face and forcefully tug his head toward mine.

“Please,” I whisper desperately. “Kiss me.” For someone who was so shocked a second ago, he seems to have awaken from his stupor. His lips crash into mine with eagerness. I’ll tell you one thing, this definitely isn’t his first kiss. Not that I thought it was. In fact, this may not even be the first time a girl has mauled him in the middle of the street.

I was about to duck into the antique shop before Cal stepped out of it. Once he did, I knew it was too late for me to try. Dusty was getting closer. He was almost looking in this direction. Honestly, I was relieved that it was Cal and not someone else who stepped through the door. He was like my own personal angel, providing me with the perfect distraction, the perfect out. I’m not sure I believe in god, but if there is one, he certainly has my back right now.

When I first grabbed Cal, my goal had been to keep my gaze focused on Dusty and my surroundings. The kiss was nothing more than a way to throw Dusty off track. To keep myself safe and hidden.

I hadn’t been expecting to like it.

But when Cal’s arms come up caging me in, I find myself melting into him. His large body and hard muscles surround me, enveloping me in strength. For the first time in, well, maybe forever, I feel protected. His foreign scent, a mixture of sandalwood and leather with the faint traces of sweat, makes my heart race. He’s wearing his baseball uniform, and something about that excites me. Which is odd, since I’ve never been into jocks before. I tighten my hold on his face, my lips exerting more pressure. His tongue thrusts out of his mouth, licking along the seam of my lips. Even I’m a little surprised when I open my mouth to allow his tongue to enter. When his tongue slides over mine, my eyelids flutter closed. I’m not aware of my surroundings. I’m lost in his touch, in his caress.

I’m lost in him.

The magnitude of the situation crashes into me, and guilt punches me in the gut. I’m hiding from my ex-boyfriend; from one of the most dangerous people I know. I’ve got more baggage than an airport, and a secret that a guy like Cal would never understand. I can’t afford to get lost in him. This is nothing more than a means to an end. I have to remember that.

Drawing back, I keep my head hidden behind Cal’s. The look on his face causes my heart to pinch. Did he think this was a real kiss? That it meant something? God, I’m an awful person. Hearing footsteps, I press my face into Cal’s chest.
Oh, heaven help me, I’ve never felt muscles like this.
They flex beneath my cheek, and I find myself wishing to reach under his shirt and run my fingertips over every inch of them.

Man, I’ve got to stop thinking like this.
What is wrong with me?

“Is he gone?” Daring to peer up, I whisper.

Cal glances over his shoulder. His arms are still wrapped around me, and that alone gives me comfort. Strange how someone I hardly know can make me feel like this. People I’ve known my whole life don’t make me feel this safe. Not even my own parents.

“You talking about the dark-haired guy, tats on his arm, gauges in his ears?” Cal’s voice is low, husky, as he speaks under his breath. His mouth barely moves as if he’s afraid Dusty will decipher what he’s saying. It’s weird that he’s being so helpful since he doesn’t even know me.

I nod.

“He’s making his way around the corner.” Cal keeps his gaze trained down the street. I don’t dare look. Instead, I stare up at Cal’s face. At his strong jaw, light stubble framing it. “He just turned down another street. You’re in the clear.”

I blow out a relieved breath. Then a thought strikes me. “Is he in a car or still on foot?”

“Still on foot,” he answers.

I frown. That means he hasn’t left. He’s still in town. Still looking for me. This is so not good. If he starts asking questions, word will get back to my aunt and uncle. How the hell did he know where I was? I rack my brain trying to think if I ever mentioned this place. And that’s when I’m struck with a memory. It was just one mention, something I had forgotten. We were both high, and we found a field to run around in. I remember mentioning that the field reminded me of the times I’d visited my aunt and uncle in Prairie Creek.
Man, how did he recall that?

“You okay?” The concern in Cal’s voice threatens to break me apart.

I can’t believe he’s not running away. I’m acting like a crazy person. Realizing my entire body is shaking, I take a deep breath in an attempt to quell my nerves. “Yeah,” I lie. Then I glance up at him. “Thanks.” A part of me wants to stay here forever, tucked against Cal’s chest. But not only would that be unfair to Cal, I have to get home. Glancing down at my watch, my stomach plummets. “Shit,” I mutter.

“What?” Cal tightens his hold.

“I have to get home. I’m gonna be late.”

“I’ll take you.”

I pause, once again surprised by how quickly he offers to help. Is this how guys are around here, or is this just how he is? I suspect it’s the latter. Funny thing is that when I met him at school I thought I had him all figured out. Thought he was this macho, egotistical jock. Turns out, he’s so much more than that. As tempting as it is to take him up on his offer, I know I can’t. If I show up at my aunt and uncle’s house with a guy, they’ll be pissed. I’m trying to prove to them that they can trust me. That I’ve changed. Running around with a strange guy will only serve to make them think I’m the same girl I was in the city.

“No. That’s okay.” I step back. When his arms fall away from my body, I shiver. My gaze shoots around, suddenly worried that Dusty may have come back.

Cal must notice because he glances down the street. “It’s okay. I don’t see him.”

“Thanks,” I say.

“Please let me take you home,” he says. “I don’t know what’s going on, but clearly you shouldn’t be walking around alone.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. Before he can protest any further, I step around him. “I’m sorry about…well, about forcing you to kiss me and everything.” My cheeks warm as the reality of what I did crashes over me. I am a walking disaster, aren’t I?

“Hey, you won’t hear any complaints from me about that.” He smiles.

I smile back. Then I whirl around, prepared to hurry down the street. But Cal’s arm shoots out, his fingers clamping around my wrist.

“There’s no way I’m letting you walk home alone,” he practically growls. “Don’t bother fighting me on this.”

His words warm my insides. Actually, this entire night has thawed away at the coldness that’s surrounded my heart since arriving here. I’m used to guys being controlling. Dusty was forceful with me too. But never to protect me. Never because it was in my best interest. This is different than anything I’ve experienced before, and it scares me how much I like it. And really, walking home probably isn’t the greatest idea. Not with Dusty running around town. Silently I pray he won’t go anywhere near my uncle’s house.

Cal yanks me toward a blue Honda Civic. Like a perfect gentlemen, he opens the passenger door for me and gently guides me inside. His gaze darts to the sidewalk and down the street, and I know he’s keeping an eye out for Dusty.
Man, this guy is going to steal my heart if I’m not careful.

After closing the passenger door, he hurries to his side and hops in. The inside of the car smells like him, and it makes my heart race. When he turns on the engine, hip hop music blasts from the speakers. I flinch. Reaching out, he lowers the volume.

“Sorry about that,” he mumbles.

I bite my lip as he pulls away from the curb. Baseball equipment fills the backseat, and it rattles around as he drives.

As we near a stop sign, I point with my index finger. “Oh, you take a right up here.”

“I know how to get there,” he says simply, flicking on his blinker.

“You know where I live?” I tease. “Should I be concerned?”

He shrugs, keeping his gaze trained ahead. “It’s a small town. People talk. We all know you live at Pastor Alex’s house.” His neck cranes in my direction. “You don’t have to be concerned about me, Taylor.”

The pointed look he gives me makes me shudder.

He turns his head, returning his attention back to the road. “So you wanna tell me who that guy was? You must have been pretty scared if kissing me seemed like a better option than facing him.”  I’m shocked at his words, until he adds, “When we spoke this afternoon I didn’t get the impression that you were my biggest fan.”

My face heats up. My tongue feels like its swollen to enormous proportions, and I have no idea what to say. So I answer his first question. “His name is Dusty, and he’s my ex-boyfriend.”

He nods subtly. “I’m guessing things didn’t end well.”

I snort. “You can say that.” Nervously, I fiddle with the bottom of my sweater, working the fabric between my fingers. Our bodies bounce as the car drives over gravel and rocks. “He’s sorta the reason I’m in Prairie Creek.” I pull in a breath. “He’s not supposed to know where I am. If my parents find out that he was here, I’ll probably be shipped off to somewhere else.”