Daphne returns to our table, her lips coated in fresh gloss just as the server comes by with a basket of bread balanced on a tray of drinks. We both dive in like ravenous hawks, tearing at the baguette.
“Because you should know what you’re getting yourself into.” Rue blows a winded breath and presses her lips together. “I know I can’t keep you away from Zane, but I just wish you’d listen when I tell you he’s no good. He’s a heartbreaker. And he needs to learn a thing or two about respect. The man doesn’t respect women. Or his own damn football team. Or the HOA.”
Daphne snickers behind her drink as she realizes the topic of conversation. If someone defies the Laguna Palms Home Owner’s Association, Rue takes it personally. I’m pretty sure I came across an actual Shit List in her junk drawer the other day.
“The way you talk about him, I almost wonder if he broke your heart,” Daphne says to Aunt Rue.
Rue’s shoulders sag as she spins her empty martini glass and stares off to the side.
“I liked that kid when he first moved here,” she says. “But he had me fooled. He had us all fooled. He’s caused nothing but problems.”
Chapter 10
Zane
“You’re killing me here.” Kai stands in front of my foyer mirror, flexing his quarterback biceps and grinning from ear to ear. “Live a little.”
“Can’t. You know that.” I rest my hands on my hips and glance at my bored reflection. Weston, one of our linebackers, is seated in my living room looking lost in thought. Or maybe he’s bored too.
“Weston’s depressed. You’re no fun anymore.” Kai’s smile fades as he turns to me. “What the fuck am I supposed to do? You’re my bros. You’re my partners in crime.”
“Yeah, well, not everyone can be Gainesville’s Golden Boy,” I say, moving to the other room. I plop down in an overstuffed armchair, and Weston doesn’t so much as look up. Kai Santana’s penchant for booze and women far exceed my own, but I’m the one who got stuck under the PR microscope. And trapped by the owner’s daughter.
“Dude,” Kai says to Weston. “You need to man up. Move on. Elle did.”
Weston glances up, his meaty fists clenching in a rare show of ire.
“Find some new pussy, pound the hell out of it, be a fucking man, and shake that shit off.” Kai shrugs. “Let’s get the hell out of here tonight. We need to do something fun.”
“Such as?” Weston huffs.
“I don’t know. Options are limited since Pony Boy here can’t be seen with liquor and girls . . .” Kai’s mouth draws into a mischievous leer. “I know. South Beach. My cousin owns a club down there. Azul. We can get into the VIP room, slip in through the back door, and have ourselves a night. No one will even know we left Gainesville.”
Six months ago, I’d have been all over Kai’s proposal.
But six months ago, my career and everything I’ve ever worked for wasn’t on the line.
“I don’t know.” I lean back, slipping my hands behind my head and staring out the window toward Rue’s house. I’d give anything to know what Delilah was up to tonight.
Last I knew, her twin sister was coming to stay for a while, and ever since we fucked, I’ve given her space because I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t want to be some moronic, pussy-whipped freak who’s suddenly obsessed with her all because her pussy’s made of 24-karat gold and cashmere.
“Come on.” Kai groans, grabbing a football from behind the couch and tossing it in the air. Not sure how that got there. If it weren’t for my cleaning lady, this place would look like a frat house. “I’ll drive. All I have to do is make a few phone calls and we’re in. We don’t even have to get crazy tonight. We’re just some guys going out for some drinks in the comfort and privacy of my cousin’s VIP room.”
“I’ve never known a night with you to not be crazy,” Weston says.
“Yeah, I’ll believe that when I see it,” I say.
“Fine.” Kai drops the ball, his lips pursed in a hard line as he points his finger at us. “You motherfuckers are lame and pathetic. You can just sit here and watch Downtown fucking Abbey in your pajamas. I’m going out.”
“Downton,” Weston says. “Not downtown.”
“Of course you’d know that.” Kai rolls his eyes.
Weston turns to me. “Maybe we should.”
“Are you fucking insane?” I spit back. “If I get caught, I’m off the team.”
Kai checks his watch. “I’m leaving in five minutes, so.”
“If you don’t drink and you don’t hook up with any girls, you’re not violating Coach’s orders.” Weston has a point. “It’s either that or you sit at home doing nothing on a Saturday night.”
“Shit.” I drag my hand down my face. “You’re right.”
Kai claps his hands together and releases a triumphant laugh that booms throughout my main floor.
“Come on, assholes.” Kai jangles his keys. “It’s a five-hour drive, and it’s two o’clock now. Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go.”
“I still have to pack,” Weston says.
“Me too,” I say.
“This isn’t a goddamned vacation.” Kai groans. “Throw some shit in a bag and call it good.”