Page 14 of Cross the Line
Chava offers me a fresh glass of champagne and then his upturned palm. ‘You can ditch us tonight, but only if you dance with me now. Yeah?’
I don’t miss how the question is directed at Oakley, who nods in my periphery. They do this like they think I don’t notice, but they’re cautious around me now. If I didn’t still feel so ashamed, I might call them all out on it. For now, though, I’ll continue to let it slide.
Still, I’m hopeful Oakley will sign off on me working for Dev, because the more I think about it, the more I want to do this. I want this step up. And honestly? Travelling the world and following a thrilling sport for a few months doesn’t sound half bad either. Besides, he has no reason not to want this for me. Things might be different if he knew about the little indiscretion between Dev and me last year, but we seem to be on the same page about keeping it a secret.
I take Chava’s outstretched hand and glance back at Oakley and Dev. I have no idea which way Oakley’s going to go on Dev’s offer.
But come tomorrow, I guess I’ll know my fate.
CHAPTER 6
Dev
After an hour of kissing ass with Howard by my side, I bail on hitting the clubs with Mark, Chava and Oakley, pleading a headache. Mark sends me back to my apartment with two acetaminophen, an electrolyte drink, an ice pack and a recommendation for a guided meditation programme. It took a hell of a lot of convincing to get him to even go out, ever the dedicated trainer and mother hen, but now I’m alone, and I can properly think about what I’ve done.
Positive: I hired someone to fix my damaged image. Negative: that someone is my best friend’s little sister.
Willow’s not beholden to her brother, but Oakley would never let her walk into a situation where she could get hurt, physically or otherwise. And after some of the things she’s been through, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wholeheartedly disapproved of my idea.
If that happens, I’ll rescind the offer. No arguments. It’s the best thing I could do, because Willow will fight Oakley on it if he says no and she still thinks it’s an option. I won’t come between the siblings. That’ll just result in more drama that none of us want.
I probably shouldn’t have asked her in the first place, but I really do believe she can pull this revival off. Not only does she know what she’s doing professionally, she knowsme. She knows my boundaries. Plus, she knows the sport, thanks to being raised around it. And I don’t have to explain shit about my backstory because she was there for almost all of it. It’s the perfect solution.
I kick off my uncomfortable dress shoes in the entryway of my apartment, not bothering with the lights. I make my way to my bedroom, guided by the soft glow of the city outside my windows, determined not to dwell on this more than I already have. My best bet is to sleep on it and see where my head’s at in the morning. I’ve never made the greatest decisions with a belly full of champagne.
In the morning, when my mind is clear, I’ll think it through again. But this already feels more right than anything has in a long time.
Willow can fix me. I know she can.
——
I’m dreaming of that night again, the one last year that led to my worst decision. Maybe it’s a nightmare. I still don’t know.
I’m shit-faced and so is Willow. She’s leaning against the wall next to me as Oakley pukes his guts out behind the door to our left. He’s retching and groaning, swearing off alcohol for the rest of his life even though he’ll be drinking again tomorrow.
Willow and I barely got him to the club’s bathroom before he spewed, but we drew the line at going in with him. Instead, we’re out here waiting for him to finish so we can drag him back to the hotel where he can spend the rest of his birthday in bed. I could handle it myself, but Willow, the good sister she is, wants to make sure he’s okay.
‘Only because our mom would kill me if something happens to him,’ she takes care to remind me.
She can say that all she wants, but I know the truth. She’d never admit it, but she actuallycaresabout her brother. It’s crazy. Absolutely unhinged behaviour. I’d never confess to the same about my sister (even though it’s also the truth).
Alisha’s somewhere out in the main part of the club with her fiancé and the rest of our friends, all celebrating Oakley. By some stroke of luck, I got them all to come out to Texas for the festivities, since my race schedule dictated that I had to be in Austin for the week. But getting all of us together always results in the best kind of chaos, no matter where we are.
I lean back against the cool cinderblock wall and close my eyes as the world spins. I may not be losing my dinner right now, but I matched Oakley shot for shot tonight. I can’t bring myself to open my eyes again until Willow stammers, ‘No thanks. I’m – I’m actually here with my boyfriend.’
It takes a moment to understand what’s happening in front of me: Willow is pressed to the wall, shoulders tight and half turned away from the frat douche who’s hovering in her personal space. The guy spares me a glassy-eyed once-over like he’s sizing me up, hesitating for a beat before turning his attention back to her.
Boyfriend.Willow mentioned a boyfriend. It hits me then that she’s referring to me. It’s a ploy to get this dickhead to leave her alone, because, as far as I know, she’s not dating anyone – and if she is, they’re certainly not here. It’s bullshit that she can’t saynoorI’m not interestedand expect this fucker to listen, all because guys like him don’t hold the same respect for women as they do for other men.
Seems like this guy doesn’t respect anybody though, because the mention of a boyfriend doesn’t faze him. Neither does my proximity, apparently. He leans closer and whispers something in her ear that makes her turn her head and cringe in disgust. And that’s all I need to see.
I’m reallynot interested in a fight tonight. I need to have all my faculties in order to drive this upcoming weekend, but I can easily take this guy and his fucking popped collar if I have to.
I don’t waste another second before clutching Willow by the elbow and pulling her behind me. I smile widely to cover my rage as I’m left face to face with Popped Collar. ‘I’m the boyfriend,’ I tell him, fire burning just below the surface of my skin. ‘And you need to back the fuck off my girl.’
Willow’s hands are on my waist, pushing against me, trying to move me out of the way so she can handle this herself. But Oakley would have my head if I didn’t step in and protect her, and I’d rather face Willow’s wrath than her brother’s. Besides, I wouldn’t have stood by and let Popped Collar practically assault anyone, let alone someone I care about. Fuck that.
The guy has the decency to take a step back. He’s not exactly steady on his feet, but his hands are fisted at his sides. ‘Who the hell do you think you—’ But then his jaw drops open and his eyes go wide. And there it is. The recognition that’s about to bring this all to a close. ‘Oh shit! You’re Dev Anderson!’ he slurs, throwing his hands up in excitement. Asshole. But at least he’s not throwing a punch. ‘Dude, for real, I’m sorry. I didn’t know she was your—’
