The Pass (Smart Jocks #5) - Rebecca Jenshak Page 0,35
talk about what, if anything, we were going to tell people, so I don’t give him more than that.
Luckily, I’m quickly forgotten as Willow and the other two come out in their bathing suits. Datson doesn’t waste any time chatting up Jade. She does look a little like Kate Beckinsale.
Jonah practically shoves Willow at me. She seems cool, and if things were different, she’s someone I would have been into, but now I just want to get back and see if Sydney has returned.
I can hardly blame Datson for looking conflicted when I tell him I need to head back a little while later, but he comes with me so we can get ready for tonight and pick up Sydney.
The house is quiet, and my car is still gone. I shoot Sydney a text to let her know we’re back and hop in the shower. My shampoo and body wash now remind me of Sydney since she’s been using them for the past two weeks and I’ve got a stupid grin on my face as I lather up and count down the minutes until I see her again.
14
Sydney
I’m later than I planned getting back to the house. After an hour of physical therapy and several hours of retail therapy, I decided to get my hair trimmed. That turned into a pedicure and somehow that turned into a facial. I’m polished from head to toe.
I’m excited and nervous, and okay maybe prepping a little too much. I know that tonight is supposed to be a fun night with our friends, but who says Tanner and I can’t also make a date of it? If he’s holding out on me for five dates, I’m ready to get them started.
Datson’s laughter and deep voice filters out from the patio as I enter, followed by Tanner’s—one I know well, could pick out of a crowd anywhere. A fluttering low in my belly forces me to take a deep breath and remind myself it’s just any other night. There’s no reason to be this nervous. I pause in the kitchen, drop my bags, return Tanner’s keys where I got them, and plug my phone in to charge.
I start toward the patio as Tanner’s tall and muscular body fills the doorway.
“Hey, babe. You’re back.” His face lights up as he steps inside. “Sydney’s here,” he calls over his shoulder to Datson.
“Yo, Syd!” Datson leans his chair and cranes his neck so I can see him and waves.
“Hey! Good to see you.”
“You too.”
“How was shopping?” Tanner’s hair is still wet and curls at the nape of his neck. He’s in jeans and a black T-shirt that stretches across his chest and arms.
“Good. Sorry I’m so late.” Six hours apart and there’s a clumsiness between us as if neither of us knows how to act.
“It’s fine. We’re just chilling. We ordered food. I got you a couple of things in case you didn’t eat.”
“If I eat, can we consider that one date down?”
Finally, the tension breaks, and he shakes his head slowly as he closes the space between us. “No chance.”
“Should I get us a ride?” Datson joins us, beer in hand. He glances between us. Tanner doesn’t move or answer.
“I just need to change. I can be ready in five,” I say.
“Coolio.” Datson moves to the kitchen and picks up the bottle of Jager. “We’ve got time for a shot.”
Jonah’s house looks even more amazing at night. Big windows inside lead to a view of the lake. Outside, twinkle lights hang everywhere, illuminating the patio and pool.
Datson is quick to blend into the horde of people outside, but Tanner and I hang near the back-patio doors.
“You look incredible.” His hand makes small circles where it rests at the middle of my back.
“Thanks. You told me once you had a thing for girls in white dresses.”
“I can’t believe you remember that. I don’t even remember saying it. Totally true though.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you have very boring taste?” I ask him. My preference for bright colors aside, Tanner’s wardrobe is primarily made up of shades of gray, white, and black.
“Only you.” He leans in. “You light up my world.”
“Oh my god, you did not just say that.” My insides go squishy no matter how cheesy it sounded.
“Totally did. Not taking it back either.”
“I need to find the booze in this place because I’m entirely too sober for you right now.”
His laughter is easy and light. “I got you. Come on.”