Chapter 2
Hannah
After spending nearly an hour in the merchandise line, we finally make our way outside. Most of the people who were at the show are already gone, so the streets are surprisingly empty. Okay, maybe it’s not a huge shock. It’s late on a Monday night, and most people have to work tomorrow. Or, in my case, have class. I groan when I look at the time. It’s nearly midnight, which means tomorrow is going to be a long day.
We cross the street, but instead of turning left, Peter and Matt turn to the right.
“Where are you going?”
Peter says, “This way.”
As if I didn’t surmise that on my own…
I’m tired enough that the struggle is real right now to not be snarky.
“You parked in the lot over there.” I point in case he’s forgotten.
“I know where I parked, but one of my buddies just texted. Looks like the wrestlers are staying at the Sheraton.”
“And?”
Matt answers for Peter, “And that means we can meet them. Get a few autographs.” He turns to Jess. “Didn’t you say you wanted to meet Grave Keeper?”
I look at Jess and bite back a groan. No! I swear I can see the wheels turning in her head. She’s thinking that if we go to a hotel with the guys that she can spend more time with Matt.
She’s already nodding, though. “Yeah! I do want to meet him!”
The three of them stare at me, waiting for me to break. I hold out an entire three seconds before sighing.
“Lead the way.”
Somehow, I end up behind the three of them as we walk. I glare at the back of Jess’ head and send her a text.
Bestie
Wow, Jess. Way to remember Girl Code.
Whatever! I’d take one for the team if this were reversed.
I believe I already took one for the team when I took your brother to the seats.
Don’t be like that…
I think he likes me! Do you think he likes me?
I smile.
Yeah. I do.
What’s Peter going to say about it?
Not my problem LOL.
The Sheraton is five blocks from the arena. Thankfully, it’s nice out. March in Texas can go either way this late at night. At least it’s not raining.
“What’s the game plan?” I ask.
“We’re going to look for wrestlers,” Peter answers, as if I didn’t understand him the first time.
“I know that. I mean, what are we going to do when we get to the hotel? Walk in? Stand by the doors?”
Peter stops and turns. “Good point. Guess we’ll have to wing it when we get there.”
There are so many holes in his plan, but I keep my mouth shut. With any luck, we’ll get kicked out of the hotel and be back home by one.
The hotel isn’t as packed as I thought it’d be. The lobby is mostly empty and the loud laughter coming from the bar suggests that’s where everyone is. Peter and Matt must have the same idea because they beeline toward the entrance.
“Hey,” Jess hisses. “We can’t go in there, dumb ass.”
Peter glances over his shoulder. “Sounds like a personal problem.”
Matt is a bit more understanding. “They won’t ID you unless you try to order something. Just stay close, okay?”
Jess practically floats to his side.
Grumbling under my breath, I follow them. Do I think this is a bad idea? Yes. Do I want to sit by myself in the lobby? No. So here we are.
The bar is on the smaller side, making it easy to spot the fans versus the wrestlers. The fans hang out at the bar and along the edges of the room, as if they’re afraid of getting too close, making them stand out. Big time. The wrestlers sit at tall tables, talking to each other and joking as drinks are passed around. Not all of them are here, of course. Brooks, for example, isn’t here.
I hate that I even notice.
Peter grabs Matt’s hand and whispers, “Bro! Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
Matt whistles under his breath. “Damn!”
I’m almost afraid to look, but curiosity gets the best of me. Two of the female wrestlers are sitting at a table, laughing, and drinking. They’re even more beautiful in person, if that’s possible. I glance at Jess to see how she’s handling this. The scowl on her face is answer enough.
She asks, “You aren’t seriously going over there, are you?”
She’s looking at Peter, but I get the feeling the question is for Matt.
“Hell yes, we’re going over there! Come on, Matt.”
Matt looks torn for a total of two seconds before following Peter. They go up to the women, Peter leading the way. Whatever they say must work because the brunette motions for them to take the two empty chairs. I’ve known Peter since I was nine and he was thirteen. Objectively, I guess he could be considered handsome, though I don’t see him in that way. Never have, much to Jess’ dismay. She went through a huge phase when we were kids where she just knew Peter and I would get married one day. Thankfully, she moved past that notion fairly quickly.
I nudge Jess’ arm.
“Let’s sit at the bar. I feel weird just standing here.”
I would have suggested sitting at a table, but there aren’t any empty ones to grab, so the bar it is. Hopefully, the bartender doesn’t ask to see our IDs. I mean, if we just order soda or water, he shouldn’t. Right?
I slide onto the wooden chair, scooting my butt around until I’m comfortable. Jess doesn’t have the same problem and perches on the chair next to me, looking like a model posing for a photo. Or, in this case, for the guy across the bar who’s flirting with another woman.
The bartender stops by and asks, “What can I get you, ladies?”
“Diet Coke,” Jess answers.
“Just water for me, if that’s okay?”
He winks. “Sure thing. Be right back.”
He delivers our drinks a moment later before moving on to help someone else. Jess is so preoccupied watching Matt that she doesn’t attempt to make conversation. Okay. Guess it’s time to mindlessly scroll on social media. I bite back a yawn. God, I’m so ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to suck so hard.
A commotion from the other side of the room has me glancing over my shoulder. My breath solidifies in my throat.
Oh. My. God.
Brooks the Body McGruff walks into the bar like he owns it. He’s changed into jeans and a black button-down shirt that makes him look like sin incarnate. His gaze moves around the room, as if he is assessing who’s around. When it lands on me, I have to resist looking away. He watches me for a beat before going to a table and taking the empty seat next to his friends. Right away fans swarm him, asking for photos and autographs. He seems irritated but agrees to a few selfies.
“I bet that gets annoying,” I say to Jess.
“I bet so, too.”
I turn to face Jess. “So, how long are we going to hang around and watch Matt and Peter flirt before we get an Uber and go home?”
She glares, and I hold up my hands.
“Easy. It was just a question.”
“I’m sure they’ll come over in a few.”
But an hour passes by, and they’ve barely even glanced our way. I’m fighting yawns left and right. Heck, even thinking about yawning makes my mouth open as another one escapes. I’m about to tell Jess that I’m leaving when I make eye contact with Brooks again. Somehow, I’ve turned in my chair so I’m sitting sideways. From this viewpoint, I can see the entire bar. More importantly, I can see all the patrons. Like Brooks. Totally not on purpose either. He’s watching me with a bemused smile, which means he likely just saw me yawn. Dammit. My jaws ache, but I refuse to yawn again while he’s looking. Instead, I grab my water and take a sip, which helps.
Once I’m sure I’m not going to yawn again, I glance his way. He’s still staring. Hasn’t anyone ever told him it’s rude to stare? The look in his gaze is almost a challenge to see if I’ll look away. Well, I’ll be damned if I lose. So, I stare back.
Brooks looks pleased, but suddenly there’s a glint in his eyes that wasn’t there before. His gaze burns into my skin, much like it did after his match. He lifts his drink, bringing it to his lips. My mouth waters as his throat works as he swallows. He’s playing dirty, and I’m not sure what his goal is.
Jess grabs my arm. “Can you believe those guys?”
I drag my attention from Brooks.
“What?”
“My dumb-ass brother and Matt!” She nods her head to the left. “They’re still over there talking to those girls like they actually have a shot.”
I snort. “Those girls are smart. I’d do the same if I were them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your brother is paying for their drinks. Think about it. If guys do that for them after every show, then they never have to pay for a drink.”
She laughs. “Okay, that makes me feel a bit better.”
Suddenly, her eyes widen, and her cheeks turn pink.
“Oh, my god!” She says the three words so rushed that it sounds like one word. “He’s coming over here!”
“Who?”
“Shh!”
I’m about to turn when I catch a whiff of the most heavenly cologne I’ve ever smelled in my life. It’s earthy and woody at the same time. I’m certain I’m smelling patchouli and maybe even bergamot, but there’s also definitely a hint of something citrus, like tangerine. It smells so damn good that my nipples harden, which I can honestly say has never happened before. Not over cologne, at least.
“I think you need to find a new man, gorgeous girl.” The deep voice is close. So close that warm breath fans my ear.
Spinning, I come face to face with Brooks the Body McGruff.
Of course, I say the first thing that comes to mind.
“Huh?”
Wow, Hannah. Smooth.
“I said you need to find a new man, gorgeous girl.” He gestures toward Peter. “He’s chasing tail that he has no chance of getting, leaving you alone.”
“Oh, he’s not?—”
Jess interjects, “You are so right, Brooks! Is it okay that I call you Brooks?”
His gaze flickers to hers, as if he’s just noticed her, which might be a first. People always notice Jess first.
“Only if you tell me this angel’s name.”
“I’m Jess and this is my bestie, Hannah.”
“Hannah.” He breathes my name like a prayer. “A pleasure to meet you, Angel.”
My damn face has to be so red right now. Like, I can feel the heat. I’m tempted to lift my glass to my cheek just to cool down.
Jess elbows me on the side, pulling me out of my stupor.
I manage to say, “It’s nice to meet you, too.”
I reach for my water, finishing it.
Brooks watches, an amused expression on his face. Without breaking eye contact, he waves down the bartender.
“The lady will have another, and I’ll take a GT.”
The absurdity of him ordering me water makes me laugh.
“Something funny, Angel?”
“You just ordered me water.”
His lips twitch. “Is that so? Would you like something stronger?”
“No, thank you.”
“Not a big drinker?”
I glance at Jess. Should I tell him I’m not old enough to legally drink? She slightly shakes her head, as if she knows what I’m thinking.
I answer him, “Something like that.”
“A woman of mystery. I can respect that.”
He takes the seat next to me. I don’t know if he’s really that close or if it’s because he’s just that big in person, but this feels super intimate. One of his legs is almost between my legs. It takes everything in my power not to bounce my foot, which is a nervous habit. Because he’s so freaking close.
“Now, back to your piece of shit boyfriend. What should we do to teach him a lesson?”
“Lesson?” I echo.
“For leaving you alone.” He leans in closer, putting one of his arms on the back of my chair. “Doesn’t he know the big, bad wolf might snatch you up?”
I’m not a virgin by any means, but this man is making it hard to think, let alone flirt.
I manage to ask, “What did you have in mind?”
“Atta girl.” He gives me a lazy smile. “I have a few ideas.”
“Oh? I’m all ears.”
“We could make a scene.”
I hum under my breath. “I’m going to need more information than that before I agree.”
“Smart girl. I was thinking I could kiss you. Show him what he’s missing.”
The heat from my face spreads lower.
“Why would you want to kiss me?”
He can have anyone here. We both know it, which is why I have to question why.
His eyebrow lifts. “Why not?”
“You can’t answer a question with a question.”
“Fair enough.”
I wait a beat.
“Well?”
“You caught my eye tonight at the show.”
My cheeks are warm. I’m glad to know the moment wasn’t one-sided. But I say, “That still doesn’t explain why you want to kiss me.”
“You’re making this hard on me, Angel.”
“Then give me a good answer, Kitten.”
His eyebrows lift higher this time. “Kitten?”
I lift a shoulder in a shrug. “You remind me of a kitten with your long hair.”
“Does that mean you want to make me purr, Angel?”
Holy crap. I do now!
I cough out a laugh. “Not in the least. But it’s only fair that I give you a nickname, since you gave me one.”
“Fair. So, about that kiss?”
“You’re persistent, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
“You mentioned having other ideas. Care to share what those are? Unless they all involve kissing.”
He grins, showing a flash of white teeth. “Now I’m wishing the other ideas did involve kissing.”
“Well?”
“Kissing off the table, then?” After my nod, he says, “Alright. You could slap me.”
My eyes widen. “Why would I slap you?”
“Why not?”
“You’re doing it again. Stop answering my question with a question.”
“Next idea. You let me sign your shirt.”
I look down. “Sign my shirt…”
“Now who’s answering with a question?”
I huff out a laugh. “First, you were answering my questions with a question which I didn’t do. My sentence just kind of trailed off. Second, you just did it again. Third, why do you think signing my shirt will make Peter jealous?”
“Peter?” His gaze darts across the room. “Nice to have a name to go with the prick.”
Jess laughs and covers it with a cough.
I’m trying not to laugh, too, but do a better job.
“Back to your shirt. I sign it. Over your boobs.” His gaze lingers on my breasts long enough for heat to pool between my legs. “Then I take a picture and send it to Grave Keeper.”
I have warring emotions. While I think it would be awesome and maybe even a little sexy to have him sign my shirt over my boobs, as he put it, I don’t like that he wants to take a photo to send to another guy. Like, how would that make my fake boyfriend jealous? And why would I let him take a picture of my chest? We just met, and I don’t want a photo like that to end up online even if I’d be fully clothed.
“No.”
His eyes widen. “What?”
“I said no.” Turning to Jess, I say, “I’m ready to go. Are you?”
She glances over at Matt, who’s still flirting with the other girls, and sighs. “Yeah.”
Ignoring Brooks, I slide off my chair and walk out of the bar. My heart is pounding like I’ve done something wrong. I want to look back so badly, but I don’t. I won’t.
Jess is silent until we get outside.
“He seemed shocked that you told him no.” She pauses. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks. My mom would be glad to know I listened to her and Pastor Sullivan.”
We both share a smile. My mom and stepfather have always been… intense in their beliefs. From religion to how I should act in public. It didn’t always make for a pleasant childhood, but I’m actually glad to have that little voice in the back of my mind that told me to stand up for myself tonight.
“Want me to order the Uber?”
“Yeah.” Jess makes a face. “I’ll text Peter and let him know we’re leaving.”
“Not going to text Matt?”
“Nope.”
“Good for you.”
We’re both silent as we respectively do things on our phones. I finish first, dropping my phone in my pocket. I’m about to say something to Jess when the sliding doors of the hotel open and Brooks walks out. He looks to both sides until his gaze lands on me.
“Angel. Good. I thought I’d lost you.” He closes the distance between us. “I changed my mind.”
“About?”
“About that kiss.”