Page 39 of The Curveball
I’m ninety percent sure I’m kissing her in five seconds. I’d be a hundred percent if she didn’t look so freaking afraid of me. It ends now.
Slowly, I slide one palm to the side of her neck. Wren stiffens, but doesn’t look away. She lifts her chin as I crowd her space. Chest to chest, I hold her neck, and hold her gaze.
“I’m not angry.”
“You’re not? Or are you saying that to make me feel better, but really you’re going to punch a pillow until it explodes once you’re alone?”
I grin. “No pillow punching. This is probably the weirdest, most entertaining day I’ve had in a long time. You didn’t make anything worse. You made it all better.”
“I lied to your cousin’s face. And you don’t know my dad.”
“True.”
There are threads and threads of silver-lining here. A woman I can’t get out of my head tried to make my day better, became my fake girlfriend in two seconds, and she’s letting me hold her close. I’d say we’re practically golden in positives by now.
“People are talking,” I admit. “But Dallas is trying to protect the Kings, and me, and my foundation. There were police reports that can prove I wasn’t under the influence. Honestly, the day was kind of a downer until now. I know you think you’ve committed some big sin, but Birdie, I’m not sure anyone has ever gone feral for me like you did.”
“I did not go feral.”
“I think you did. Martina Ricci is no kitten, and if she texted death threats because I kept you a secret, it means she liked you. If she liked you, it means you impressed her. If you impressed her, it means you must’ve been feisty. I’m assuming to your dad, but you put all that together, and it makes someone feral.”
“Are you really joking about this? I complicated your life!”
“Hardly.”
“Griffin, I lied that we’re dating.”
“You’re right, you did lie. How are you going to make it up to me?”
Wren’s forehead crinkles. “I don’t know. I should probably start by letting your cousin know I’m a big, fat liar. I’ll deal with my dad. I rarely please him, so I can take his disappointment.”
“Nah, we’re not ruining Marti’s day. And if your dad is going to make you feel bad, we’re definitely not doing that. We’re going to this birthday, Birdie. You’re going to fall all over me because we’re dating. I’ll hold your hand, I think I’ll kiss you a few times—”
“Griffin.” Her voice is filled with warning, and I’m not sure if I like Wren’s smile or her frown when she’s ready to spar with me best.
“Don’t ruin the moment. I’m picturing it, and I’d like to keep the images in my head.”
Wren glares at me. “You’re ridiculous sometimes, do you know that?”
“I love when you praise me.”
Wren must be feeling more like herself. She looks ready to throw the half-eaten cookie in her hand. “If you’re serious about playing the charade at my sister’s birthday party, why don’t you tell me how I can make up for my big mouth?”
I grin a little viciously. Her first mistake was giving me the power, because I plan to take it. Her second, bringing up that mouth. I’d like to take a sample of the sweet side of those lips. Not tonight. I’ll wait until Wren wants to as much as me, and when it happens, I have a feeling I’m never going to be the same.
“Make it up to me by satisfying my cousin’s daydream that I’m not going to grow into the lonely, grumpy old man on the hill who watches past game film of his glory days on the ball field.”
“That’s oddly specific.”
“Because Marti isn’t shy about her fears for her baby cousin. It’s been a battle since I turned twenty-eight and didn’t have a brood of little Griffin’s yet.”
“Wait.” Wren holds up her hand. “What do you mean satisfy her daydream? You can’t be serious about letting her really think we’re together.”
“As serious as you are,” I say. “If I’m going to a Wren family dinner, you need to come to one of mine. Once a month we do a big dinner, and I want you to come and keep the wolves off my back.”
“Griffin!” Wren is starting to pale up again. “I’m not going to play like your girlfriend to your entire family. That makes it worse.”
“No, see I’ve figured it out. We’ll clarify by saying we’re new. We’re dating, and I’m going to ease your guilt and take you out. Tonight.”