Not surprisingly, Gruby’s was packed to the gills. Tonight’s game was nationally televised, which drew a lot of attention. There wasn’t a single empty seat in the place, meaning a great night of tips for me.
The game hadn’t started yet, but the pregame show was blaring from every TV. I was busy handling numerous tables but managed to catch snippets of the announcing crew discussing the team’s chances of being a number-one seed in the upcoming March tournament. My ears especially perked up when I heard them mention Dalton’s name. I stopped for a moment to watch the clips from the previous game showing Dalton shooting one three-pointer after another. The crowd in the restaurant cheered loudly with each swish through the net like it was happening live.
It felt strange to watch everyone react so strongly to everything he did. Like they were all worshipping Saint Dalton. I wondered what it must feel like knowing the hopes and dreams of an entire university rested in your hands. I felt the stirrings of doubt as I began to second-guess my decision to give him a chance. How could someone like him be interested in me? Of course, that was if he actually went through with his end of the bargain. If not, I’d have my out. The chances of him backing out had to be high. My request was admittedly ridiculous. Surely he’d come to his senses and move on to the next girl.
The sound of the announcers laughing on the TV grabbed my attention once again. “What does Dalton Thompson have painted on his face?” I pivoted around, groaning when I saw the glaring evidence of my dare on the giant six-foot screen. “Is that a heart?” one of the announcers asked incredulously.
Everyone in Gruby’s stared at the TV screens, trying to make sense of what they were seeing. I couldn’t believe he went through with it. A laugh bubbled up in my throat. He had risked making himself a bit of a spectacle to his teammates, coaches, and even the media to go out on one date with me. There was no way I could back out now.
Amanda squealed, sliding up next to me. “Holy shit. Why does Dalton have a heart stenciled on his cheek?”
I tried to look innocent, but the goofy grin on my face gave me away.
“Slap my ass and call me a tramp. You’re responsible for this?”
I clamped a hand across her mouth. “Shush, you don’t have to announce it to the whole restaurant.”
“Why is he wearing a heart?” she mumbled through my fingers.
“I sorta told him I’d go out with him again if he painted a bright red heart on his cheek for the game.” I admitted it but felt more than a little embarrassed about my request.
“OMG, that is fucking hilarious.”
I grinned at her. The announcers were still speculating about the heart. One commented maybe it had something to do with Valentine’s Day, even though that was a few weeks prior. The other suggested maybe it was for his mother. Regardless, the fact that Dalton Thompson did it made it news.
Amanda gushed now that my hand wasn’t wrapped around her mouth. “Holy crap. You’re going out with Dalton again?”
“And that’s the reaction I was worried about. One can’t simply go out with Dalton without everyone speculating. Can you imagine the shit he’s going to get?”
“What are you talking about? Any guy would be lucky to date you.”
I snorted. “Right, because I’m so knockout gorgeous.”
“Shut up. You have to know you’re a bombshell. Sure, maybe travel-sized, but beautiful nonetheless. You’re proportioned just right. Trust me. Girls are jealous of your knockers and ass.”
I laughed at her choice of words even though I was sure she was blowing sunshine up my ass. Long-legged twigs were what guys were looking for, in my opinion. I wasn’t sure what Dalton’s deal was with me. Maybe he had a list and he had reached short and curvy.
“How else do you figure you got a recognized player to paint his face for a nationally televised game? I couldn’t even get my douche-canoe ex to stick around.”
“Well, he was an ass. It seemed like you and Collin hit it off last night, though.”
“We did. We’re supposed to go out again when he gets back, but . . .”
“Oh no. What’s wrong with him?” I knew that tone in her voice. “You didn’t even give him a chance,” I said, thinking about poor Collin. Amanda’s dating track record was less than stellar.
“I don’t know. He seems a little too good to be true. I’m waiting for the second date to see if his true colors come out.”
“Oh my. God forbid he’s a good guy.”
“Ha. You’re a fine one to speak. You’ve got the team’s all-star jumping through hoops and you’re all like, ‘I’m too ugly.’ Seriously?”
“Don’t be a jerk.” I chuckled, swiping at her. “I bet Collin would do the same for you.”
She smirked. “I’m not so sure of that. Dalton is pursuing you like you’re holding the golden ticket to Wonka’s Factory. He wants your candy.”
“Shut it.” I frowned at her with butterflies dancing lightly in my stomach.
The heart on Dalton’s face was a popular topic the rest of the evening. Especially since Dalton played great, as usual. As the last few minutes of the game ticked away, the announcers declared the heart a lucky charm and speculated whether Dalton would repeat it for every game. I could have spoken up and at least set everyone at Gruby’s straight, but I kept my lips tightly closed.
chapter eight
Dalton
Did you see? I texted Sunday morning.
See what? The reply came back almost immediately, making me smile. I liked that Courtney responded so quickly. She must be at least a little interested in me.
Very funny. I have proof in case you missed it.
Okay, I might have seen it but I’m not sure the size justifies a date.
Nice try. I’ll pick you up at three tomorrow afternoon. I’d already prepared myself in case she tried to back out. There would be no chance of that.
What if I have to work?
U don’t. U told me yesterday U were off.
Aren’t you going to be tired from your trip? Her last-ditch attempt was cute, but I wasn’t budging.
Nope, I’ll be all rested up.
R U always such an eager beaver when U go out with someone?
Normally I don’t have to work so hard.
Great, so I’m like some conquest for sporty-boy who normally gets everything he wants just by smiling?
Well, my smile is pretty amazing.
Oh Lord. I think I’m coming down with a stomach bug.
Look, you’re not a conquest.
Then what am I?
A refreshing change.
I may have just sprained my eyes from rolling them.
You’re still going. I’ll be there by three.
Don’t you want my address?
I chuckled, earning a grin from Collin, who was sprawled across the seats next to me in the airport. I have my ways. Hamilton Street, right?
Really? How?
Can’t reveal my sources.
Typical.
We were getting ready to board our plane, so I had to say good-bye, which was probably a good thing. The way my luck had started with Courtney, I’d say something she would take out of context and I’d be in the doghouse again.
“Bro, you got it bad,” Collin observed.
He didn’t know the half of it. He’d really think I was a pussy if he saw all the messages we’d exchanged.
“You’re just jealous.”
“You wish. I got my own thing working.”
“We’ll see. Amanda is known for chewing guys up and spitting them out.”