Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(53)

After Noelle unzips me, I slip into the dressing room and change into the next dress. I do my best not to look at my reflection until I have it on and adjusted. Taking a deep breath, I brush my hair back over my shoulder and … open my eyes.

“You love it, don’t you?” Noelle calls through the door.

My best friend knows me well. I’m not sure why she didn’t bring this one to me first. It’s perfect. The scoop neckline shows hardly any cleavage, just enough to entice. It hugs my body, and the hem, with the silver, curly, beaded design, stops mid-thigh. The sleeves are see-thru and loose, flaring at the cuff, which has the same design as the hem. In a word, it’s magnificent.

“I love it,” I tell her, opening the door and stepping out so I can look in the larger mirror.

“Holy, f*ck. Kingston is going to go apeshit.”

I don’t know about all that, but I do think it looks good on me. I’ve always been a tomboy, so when it comes to dresses, I tend to shy away from them. Since I’m so tall and thin, I’ve never felt as though I fill them out appropriately. This one is different.

“Oh, hold on. I know the perfect shoes.”

Noelle disappears, and while she’s gone, I snap a picture of myself in the mirror and send it over to Kingston: This look okay for next weekend?

My brother so kindly informed me a couple of days ago that we were being invited to a charity dinner benefiting mental health awareness. And by invited, he meant being forced to go. He said that this is an important event for Phoenix’s wife, so I didn’t put up much of a fight. I’m not the fancy-dress kind of girl, but it’s hard for me to tell my brother no when he has done so much for me. It didn’t hurt that he told me I’ll be going with Kingston. That alone makes it worth it.

Noelle pops back into the room, practically bouncing as she holds out a pair of silver heels. They’re strappy and cute, but I’ve always hated my feet. Because of my height, I’ve got big feet, and any time I wear sandals, I feel as though everyone is looking at them.

Since I know she won’t give up until I at least try, I slip them on.

Huh. They actually look good.

I look good.

My phone chirps and I look at the screen.

Pathetic: Holy. Fuck.

I laugh because I still have Kingston’s nickname in my phone. The zing of heat that flashes through me is a direct result of his response, though. While I’m thinking about it, I quickly pull up Kingston’s contact information and change his name from Pathetic to Goalie God.

“So?” Noelle probes.

“It’s perfect.”

“Awesome!” She giggles gleefully. “Now we have to find one for the children’s hospital benefit.”

Oh, shit. I totally forgot about that one.

Looks like I just lost what was left of my afternoon.





18

Tuesday, October 25th

Ellie: Good luck tonight! I know you’re gonna do great.

Kingston: You think so?

Ellie: Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?

Kingston: What if I said I needed a little motivation?

Ellie: Hmmm. I’d have to ask what type of motivation.

Kingston: I was thinking we could make a little wager.

Ellie: On the game?

Kingston: Yeah.

Ellie: Isn’t there a conflict of interest since you’re playing?

Kingston: Well, I was thinking something along the lines of what you’ll give me if I can avoid getting more than a certain number of goals.

Ellie: I’d be willing to wager something, but it has to be that you win the game and that you can give up no more than two goals.

Kingston: What are you willing to wager?

Ellie: I don’t know. This was your idea.

Kingston: I’m thinking that if we win the game and I can keep it under two, I get to peel that sexy black dress right off your body.

Ellie: What do I get if I win?

Kingston: You get me peeling that sexy black dress right off your body.

Kingston: With my teeth.



Kingston: So … I think it’s safe to say I won that bet.

Ellie: Maybe.

Kingston: Maybe nothing. That was a shutout, little girl.

Ellie: Yes, it was.

Kingston: So, when do I get to collect my winnings?

Ellie: You’ll have to wait until I actually wear the dress.

Kingston: So Saturday night, then? It’s a good thing I won’t be back in town until Friday. I’m not sure how I’ll manage to wait that long.

Ellie: You’re ruthless, you know that, right?

Kingston: I’m not ruthless. I’m determined.

Ellie: Determined to what?

Kingston: To have my wicked way with you. I’ve dreamt about it for years, Ellie. Years.

Ellie: I find that hard to believe.

Kingston: Well, I’ll prove it to you.

Ellie: How will you do that?

Kingston: Just wait until I get my hands on you for the first time. You’ll know.





19

Kingston

Thursday, October 27th

I’m not sure Ellie realizes what she did to me when she sent that picture on Sunday. Ever since I got it, I’ve been worthless. Seriously f*cking worthless.

Well, mostly. I think the fact that we won Tuesday’s game might be partially to her credit. Those promises she made helped me to keep my focus. I was not going to allow anyone to take that from me. Unfortunately, I have to wait until Saturday to collect my winnings. The mere thought makes my body harden.