Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(55)

I dressed up in the requisite tuxedo, and for the past half hour, I’ve been pacing my living room floor while I count down the minutes until the limo arrives to pick me up. The car was Spencer’s idea, and I’m glad he came up with it because I wouldn’t have. I’m not that romantic.

Then again, tonight isn’t really about romance. It’s more about making an appearance and networking in an effort to raise money for mental health awareness. When Spencer originally mentioned it, I didn’t hesitate in accepting the invite. We lost a teammate to mental illness, and though it’s been a decade, it’s still with me. I’ll never forget when we found out that Jason took his own life. And I’ll never forget that I wasn’t there for him when he needed someone to be. Looking back on it now, he seemed to have been crying out for help with his actions. No one had seen it coming, no one had expected him to…

That’s the reason I’m dressed in the monkey suit and ready to go. Although I hate these charity things, getting dressed up and shit, they’re worth it when they bring attention to important causes. So, that’s why I’m going.

Well, that and the fact that I get to see Ellie in that dress.

My phone buzzes with a text. I glance at the screen.

Finally.

I pat my pocket to ensure I have my wallet, then tuck my phone into my other pocket. I’m out the door as the limo is pulling into the circle drive.

“You clean up nice,” Spencer says when I join him in the car.

“Yeah?” I glance down at the tux. It’s not my thing, but I do what it takes. I’ve spent my fair share of time in a monkey suit over the years. These benefits aren’t as rare as one would hope.

“Noelle’s at Ellie’s,” Spencer informs me.

Speaking of Noelle…

“What made you ask her out?” I’ve known Spencer for a long time. I’ve also known Noelle for a long time. As far as having ever imagined them as a couple … not once.

“She agreed to go as friends.”

That doesn’t explain shit. It still doesn’t tell me why he asked her, but I let it go. There’s something in the way he says that, but I can’t put my finger on it. I do notice, however, that he doesn’t look me in the eye, which, with Spencer, usually means he’s holding something back.

I decide not to press it. Instead, I change the subject. Kind of. “Is it because you’re trying to avoid Amber?”

We have yet to discuss the situation with Amber. I’ve tried a couple of times, but admittedly, I haven’t tried all that hard. Things between Spencer and me have been a little tense, due to the fact that he’s still attempting to control this arrangement I have with Ellie. Granted, he’s backed off quite a bit since the night I leaked our relationship to the reporter. I figure it’s because he has other things on his mind, like this charity event.

“I’m not avoiding her.” He sounds defensive.

“No?”

“No. I needed a date. Noelle was free.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Spencer glares at me.

I shrug. “So it has nothing to do with the fact that Amber is going to the dinner tonight with Seg?”

A frown instantly distorts Spencer’s features. Apparently he didn’t know about that. Or maybe he did, and he’s simply frustrated that I keep pushing the issue.

And now I feel like a dumb ass for bringing it up.

Luckily, we’re pulling up to Ellie’s house and I don’t have to deal with a moody guy anymore. I can tell by the look on Spencer’s face that he won’t be happy no matter what I say, so this is perfect timing.

Once the car is parked, I climb out with Spencer right behind me. We make our way to the door, but rather than let Spencer barge in like he normally does, I ring the doorbell and shove my arm out to hold him back.

“It’s my sister’s house. We don’t need to ring the doorbell.”

I peer over at him. “When you’re taking a woman on a date—friends or not—you ring the f*cking doorbell.” Even I know that.

The door opens, and Noelle’s bright blue eyes sparkle when she sees us.

“Wow. Fancy.”

“You look fantastic,” Spencer offers, sounding somewhat mystified.

I glance over at him and chuckle. I’ve never seen him look at Noelle like …well, like he wants to eat her for dinner. Or dessert. Or … whatever.

Interesting.

“Thank you,” Noelle says sweetly. “Come in. Ellie’ll be right out.”

I step into the house at the same time Ellie appears in the living room.

I swear my heart stops beating.

She’s wearing the dress she had on in the picture, but this time she’s all made up. Her long hair is pulled up, a few loose strands fluttering around her face. There’s a delicate silver chain around her neck and big silver hoops in her ears. She’s not one to generally wear a lot of makeup—she doesn’t need it—but tonight she’s sporting dark eyes and crimson lips, and holy f*ck, my dick is doing a happy dance.

“Excuse us for a minute,” I say to Spencer and Noelle.

Taking Ellie’s hand, I pull her out of the living room and down the hall that leads to her bedroom so that we have a little privacy.

“Is something wrong?” she whispers, her eyes wide as she stares up at me when I spin her around and pin her against the wall.