Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(57)

I take a moment to study Amber. She seems to be in her element, decked out in an emerald-green gown that makes her eyes pop. Her red hair is piled on top of her head, a pair of diamonds flashing in her ears. She’s still just as beautiful, just as poised and delicate as I remember.

However, I also notice that she doesn’t seem at all interested in her date. Maybe they came as friends.

Noelle elbows me and I glance over at her.

“This should get interesting.”

One thing I love about Noelle is that she’s no dummy. She told me that Spencer asked her to this dinner and she agreed, but only as friends. I know Noelle has no misconceptions when it comes to Spencer. She might think he’s attractive, but she’ll be the first to tell you that she isn’t at all into him.

Until tonight, I believed her, too. After hearing their conversation at my house, I’m not sure what’s going on with them. During the limo ride over, they remained awkwardly silent. In fact, Noelle hardly glanced at me, so I know something is bothering her. I wish it was something along the lines of her liking my brother. In my opinion, they would be good for each other. But I seem to be the only one who thinks that.

And I also believe that she agreed to go only because my brother looks ready to bolt anytime Amber’s name is mentioned. He looks like that now as Colton pulls out her chair and Amber takes a seat at the table.

I lean over and whisper in Noelle’s ear. “Did you know she was dating a player?”

Noelle turns her head, her mouth close to my ear. “A gay player at that.”

I jump back and stare at my friend. “What?” I do my best not to spin around and look at Colton, but it’s not easy to do. “He’s gay? Really?” I mouth.

Noelle smirks, then sips her wine. Knowing how it looks with me whispering, I sit up and smile, trying not to stare at Colton or Amber like they’re carnival freaks. Well, if he’s gay, at least that explains why they don’t look like they’re together.

Kingston’s arm wraps over my shoulders and he leans in close. I’m expecting him to say something about Amber, but he doesn’t. Instead, the words that come out of his mouth make my face flame.

“Do you know how badly I want to see what you’ve got on under that dress?”

I’m instantly reminded of our bet. More accurately, how he won that bet and told me that he would be collecting tonight.

“Do you now?” Wow. I sounded way too breathless there.

“Yes.” His breath is warm against my neck. “I’ve wondered ever since you sent me the picture.”

I remind myself that Kingston is a ruthless flirt. We’re here because of our pretend relationship, and it’s extremely important that I remember that. It’s sometimes difficult, especially after the few kisses we’ve shared and after all of the flirting we’ve done via text messages. I’ve admittedly developed a crush on the guy, which isn’t helping my situation at all.

The fact that I’m practically a born-again virgin due to lack of sex for three freaking years isn’t helping, either. It would be so easy to give in to him for one night, or even for a few nights, but I know that’s all I’ll get. Unfortunately, that’s never been my thing, no matter how tempting it is.

Well, it hasn’t been my thing ever since Vegas. I learned my lesson about casual encounters.

“Amber, you know my sister, Ellie,” Spencer says, dragging my attention away from Kingston. “This is Ellie’s best friend, Noelle. And you know Kingston.”

I meet Amber’s gaze. If she’s nervous, she’s doing a damn good job hiding it.

“Nice to see you again,” I tell her. Aside from the few business conversations we’ve had, I haven’t taken the time to talk to her. Even though Spencer might be over what she did to him all those years ago, I can’t deny that I harbor a little animosity toward her. She hurt my brother and that bothers me.

“You, too. And thank you for coming tonight. This is an important fundraiser for Mia, as you know.”

Right.

Fundraiser.

Business.

That’s the reason we are all here.

I need to remember that.



Two hours later, I’m having a hard time remembering anything except for the feel of Kingston’s arms around me. When he originally asked me to dance, I was a little shocked. I mean, seriously. Imagine a big, strong, strapping hockey player … dancing.

Well, it’s not nearly as weird as I thought it would be. In fact, Kingston is pretty damn impressive on the dance floor.

“I didn’t know you could dance,” I tell him, meeting his gaze as I press my palms to his chest. I can’t raise my arms too high or this dress is going to reveal a little too much of my backside. The same backside that Kingston is currently palming. On purpose, no doubt.

“I can do quite a few things.” His smirk radiates seduction.

“Did you take lessons?” I can’t quite picture this Boston boy taking dance lessons.

“No, but my mother was insistent that her boys learn. She taught us herself.”

“Heath and Scott, too?” Now that’s something I’d like to see.

Kingston nods. “She figured if we all had to learn, we wouldn’t be able to taunt each other.” The corners of his mouth curl upward. “Little did she know.”