Defending Hayden (Second Chances #7)(32)
“Did you buy her a new one?” a reporter in the back inquired.
I shook my head. “He felt bad for breaking mine, so he loaned me his. I thought it was really sweet.”
“Uh-oh,” the reporter announced, “you’re going to have lots of young women trying to break their phones around you, Derek.”
He winked. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful from now on.” Putting his arm around me, he pushed us through the crowd and waved, ending the parade of questions. He probably had no choice or he’d be standing there all night, trying to answer them. “Get in your car fast so we can get out of here.”
I got into my car and followed him out of the parking lot onto the main highway toward Belmont. Luckily, we were able to beat most of the traffic. When we pulled into his driveway, he got out with the biggest grin on his face. He opened my door and helped me out.
“A girl could get used to that. I’ve never had a guy open my car door for me.”
“That’s because they’re idiots, or maybe it’s because their mommas didn’t raise them right. I may not be the nicest guy around, but I do have manners…at times,” he added with a wink. “So are you ready to go to the party? We can grab something to eat beforehand if you want.”
My stomach growled and I clutched it. “I think there’s my answer.”
—
We grabbed a quick dinner from the tavern and headed to the party. When we arrived, there were cars lined up and down the street. “Whose house is this?” I asked.
“Chris’s. The f*cktard you met before the game.”
“Ah, yes, how could I forget.” I laughed. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“He is, but stay away from him. He’ll try to flirt with you.”
I could hear the jealousy in his voice, and I liked it. We walked inside the house, and there were people everywhere. “Does that mean you won’t be flirting with all the hot girls in here?” I asked, peering around the room. From the looks of the place, I didn’t fit in at all. I ran a finger across the brown leather sofa, knowing it alone probably cost more than my whole living room and dining set put together. Chris had said he didn’t take me as the type to love art, but there was no mistaking the Van Gogh on the wall. I had no doubt it was an original. What really made the party interesting were the people. I’d never seen such beautiful people in my life. It was like I was in a movie, where everyone was perfect. All the women looked like they could be runway models, dressed in skintight dresses and designer heels. I glanced down at my T-shirt and shorts, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
Derek put his arm around my waist, his voice low in my ear. “Those girls don’t have anything on you. Now, let’s get you a drink.” We walked into the kitchen, and that was where most of the guys were, taking shots and celebrating their victory.
“D, you made it!” Chris exclaimed. He handed Derek a shot glass full of some kind of liquor and patted him on the shoulder before looking over at me. “And you brought the beautiful Hayden.” Taking my hand, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. Derek tensed beside me and I heard a low growl escape his lips; Chris smiled brighter. “Would you like a drink?” he asked. “I have over a hundred different wines in the cellar. I’ll let you pick one.”
“I’d like that, thanks,” I said. Chris took my hand and started to pull me away, but Derek held firm around my waist and wouldn’t budge.
Chris burst out laughing and let me go. “Dude, you’re not going to let me get your lady a drink?”
Derek set the shot glass on the counter. “Not without me, you’re not. I’m not stupid enough to let her go off with you by herself.”
“I was just going to steal a kiss, that’s it. Why are you gonna ruin my fun?” He grinned at Derek and then winked at me.
Derek motioned at the room. “Because you have a horde of other women you can f*ck with. Hayden doesn’t want your greasy lips on her.”
Chris puckered them up and blew me a kiss. “Who knows, she might like it.”
“Don’t think so, but thanks for offering,” I teased.
Slapping a hand to his chest, Chris groaned. “You just broke my heart, darling. But if you get tired of McLaughlin, you know where I’ll be.” He waggled his brows and then focused on Derek, who shook his head, a humorous glint in his eyes. At least he wasn’t angry. I guessed this was the way these guys joked around with each other. “Take her to the cellar. She can pick out whatever wine she wants.”
Derek shook his hand. “Thanks, f*cker.” Before Chris could walk off, Derek stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Is Jax here? Do you know if he’s coming?”
Chris snorted. “Don’t know, don’t care.” Derek’s smile faded, and Chris backed up with his hands in the air. “Dude, calm down, he’s not here. I’m pretty sure he’s not going to come. He said it himself.” Turning on his heel, he left us to go mess around with some of the other guys while Derek nudged me down the hall toward a dark wooden door. It was much quieter away from everyone, and I really wished we could stay there, hidden. There were more paintings on the wall, and when I inspected them, I thought they were originals, too. I didn’t want to imagine how much Chris paid for them. It was probably my salary times five. Derek was amazing and down-to-earth, but I couldn’t help feeling like I was out of my league with his people.