Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(25)

“Damn, Laney, you’re my new favorite person,” Sawyer chuckles.

“Well, I’m glad I’m somebody’s favorite. I’m sure as hell not Whitley’s...and I’m all torn up about it,” I say, sticking

out my bottom lip in my best fake pout. “Enough about me, though.” I change the subject. “So, boys, wanna tell us about

yourselves? I mean, maybe not as much as Bennett chose to share.” This gets laughs all around, even Bennett. I’m seriously doing

a really good job running this show. Bennett needs to make me a wing girl badge or something.

“Shut up, bitch. I was nervous.”

And now I know we’re really friends.

“What were you nervous about, Bennett?” Tate flashes a beaming smile. He knows the answer. “Very cool name, by the way.”

Bennett blushes, and she’s a redhead, so it’s noticeable. “I guess I’m keyed up from all of this tonight; feels a little like

speed dating.”

“Good call! It does feel like that,” he agrees with her.

“Do you agree, Laney?” Dane asks. I look at him and wish I hadn’t.

Evan is athletic, manly and gorgeous, whereas Dane is...beautiful. He, too, has brown hair, but it purposefully has a trendy cut

and style to it. I doubt he’s ever shoved it in a backwards ball cap like my sweet Evan. His eyes are big and brown and he smiles

all the way through them. His skin is dark, like he’s tan all year round, and he carries himself with a kind but yeah, I know you

’re looking air.

He’s not as tall as Evan, not as broad, but he’s built and muscular. His dark designer jeans and red polo fit him just right.

Around his neck hangs a small silver cross on leather and I can see a tattoo on the inside of his bicep. It looks like a verse from

here. This boy really should be in print or on a movie screen, and I can just appreciate the view like one would a movie star,

right? Right.

Breaking away from my examination, I’m able to answer him. “I don’t know anything about speed dating, but this night has not

felt speedy.”

WAIT, I got it! The movie Sweet Home Alabama; Evan is like Jake and Dane like Andrew...nailed that analogy! I can’t wait to tell

Bennett later. Not that I’m comparing, just proud of my cleverness. Crap, pretty sure I’m being asked another question...

“You haven’t had fun?” He smiles coyly, looking right in my eyes again. Geez, this is new. I don’t notice guys, or their

tattoos, or necklaces. And why do I suddenly feel so guilty?

“Fun wouldn’t be the right word. This by far is the least painful room of the night, though, so congratulations.”

He laughs at me; so does Bennett. She hasn’t moved from Tate’s side, and blatant staring doesn’t seem to be above her, either.

Oh, and he notices; he leans in every time he talks to her.

“So, somebody besides Bennett wanna tell us about themselves?”

“How about you?” Dane can challenge with just his eyes I’m quickly learning.

“No, no...someone else can go first. I’m super uninteresting. “

“I doubt that.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, I’m not gonna have to suggest Truth or Dare, am I?” I roll my eyes at them all. “And hurry, it’s

gotta be close to switch soon.” We've definitely been in here the longest of the night.

“That was the last switch of the night.” Dane winks again.

“Oh, okay, then I’m jammies and bed bound. Come on, Bennett. Nice to meet you guys!” I start to walk to the door but turn back.

Why is Bennett not following me?

“Hold up now, ya’ll don’t have to run off! I, personally, could go for a game or something. Damn, it’s like ten on a Friday,”

Sawyer chimes in with a frown.

“Yeah, Laney, come on, it’ll be fun!” Bennett squeals.

Oh, that lil enamored redhead! “Um...” Do I look as uncomfortable as I feel? I was being a smartass about the Truth or Dare; I

don’t actually need to know anything about anyone. I just thought Bennett would want Tate’s stats. Forget this wing girl crap.

Dane walks over to me and leans one hip on the counter. “Laney, why don’t you go put on those jammies.” He grins. “And come

back. I’ll order a pizza.”

His nearness doesn’t go unnoticed and I cringe at my body’s betrayal. “I’m not wearing pajamas in front of boys I just met!”

“Um, Laney,” Bennett butts in sheepishly, “I’ve seen your pjs; they’re fine.”

Dane raises an eyebrow at me.

We just met these guys. It’s late and the official crawl is over so now it would be me in a guy’s room just for the hell of it;

Evan’s concerns echo in my head.

“Nah, I’m getting tired. I need my room, Bennett.”



“I’d feel a lot better if you’d come with me.” “Perfect, game and pizza in our room, guys!” Alrighty, Bennett totally missed

the plot. Ugh.

“Laney, what do you want on your pizza?” There’s a god-like boy who’s practically a stranger yelling through my bathroom door.