Ain't No Sunshine

I laugh at how ridiculous that sounds, but stop when Summer gives me her ‘I’m not joking’ look. Right, okay. I guess that could work.

I nod, agreeing to her plan because, let’s face it, I need her, and then wait patiently while she does her thing. Whatever her thing is. Nervously, I scan the room again. It’s easy to see why there are so many people here. Did someone say eye candy?

Like Nate, for example. He’s a tight end for our college football team and loves a Ball House party. At least, that’s what I’ve heard.I’ve never been to a party here, because, like I said, Summer’s not a fan, and I stay away in support.

Usually.

And really, I only suggested coming here because I thought she’d bail on the deal all together. No such luck.

When I finish my visual tour of the room, the first room of many, my eyes land on Summer chatting with a very familiar face. Someone I didn’t think she’d ever talk to. I smirk, but then stop when she points my way. Shit! Is she talking about me and Nate?

I busy myself by looking at some of the team photos on the wall. When curiosity gets the best of me, I look over to see Dylan, the guy Summer was talking to, walking my way with Nate in tow. Shit, shit! Nate’s eyes widen, spotting me as Dylan says, “Hey man, I’ve got a girl I want you to meet,” and then walks away without a backwards glance.

Nate recovers from his surprise and smiles.I don’t even want to imagine the deer in headlights look I know I currently have. Taking a deep breath, I somehow smile in return. “Listen, I’m sorry—”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” he says, and I stop without finishing my sentence. Huh?

He laughs and continues. “I… ah…” He grips his shoulder, his smile hesitant. “I wanted to talk to you after catching you the other day. You know, to make sure you’re okay after such a terrifying incident.”

“I…” He’s joking, Cory.

Nate’s eyes light up with his laugh, and my body relaxes at the sound.

“You’re my hero. I don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for you,” I sass while fake swooning. Okay, maybe it’s not totally fake, but mostly.

“I’m glad I could be of service,” Nate says with a nod of his head, then offers me his arm like he’s straight out of a Jane Austen book. “Can I get you a drink, Cory?” God, is it possible that my fantasies of what Nate would be like are true? I definitely had him pegged as a gentleman.

As we approach the bar, that I hadn’t even noticed, he pushes through the crowd while keeping me tucked in close to his side. I relish in the feel of his touch and have to focus hard on not turning into a pile of mush. Yep, I’m that girl.

“Can I get a…” Nate looks at me for my order.

I look behind the bartender, aka a freshman, to see my options. “I’d love cider, please.”

“Sure thing.” Nate nods at something over my head and smiles at me before turning back to order. “A cider, thanks, Jack.”

I must give him a puzzled expression because he looks down at me with an apologetic gaze and takes a deep, frustrated breath. “I wasn’t lying when I said I was glad you’re here. I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while now.” What? My heart almost bounces out of my chest. “But…” And then it drops to the floor with a thud, barely beating. “...my teammate just reminded me I’m one of the designated drivers tonight. I kind of got caught up in seeing you and forgot.”

I inwardly flinch, as my chest tightens. “That’s okay, no problem. I’ll leave you to it.” As far as escape plans go, it’s pretty impressive. I try to sound upbeat and not let him see the disappointment I’m feeling, but I’m not sure I succeed.

“No, I’m not, ah… what I’m trying to say is that I want time to get to know you. I’m sure I can convince someone to take my place, but I might need to do one last drop off. Will you wait?” What? Not an escape plan, then?

I smile, once again hiding my feelings. Relief this time. “Of course. No problem.”

“Good.” Nate smiles.

“Good.” I say back. “Are you needed now? Or…”

“Only if someone asks. At the moment, I’m all yours.” He winks, and I’m reminded of the wink he gave me that day in class. And the pain that flashed across his face before it. My brow furrows at the image, but I shake it off.

“I have to say, it’s very impressive that you have pre-assigned designated drivers. Very noble of you.”

He laughs, but then his face contorts a little. “I wish I could say the tradition started for noble reasons, but it started after an incident we don’t really talk about.”

I cringe for joking about it and brush my fingers along his arm. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It happened; it’s over. I’m glad that we do it now, though. At least, I used to be, until you showed up on my designated night.”

I feel the heat coating my face as I blush, smiling at his words. This is not how I thought tonight would play out. I guess I’ll be thanking Summer later.

We only get a few more minutes together before someone yells from the front door, waving their hand to get his attention.“Nate, you’re needed!”

“Shit! Duty calls. I’m sorry.” I almost laugh at how upset he looks.

“It’s okay. I’ll be here,”I say shyly, hoping he still wants me to stay.

His answering smile tells me everything I need to know. “Perfect. Yes! Thank you. Let me grab your number before I go.” He takes down my number before pressing a chaste kiss to my cheek.

And with a quick wave over his shoulder, he dashes off towards the entrance while I stand in a daze, trying to decide if any of that was real.