Execution (Off Balance 2)

Alfred had been the one to scoop up Hayden and Holly at the airport late last night and bring them back here.

"Your house is massive, Aid. You weren't kidding when you told us about the size of it or the amount of rooms. It's like what you would see in a magazine. If we hadn't run into your butler, we'd probably still be out there wandering around."

I smiled sheepishly. "Sorry about that. I should've told you where to go when you guys got in last night, but I didn't even think about it. Just figured you guys wanted to rest."

"You figured right," Holly said with a yawn. "What time is the party?"

"Party starts at eight, but guests sometimes arrive early." I glanced over at my nightstand and read the time. It was getting close to noon. "We should probably grab lunch and then start getting ready."

A crease formed between Hayden's eyes. He pulled at his shorts for more give at the knees and adjusted himself in the chair. "You need that much time?"

"No, but probably a good three hours. Hayden, I feel like this is something you should know."

His brows shot to his hairline. "How long it takes chicks to get ready? No."

"But you read Cosmo," I retorted, and took another sip of my coffee, eyeing him playfully.

Both Holly and Avery snapped their heads toward him in shock. "You read my magazines?" Holly asked, extremely embarrassed. "Real cool, bro."

"What!" Hayden threw his hands up. "Sometimes they look intriguing."

"That brings your hotness meter way down, dude. Don't ever admit that to anyone." Avery paused. "Well, maybe it doesn't. I take that back. I bet you know more about what women want than grown men do."

Hayden's response was a smile from ear to ear.

I gave them a rundown of what to expect. How the night would play out; how the house would be filled with millionaires and their snobby, entitled offspring; and how these parties typically ran until the early morning hours. Avery and I had appointments for hair and makeup after lunch, so I invited Holly to have hers done as well. Mom expected everyone—including us young adults—to be in tip-top shape. Like they're ready for their close-up at any given second.

My time home would be cut short due to the Parkettes meet Holly was competing in. She needed to train, and as much as I wanted to stay home for a little while longer to avoid Kova, I made a compromise to drive back early tomorrow so we could all ring in the new year together.

"We'll leave tomorrow afternoon, which gives you time to unpack and rest before practice the following day."

I took a big sip of coffee to swallow back the ball of anxiety in my throat. I'd been doing great with ignoring the fact that Kova was coming to my home, but thinking about Holly having to be back to train for the gymnastics meet made my chest tight with angst. My fingers started trembling, and it wasn't due to the caffeine.

"Speaking of practice, my dad took it upon himself to invite Kova and Katja." I took another sip of coffee.

My stomach flipped as Hayden's stark gaze landed on me. His jaw flexed, and I had to look away because I couldn't handle the weight of his stare.

"That should be fun to see them outside of the gym." Holly mused and gave a light shrug.

"Are they staying at your house?" Hayden asked through clenched teeth. My emotions teetered on a thin line between pure panic and nervousness. Not just from Hayden's response, but from Kova coming over, and the sudden extreme bout of anxiety steamrolling through me. I was edgy. Anything could happen.

"They're staying at the Four Seasons Hotel."

Hayden's shoulders eased just a bit. Guilt ate at me for the stress I had caused him, but more so for the new lie that flew off my lips like nothing. I didn't know what Kova and Katja were doing because I didn't ask any questions after I found out they'd be coming. Inquiring too much would raise brows.

Avery clapped her hands and rubbed them together. "Before we get pampered, how about we go get some lunch? A light lunch." She eyeballed me. "We can't be looking fat in our dresses."

Chapter Eleven

With just a half hour to spare before guests arrived, I sat with Avery, Holly, and Hayden in one of the spare rooms my mom had converted into a dressing room.

Tall mirrors with bright white lights lined the walls. There were clothing racks everywhere. All we needed to do was put on our dresses.

Hayden stood off to the side scrolling through his phone, looking as striking as ever. From the charcoal colored pants that hugged his thighs like a second skin, to the rich onyx shirt with the top two buttons left undone that gave way to a glimpse of his firm chest, he wore an impish grin that shouldn't have gotten me tangled inside. He was cool and breezy chatting with Avery about the Florida Gators, the school he'd hoped to earn a gymnastics scholarship from.

"Damn, girl, don't you look hot," Avery said when Holly stepped out of the bathroom.

To me, she looked a little unsure. Wide eyes scanned the room for her brother. The dress she wore was made for her body. A silver sequin spaghetti strap top with waves of bubblegum satin sat high on her lean legs. Pin-straight hair and natural makeup completed the look.