Chapter 5

Jake

"So, you really have no idea what they're wearing?" I ask Cruz as we wait for Ellery and Jenica to make their way downstairs.

"Not a clue," he shakes his head. "Although, we know it has something to do with baseball."

He looks at me and shakes his head. We're both in the costumes that Ellery left out for us—black baseball uniforms with white stripes and deep slash marks across the chest—and fake blood's been applied to the exposed skin under the slashes, and our hair messed up, exactly as instructed.

The only time I saw her and Jenica today was when Ellery delivered the costumes at breakfast. After that, the two spent the better part of the day at the mall, and once they got home, headed straight for Jenica's room where they'd been ever since getting ready for the party.

I'm used to the girls being attached at the hip when Jenica's in town, but something feels off. Her greeting this morning was cool, and she didn't come down to my room last night as usual, and I have a feeling I know what it is—that body back in Cherry Cove. I'm looking forward to tonight so we can spend some time together and I can reassure her there is nothing to worry about.

When the girls do finally make their way down the stairs, both my mouth and Cruz's fall open.

"Cheerleaders?" He grins as Ellery twirls around in front of him.

"Not just cheerleaders," she drawls. "Zombie cheerleaders."

"Zombie cheerleaders?" He repeats with a laugh. "What the hell?"

Ellery and Jenica love horror movies. The campier, the better. The last time Jenica was here they made Cruz and I go to Blockbuster and rent one of their favorites, Night of the Comet . It was ridiculous, but they insisted it was the best.

"Zombies never go out of style," Ellery smiles. "In fact, I think there's going to be a resurgence someday."

"Whatever you say baby." He leans in and gives her a kiss. "I suppose Jake and I are your victims then?"

"You got that right." She wraps both arms around his neck and pulls him closer. "So, do you like it?"

He grips her sides, and drags his eyes down her body, nodding enthusiastically. "Want to know how much?"

"No!" Jenica and I call out in unison.

Cruz and Ellery are insatiable. Thank God we no longer lived in the apartment. The very thin wall that separated his room and mine left nothing to the imagination, and the limited time the four of us lived there together, Cruz had made good on his promise to pay me back for all the night's I'd kept him awake in the past.

Ellery shoots Jenica and I a playful scowl, as Cruz leans in and kisses her neck. "Stop," she giggles. "You'll ruin my makeup."

Jenica looks over at me and shakes her head. "How do you put up with them?"

"I don't know," I admit with a laugh.

"Hey," Ellery smacks me on the arm. "You adore me, and you know it."

Before I can respond, Cruz is hiking Ellery over his shoulder. "We'll be right back."

She yelps then giggles playfully as he carries her up the stairs, yanking the back of her skirt down so we don't get an eyeful.

"Don't mess up your makeup!" Jenica yells up the stairs as the door slams shut.

As Jenica looks up the stairs, I take a moment to admire her. I don't know if she's aware how much of a knockout she is, but even as a zombie she's smokin' hot. She's got the kind of energy that says, ‘fuck with me and find out,' and when you pair it with those piercing blue eyes and dark hair, it's mesmerizing.

The first time I laid eyes on her it was as if a door slammed shut in front of my face. A wall of air crashed into me, stealing the very breath in my lungs. Only once she hung up the phone she'd been talking on and started ringing up the booze I set down at the register where she was working, did I start to breathe again.

Now that I know the girl under the steely resolve I first saw that day, she renders me speechless in a whole different way. There is so much more to her than meets the eye, and she's one hell of a girl.

"I say they have a kid in the next two years." She turns and flashes me a beautiful smile as "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Ellery's current favorite, starts to blare.

Cruz was not a fan of grunge, but when it comes to Ellery, he would listen to feral cats fighting if it meant making her happy.

"Up it," I grin, remembering what he said yesterday. "Three by the time he's twenty-five."

She laughs and makes her way into the living room, stopping to look out the window. Knowing they'll be up there for at least a couple of minutes, I follow and come up behind her.

"I missed you last night," I whisper.

She turns and looks up at me over her shoulder. "Sorry, passed out early."

If anyone deserves a peaceful night's sleep it's Jenica. For the past seven months that hasn't been the case. "Adrenaline can do that to you."

My eyes search hers, before drifting down to her bare shoulders. "Are you going to be warm enough tonight?"

"Of course," she shrugs. "Why not?"

While the weather had warmed this week, a storm was coming and snow was expected in the coming days. While the sunset last night would hint at an early spring, the patches of fog in the corners of the window right now was a sign of a cold night ahead.

I look back up, finding her big, beautiful eyes on mine. They're heavily coated. Like they've been dipped in ink. Ice blue, flanked by black raven feathers.

"Winter up here isn't like the south," I swallow, her beauty disarming. "You may need something to keep you warm."

"I'll be fine," she insists.

We're both quiet for a moment, but when I reach out to brush her cheek, she turns and looks back out the window.

"Hey," I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her back to my chest. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she shakes her head, but I know it's a lie. I can feel the thrumming of her heartbeat against my arm. It's faster than normal and her muscles are tense.

"I'd like to think we're closer than that," I bring my mouth to her ear. "Much closer."

"Says, who?"

"Says my mouth on your skin, and my hand in your—"

She spins around and slams a hand down on my mouth, eyes flicking to the stairs. "Didn't we agree, that stays between us?"

I start to reply but when she can't make out what I'm saying, she drops her hand. "You know you're cute when you're embarrassed."

"I'm not embarrassed."

"No?" I arch a brow.

"I don't get embarrassed," she steps back, my arm slipping away. "I just don't want them to catch us in a compromising position."

"Oh," I rub my chin while taking her in. "That outfit is making me think of a few compromising positions."

She shakes her head and when I see the hint of a smile tugging at her lips, I flash her one of my own. "Come on, Sparky. What's going on?"

She opens her mouth to answer, but when the music stops, she snaps it shut and takes another step back, widening the space between us.

"We finish this later," I say quickly as the door upstairs opens, followed by Cruz coming down the stairs, with Ellery on his heels.

"Ready?" she asks cheerfully. Her cheeks are flushed and not a hair is out of place. Her lipstick on the other hand…

"Ready," Jenica straightens and shoots her friend a dazzling smile. "Let's get this blood bath underway, shall we?"

***

"You know," Cruz says with a bob of his head as he lifts his red plastic cup, "grunge isn't so bad."

I laugh and lift my own cup, taking a sip of my own drink. "Could this change of heart have anything to do with your little fuck fest earlier?"

He looks at Ellery, who's bumping and grinding with Jenica on the makeshift dance floor in the center of the fraternity house living room. "Could be, brother."

He's remarkably cool for a guy whose girlfriend is wearing a costume that leaves zero to the imagination. Then again, everyone knows Ellery is off-limits. Her hot as hell best friend on the other hand is not and has turned more than a few heads tonight.

She's not the only one. Cruz and I have also garnered our share of looks. We're used to the attention. When you're a star athlete, everyone wants to know you and pretend to be your friend. But tonight it's because of the costumes.

Sure, we're baseball players, but we're players that have been chewed up and spit out by the undead, and I can't help but find a dark irony in that.

Being a professional athlete was big business. An engine not unlike that of Corporate America. It worked you to the bone when you were valuable, then spit you out when you no longer were. If you were lucky, you left behind a legacy. Otherwise, you were simply another name on a roster, one of many in history.

I knew this and was prepared because I loved the game and have wanted nothing more since I was six. But lately, as that dream inches closer, I find myself wondering if it might be time to find one person to share it with and balance out the grind.

I loved my family and I wanted to make sure they were taken care of, but I see how happy Ellery makes Cruz and the way she fills his life with something baseball can't. I want that. I want someone to be waiting for me when I get home, just as she will be waiting for him.

The song rolls from "Good Vibrations" to "Groove Is In The Heart" and knowing how much Jenica loves this song, I look at her and sure enough, she's thrown both hands in the air and wiggling those hips like she's a dancer in a club. I can't help but smile. I love seeing her happy and carefree in a way that I know she isn't back home.

I never expected that Jenica and I would become as close as we were. I may have been there for her last summer, but she was there for me in a way no one else had been. Cruz was like my brother and we'd shared a lot, but just as there had been things he hadn't shared with me, there were things that I hadn't shared with him.

Jenica wasn't the only one with demons. I had them, too. But I didn't give them breath. Doing so would only release parts of my past that could destroy my present and I couldn't have that. Not when I'd worked so hard to get to where I was. But I wanted to tell her. I wanted her to know me, in all the way she'd given me the chance to know her. Maybe one day.

After downing the rest of my drink, I push up from the wall Cruz and I are leaning against and start for the bar. "You good?"

He downs the rest of his drink and sets the cup on the windowsill next to him. "I'm good, brother. Gonna go dance with my girl for a bit."

I tap the top of his shoulder with my fist. "Keep it PG, huh?"

"Shiiiittt," he replies with a grin, and makes his way over to Ellery.

I head to the bar, lifting my chin in acknowledgement as I pass. I don't have to wait in line. None of the guys on the team do. We're the ones that brought back the College World Series trophy. Everyone wants to do us a favor.

Once I have a fresh drink in hand, I spin around and find a petite redhead looking up at me. "Hey, there, Iceman."

"Hey, Mallory. You being good tonight?"

"Depends," she takes a sip of her drink. "What are you doing later?"

We hooked up last year in the stairwell of her sorority house. She wanted to blow me, then chickened out when she pulled my pants down and saw what I was packing. I went down on her instead. Made her come, kissed her goodnight, and that was that.

I don't plan to repeat that performance. It's not my thing. I don't drink from the same well twice. "Early night," I lift my drink. "Coach's orders."

She gives me a little pout and takes a sip of her own drink. As she does, a guy behind her hits her arm. She juts forward and grabs my shirt, drink sloshing over the side of the cup and onto my jersey.

"Hey!" I call out, helping steady her with my free hand. "Watch it, huh?"

He turns around and when he sees me, holds up both hands. "My bad."

I wipe the drops from my shirt and give him a quick nod. "Careful next time."

I wait for Mallory to find her footing before letting go. When she does, he looks at her and smiles. "You okay, gorgeous?"

As if I hadn't just saved her ass from face planting, she turns her back to me and tosses her hair over one shoulder. "I'm good, thanks."

He runs a hand through his hair, then sticks it out. "Troy."

She places her hand in his and returns his smile with one of her own. "Mallory."

The two start talking and seconds later, he leads her away and the two disappear into the sea of people.

I shake my head and turn around, starting back for the living room when I catch a glimpse of a long, dark ponytail, heading downstairs. I'd know that head anywhere. It's Jenica, and she's being followed by O'Brien, our new shortstop.

Not liking the thumbs up he flashes to one of the frat bros he passes on his way down the stairs, I set my drink down and follow them. Snaking through the labyrinth of halls that make up the lower level of the fraternity house, I pass by open doors and couples making out inside, but no Jenica.

When I don't see her anywhere, I turn to leave, but as I reach the foot of the stairs and prepare to head back up, I hear a faint but distinct laugh I'd know anywhere.

Turning around, I storm down the hall and yank the door open at the end. I've never been here before, but thanks to a black light and a few posters on the wall, I can see it's a game room. I scan the space, eyes adjusting as I do, and then I see her sitting on a pool table in the center of the room and O'Brien standing between her legs.

"Sparky!" I call out from the doorway.

O'Brien turns and looks at me over his shoulder. "Hey Chambers," he smiles smugly. "This room's taken."

Taken my ass. The only thing that's taken is her. "Didn't you come here with that naughty nurse?"

"Yeah," he shrugs. "And?"

"Think I just saw her getting ready to leave with one of the guys from the frat."

He turns around to face me, back now to Jenica. "You what?"

"Headed out the front door last I saw." I hike a thumb over my shoulder, pointing down the hall. "If you leave now, you should be able to catch her."

I don't have to say another word. He bolts across the room and out the door.

"See you at practice," I call out, while keeping my eyes on her.

Once he's gone, she pushes up from the table and storms over to me, eyes flashing. "Why'd you do that?"

"You shouldn't be down here with guys like that."

"Guys like what?" She glowers at me.

I match her stance, my own eyes narrowing. "Players."

"Funny," she smirks and folds her arms. "Isn't that what you are?"

"Depends," I smirk. "Are we talking about baseball, or something else?"

"Oh please," she rolls her eyes. "You've had your share of play, Jake."

"Oh, so I'm Jake now? What happened to Hot Shot?"

"You don't need to watch over me like some kind of guard dog," she fires back. "I'm fine."

"Guard dog?" I jerk my head back. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Don't be like that," she shakes her head with a purse of her lips. "It's not a good look on you."

"Like what?"

"Mad."

"I don't get mad."

"Fine," she counters. "Jealous then."

"Jealous?" I laugh incredulously. "Are you kidding?"

"Hey, you're the one who came in here with guns blazing."

"I came in here because you shouldn't go off alone with guys you don't know. That includes teammates that I barely know."

"Give me a break."

She starts to turn her head and I grip her chin gently and bring it back to look at me. "I swore to you that night I would keep you safe." I drop my hand. "And I meant it. No matter what."

"It's…just a party." Her reply is gentle, her eyes warm.

"I know, but you came here with me so it's my job to look after you."

Her eyes pierce right through me like she's seeing into my soul, and damn, that same wall of air that hit me the first time I saw her, hits me again.

"How can you keep me safe if you're with someone else?" she whispers.

My eyes search hers, not understanding. "What are you talking about?"

"I saw you."

"Saw me…what?"

"It's okay." She steps back. "You're allowed to have a social life. I knew who you were when we met."

"Social life?" I shake my head.

"I shouldn't assume you aren't seeing anyone just because you don't talk to me about it."

I drop my chin to my chest and take a deep breath. "Sparky, what the hell are you talking about?"

"Sex," she spits out. "I'm talking about sex."

I lift my head and grin. "Didn't they just play that upstairs?"

"Jake…"

"Jenica…"

"Come on."

"Come on, what? What do you want me to say?"

"I want to know if me being here is stopping you," she says in exasperation.

"Stopping me from what?"

"Getting laid!" She throws her hands in the air.

"What?" I laugh. "Where is this—"

"Ellery told me you haven't been seeing anyone," she cuts me off.

"She what?" I ask in confusion.

"Is it true?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose, making a mental note to have a little chat with my sister from another mister. "You know I don't date."

"I know that. And you know that's not what I'm asking."

She's right. I know damn well what she is asking, and I'm curious why she wants to know, and further, why she and Ellery were talking about me.

"Tell me," she insists.

"Why do you…wait," I stop, mid-response. Was that what she was doing down here? "Were you down here with O'Brien trying to get some?"

"Who?" She shakes her head. Now she's the one who's confused.

"My teammate that I just tossed out of here."

She shrugs. "What if it was?"

"Well, first I'd like to know when you decided to date athletes because last I heard, you'd rather die than be with a guy who cares more about his muscles than music."

"I didn't say that."

"Yes, you did," I counter. "You made it quite clear. You don't do athletes. So tell me, why were you just about to?"

She opens her mouth to answer, but the door pushes open and a group of partygoers stumble in. "This room's taken," I call out over my shoulder.

"Oh, my bad," one says.

"Next time lock the door," says another, then slams it shut.

"Good advice," Jenica smirks. "Next time I'll lock the door so I don't get interrupted."

The idea of Jenica hooking up with O'Brien—hell, hooking up with anyone—makes my cheeks burn and fingers twitch. "You drive me crazy. You know that?"

"Yeah, well," she fires back, "the feeling's mutual."

We stand that way, staring at one another, and before I know what I'm doing, I wrap one arm around her waist, and lift her off the ground. "Why are you so interested in what, no make that who, I do?" I ask, eyes locked on hers.

She places both hands on my chest and pushes back. "Put me down."

"No," I tighten my hold, "not until you answer me."

She kicks her feet and pushes back again. "If you don't want me to knee you in those balls you're so fond of, I suggest you put me down, now."

The fire in her touch and words makes my dick twitch. "You want to know if I'm getting laid?" I walk toward the pool table, holding her against me with one hand while wrapping her ponytail around my other one. "No, I'm not."

"Oh," she says with mock pity. "Highland's sorority girls found a new chew toy?"

I give her hair a tug, while letting out a sardonic laugh. "Try again."

My eyes search hers as her chin tips up and the skin on her neck pulls taut. "You only like redheads now?" she says tightly.

Reaching the pool table, I set her down on the edge and place my hands on either side of her. "Redheads?"

"Yeah. Like that twit upstairs."

"Upstairs?" I repeat, wondering why I sound like a goddamned parrot all of a sudden. Wait, was she talking about… "Mallory?"

"Mallory," she copies me, voice high and mocking like a child.

Holy shit. Is that what this is about? Did Jenica see me with Mallory and she's jealous? I can't help but smile at the idea.

"No," I lock my eyes on hers. "She doesn't do it for me."

"And why is that? Already been there, done that?"

"Maybe," I shrug. "Or maybe I don't want her. Maybe I don't want any of the girls here anymore."

"Since when?" She looks up, defiant.

I push her legs apart with my knee and step between them. "Since I think you know."

Jenica and I aren't exclusive. Shit, we aren't even a thing. What we are, there's no label or name for. But it wouldn't be cool if she were fucking other guys.

But what if she has? I mean, look at her. She's a ten. Scratch that, a twenty. What guy with blood in his veins wouldn't give his left nut to hook up with her if given the chance?

"Are you seeing someone?" I ask, the idea making my skin itch.

"What?" She laughs.

"I'm serious, Sparky. Answer the question." I've never demanded anything of her, but arrangements like ours come with transparency, right?

"No, I'm not seeing anyone," she replies crisply. "But if I were, would it be any of your business?"

She tries to push up from the table but my arms stay locked on either side, keeping her in place. "I'd say it is my business because I don't feel like catching something."

Her eyes widen and I can see she's surprised. Honestly, I am too because I'm not that guy. I respect girls and never want them to feel less than. But the idea of her with anyone ignites a fire I haven't felt in years. One that makes me say and do stupid shit.

"Hey," I grin, "you never know. Even the finest dining establishments can warrant a visit from the health inspector."

I waggle my brows, and her eyes narrow. But instead of firing back with that sassy snark I love, she leans back and places both hands on the table.

"Now, Hot Shot." She hooks one leg around the back of my thigh and pulls me toward her. "You know I don't eat out."

No, she doesn't. I do know this. It's one of her rules. But me, I've feasted on her plenty and I would like to push her down on this table, spread those gorgeous legs of hers, and devour her right now.

Instead, I run my thumb across her lower lip and bring it to my mouth and suck. She tastes like Cherry Chapstick and vodka, my favorite combination.

With her eyes on mine, and her leg around me, I know now why Jenica came down here with O'Brien. She wasn't planning to fool around with him. She did it because she was jealous. If only she knew what she saw upstairs was not what she thinks because from the day she came into my orbit, she has been the only girl that I see.

"I'm going back to the party." I pull back. "Stay out of trouble, Sparky."

As I turn and make my way to the door, she hops off the table. "That's it?" she calls out after me.

I stop but don't look back. "Did you expect more?" I ask, fighting the smile tugging at my lips.

"You didn't answer my question," she fires back.

"No," I shake my head, "and I don't plan on it because you know the answer."

This isn't a discussion we should have here. It's one we'll have tonight when she comes to see me. And she will. I know she will. She won't try to pull some ‘I fell asleep' bullshit tonight because she's made her curiosity clear and it's about time.

Curiosity didn't just kill the cat. It's the thirst of one's soul. And tonight, if my suspicion is right, she's going to finally quench that curiosity of hers and give herself a drink.