His husky laugh rumbles in my ears through the headset. “He could afford the dental work.”
I allow myself a grin but look down at my hands.
“Is that all he said?” Jared asks, humor and curiosity still apparent in his expression.
He was crazy about you, Banner.
I can’t consider the possibility that Jared actually felt even a fraction of what I felt for him back then. Can’t allow myself to think about the what ifs and what could have beens. Even speculating about those could jeopardize all I have now with Zo.
“Yeah.” I turn back to the gorgeous view, not really seeing it. “That was all he said.”
15
Jared
I park at the curb in front of Banner’s house and walk up the cobblestone path to the door. I hesitate and don’t ring the doorbell right away. She knows I’m coming. We agreed on the time I’d pick her up for Kip’s party, but I assume Zo is here since he’s living with Banner for the summer. Not a pleasant thought. I only know him by reputation. He’s beloved in the league and beyond. He’s also sharp. I’d know immediately if someone wanted my girl, and I could be wrong, but I think Zo is sha
rp enough to at least suspect I want his. Only I don’t think of Banner as his. Banner was taken from me. If not for Prescott’s stupid stunt, who knows what would have happened for us. I always wondered.
Soon I’ll know.
She’s been avoiding me all week. Ever since the helicopter ride and her conversation with Bent, she’s made sure to be busy every time I called. Admittedly, I did use trumped up excuses to call, but I wanted to build on the ground I gained. Instead, the last few days have given Banner time to retreat and regroup. She hasn’t had to deal with me and the connection I know she feels. She’s been able to focus on Zo, who’s living with her.
Dammit.
I won’t pretend to feel remorse for what I’m going to do. I won’t fake regret. I will take her from him, little by little, day by day, until he doesn’t even cross her mind. In business and in life, I always take the shortest route between me and what I want. In this case, the shortest route to Banner just happens to run right over Alonzo Vidale. It’s a shame, really, but there are other girls for him. Dozens of girls he could live with, love, whatever. Banner is the only one I can tolerate.
Okay. More than tolerate. Crave. I kind of crave her company.
Being around her again reminded me how much I like her. The way she challenges me and makes me laugh. She’s the only one I enjoy being with, and the only one I’ve ever felt I could be myself with. That she’d accept my good, bad, and ugly. Good, the little there is of it. Bad, my wealth of bad. And ugly. I’m not an ugly guy. I know that without conceit. Conceit is such a waste of time and energy. I’ve always known that, though Banner was attracted to me, for her it wasn’t about how I looked. Not really. Just like it wasn’t about that for me either. I would have fallen for Banner blindfolded. You can camouflage flaws and fool a man with implants and the right trappings, but you can’t fake a brilliant mind like Banner’s. Or feign her obstinate belief in people, her desire to help them. Or all the other qualities that make her distinct from every other woman I’ve ever met.
The door opens, and she’s standing there, a curious look on her face.
“You’ve been at my door for five minutes,” she says, hands on those curvy hips. “Are we leaving or what?”
“Oh. Yeah. I was thinking.” I look back at my car and then return to her, hoping she buys my lame excuse. “You ready?”
“Yes.” She steps out, offering me a wry glance, and locks the door behind her. “Five minutes ago.”
She looks down at herself.
“I should have asked what to wear,” she says, frowning. “Is this okay?”
I don’t know how to talk about Banner’s body without offending her. I’ve never thought she was fat, but she didn’t believe me. Now she’s even less fat, toned with curves for days, most notably a spectacular ass. She’s tight, but there’s a seductive swell to her hips and butt and thighs. I love that she’s more brick house than stick thin, but I’d probably step in it if I say any of that, so I’ll play it safe.
“You look fine,” I reply neutrally.
“You sure it’s not too casual?” she asks, pinching the skirt of her dress.
The halter ties behind her neck, leaving her shoulders bare. The dress is red with black accents at the pockets and hem, which hits just below her knees. It falls loosely, hinting at the full curve of her hips and butt. Her breasts sit high and proud and full. I remember those breasts in my hands, between my lips. The sweet nipples—
“Jared.” Banner snaps her fingers in my face. “Did you hear me?”
“Yeah.” No idea what she’s talking about. I’m stuck on sweet nipples. “I agree.”
“You agree?” She looks at me like I’m not all there, which I’m not. “You agree that it’s too casual or—”
“Oh. That. No. It looks fine. You look great.”