Page 2 of Fake Dates and Home Plates (Way Off Base #1)
Chapter Two
Henley
By the time I’ve done my hair and makeup, my mood has lifted a little. Even though I don’t care for Dakota’s fraternity events, they’re important to him, so I can muster up some effort.
I’ve got my wavy brown hair hanging over my shoulder, pinned behind my ear on one side. My black dress reaches the floor, but it features a slit that showcases my toned leg and the gorgeous pink platform heels on my feet.
Swiping shiny gloss over my lips, I study myself in the mirror. I look fucking hot.
The doorbell goes off, and I hurry to open it.
Dakota wastes no time pulling me into his arms to kiss me in a rushed greeting. When he releases me, he takes a step back and looks me over. “You look great. Good choice with the dress.”
He’s wearing a suit that is clearly a designer piece—charcoal and tailored to him perfectly. He looks pretty damn handsome himself.
Dakota usually dresses nicely. I used to think it was cute he made an effort with his appearance, but now, it’s started to feel…curated. Everything is about his image, as if every single detail has it’s own purpose. No true originality.
“Aren’t you going to check out the shoes?” These heels are shouting fuck me and the fact that I have to draw his attention to them is frustrating.
“They look good, Henley. You look hot.” His smile is genuine, reaching his eyes.
I lean into him again, and this time, he kisses me for real. It’s not rushed or forced, just a moment of true affection. It melts away my earlier annoyance, letting the smile on my face become less forced.
“Much better,” I say as I grab my small clutch really only holding my ID and bank card. Since there isn’t room in the bag, I slip my phone into the side of my bra. “Ready.”
After years of avoiding even the idea of a relationship, too focused on scholarships and grades and good times, I can’t deny how nice it is to have someone who’s all mine.
Even if half the school is obsessed with him.
Imagine if female athletes got even a sliver of the attention men do. Instead of people looking into who we’re dating or how much money we’re making, we’d be criticized for not taking our career seriously or not being grateful for the opportunity.
Dakota walks ahead of me toward the elevator, already burying his head in his phone to text. “Sorry for the rush, babe. We need to get on the road so I can make sure the pledges show up and look presentable.”
I look down at my shoes and roll my eyes. I don’t know if it’s more annoying he’s texting two minutes into our first date night in weeks, or that we’re taking the elevator for one floor so he can do so.
“How was practice?” he asks without looking at me as he opens the passenger door to his Audi.
Once I’m buckled, I wait for him to get in the car before responding, “We didn’t have practice today. I ran on my own.”
We’ve talked about my schedule a dozen times at least. Next week, we’ll start our team workouts in preparation for the season. I’ll be limited on when I can run solo without overexerting myself.
“That’s what I meant.” He flashes me a smile before putting the car into gear. “I hope you don’t mind, but after the event, Kal and his roommates are hosting a party. We’ll have to stop by.”
I’m not surprised there’s an after-party, but I am annoyed we have to go. “Can we just make an appearance and then head out? I was kind of looking forward to being alone with you tonight.”
He looks over at me with a smirk. “Of course. I can’t wait to get that dress off you.”
Satisfied he means it, I sit back and prepare to smile and nod my way through the next few hours.
Music fills the house, accompanied by the noise of beer pong and cheers for those doing keg stands.
The event was fine. Boring, but fine. Most of these guys come from rich families and their social events feel like a corporate holiday party, the kind where you’re forced to make small talk with people you already spend too much time with.
A few of Dakota’s teammates are also in the same fraternity, and I’ve seen them around enough that it wasn’t too awkward to make conversation. Their dates seemed nice too.
Most of the time, I love a party. Tonight, though, I’m on edge, and I’m ready to not be around anyone but my boyfriend for a few hours.
If only I could find him.
He disappeared about five minutes ago, saying he had to talk to Kal and would be right back with a drink for me.
Looking around, I find a familiar face.
Dakota knows I wasn’t a virgin when I met him, and I’ve always been honest about my past. Even if it was awkward telling him I fucked his teammate two years ago.
I didn’t share any details with him. I’m sure he’s seen Chase’s piercing in the locker room, so he doesn’t need me to inform him how magical that piece of metal is.
I spent the better part of my sophomore year ordering toys to try and replicate the feeling.
Plopping down on the couch next to him, I give him a nod in hello. We might have hooked up a couple of times, but neither of us made a fuss out of it, clearly knowing the score. Instead, we hang out occasionally when we see each other around.
“Where’s your boyfriend?” Chase asks, his formal date long gone.
“Getting a drink,” I say, trying to force a smile.
We sit in silence for another ten minutes before anger starts to sink in. It’s one thing to leave me on my own, but to get lost in conversation knowing I’m here waiting is a dick move.
Chase leans over and lowers his voice. “Listen, I know we barely know each other. Except in the biblical sense or whatever.” He pauses to give me a wink. “But I’m going to break guy code because you’re a cool fucking person and don’t deserve to be treated this way.”
I feel my eyebrows dip in confusion. Yeah, it sucks Dakota left me on my own, but I don’t think it’s the end of the world to be left waiting longer than I’d like.
“It’s fine. He’ll be back any minute,” I say with a shrug, not liking the way his words sound a lot like an accusation.
“Henley,” he says seriously, “I think you should go find him. Shit happens at these parties, and you need to know the truth.”
A sick feeling sinks into my stomach, and I don’t think twice before getting up. I walk to the bar filled with ridiculous amounts of liquor. Kal is there, handing out drinks, but I don’t see Dakota.
“Oh, hey, Henley,” Kal greets me with a nervous chuckle. “You just missed Dakota; he had to piss.”
I don’t believe him at all. His voice has a squeaky pitch to it, making him sound like a cartoon rat.
Kal is a sleaze. He hits on anyone, whether they’re interested or not. He’s an entitled coward, thinking he’s owed everything while putting in zero effort.
I don’t even pretend to tolerate him.
The way his eyes nervously search the room tell me he knows what Dakota is actually up to.
Kal looks like he wants to run away from me.
“Which bathroom?” I ask, not a trace of kindness in my tone.
He laughs. “What, you want to hold his dick for him? Damn, at least wait until you get home.”
“Something like that,” I say without humor, unable to muster up even a little bit of a fake smile to entertain him.
“Come on, loosen up. Let me make you a drink so you can relax.” Kal starts to mix things together without bothering to ask what I might want.
I don’t think so. He could make the drink right in front of me, and I still wouldn’t trust it.
Walking away without responding, I follow my gut and make my way upstairs. People are everywhere, blocking doors or waiting for their chance in the bathroom.
But at the end of the hallway is a room with a number four painted on the door. Kal’s number. Setting my shoulders, I walk towards it with determination.
“You don’t want to go in there,” a stranger tells me as I put my hand on the handle. “Pretty sure it’s taken, if you get me.”
Oh, I get it. I’m not going to like whatever I find.
I smile. “It’s fine, I like to watch.”
Slamming the door open, my smile drops. My eyes burn at the sight but I don’t look away.
Dakota stands right in front of me, but he’s definitely not alone.
There’s a blonde on her knees, sucking him off while he grips her head, forcing it down in a way that is making her gag.
The sound makes me want to puke.
“Fuck,” Dakota says as his eyes meet mine. As if he couldn’t make this moment any more disgusting, he holds my stare while he finishes in her mouth.