Page 12 of The Dance

“Most of the female ones.”

I stared at him for a beat. “So, you’re a player?”

He shook his head. “No. All of them know it’s just sex.”

“And me? You invited me to meet your parents because?”

“Honestly? I had fun with you last night, and you seem cool. I needed a date for this thing and thought we could continue to have fun.”

“And after today?”

Blake grinned. “I guess we’ll see where this thing goes.”

We got out of his truck and, to pretend we were a couple, Blake grabbed my hand and led me to the door. He didn’t knock. Instead, he walked into the immaculate house with a sunken living room and took me through the massive kitchen and out the French double doors to the lavish backyard.

Twenty or so people stood around a pool lined with high-top tables, drinking, chatting, and enjoying themselves. Without hesitation, Blake steered us toward a group, who watched us intently as we approached.

“Mom, Dad, Brandon, this is mygirlfriend,Stacey.”

I smiled warmly and gave a little wave.

“Girlfriend?” Brandon questioned. “Since when?”

Five seconds ago.

“We’re new,” Blake confirmed.

His mom turned to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “That’s okay. Every relationship has to start somewhere. I’m happy you’re here with my son.”

“Thank you.”

“Want a Long Island?” Blake asked me.

I wanted to puke at the mention of alcohol. “Maybe later. Can I just have water or something?”

He grinned and winked. “I did make them strong last night, huh?”

“Yeah,” I sighed, my stomach still churning.

“I’ll be back.” He kissed my cheek and left mealonewith his family.

People came up to wish Brandon luck on his endeavors in San Francisco, so I stood awkwardly until Blake returned with a bottle of water for me and a beer for himself.

His mom turned her attention to us as his dad and Brandon started to talk to some other people. “How did you two meet?”

Blake draped his arm across my shoulders. “She came into The Wild Pony.”

“Oh? Do you go there often?”

I shook my head. “No—”

“She’s in college. Goes to the University of Houston.”

And the ruse was in full force.

His mom smiled warmly. “What’s your major?”

I started to open my mouth to respond, but Blake beat me to it. “Theater. She’s going to be a famous actress.”