To Love a Player (23 page)

25

Callen

I was looking at rings, not just any rings, but engagement rings. Can you believe it? Me? I knew it was too soon to even consider that step, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to make that leap with her. It had been on my mind for days now and even more so after dinner. I actually pictured the ring on her finger and now I was staring at one that was so perfectly Mollie.

People would think that I was off my rocker if I proposed now. We've really only known each other for a little over a month and have only just started dating, but it felt like we had been together for years. Groaning, I saved the website in my bookmarks and checked my watch, I still had a half an hour.

"Callen?" a female voice asked, causing me to look up from my laptop. I saw that it belonged to Chelsea, the girl that "tutored" me. I felt a flush of embarrassment run through my body. I was not "that guy" anymore. I swallowed nervously and gave her a friendly smile as I said, "Oh, hey Chels."

"What are you doing here?" she asked, looking around. "Are you taking a summer class?"

Shaking my head, I replied, "No, but my girlfriend is. I'm just doing some work while I'm waiting for her to be finished."

Chelsea's mouth dropped open slightly while looking at me in disbelief and asked, "Girlfriend?" Then she tossed her head back, letting out a soft laugh. She looked at my serious expression and said, "Oh, you're serious?"

Nodding, I sucked in a breath and let it out before turning my attention back to my laptop. Chelsea stared at me for a moment, still looking me over in disbelief. I tried to ignore her, pretending to concentrate on the work that I needed to take care of. Chelsea plopped down into the chair across from me and apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm just shocked, that's all."

Sighing, I nodded in agreement. I looked up at her and said, "Yeah, a lot of girls' hearts are going to be broken when the word gets out."

Chelsea let out a humorless laugh as she remarked, "Don't flatter yourself, Cal. You were just a good screw." She noted my expression and quickly added, "But I'm sure there will be a select few that will be disappointed. I know of one in particular."

Tilting my head at her curiously, wondering if we were thinking of the same person. It would be hugely ironic if we were, so I asked, "Who would that be?"

"Mollie Black," she said, her eyes practically boring into mine. I tried to maintain a nonchalant expression, but my lips didn't want to cooperate as they broke out into a lovesick grin. Chelsea's eyes went wide as she gasped, "Uh, you're dating Mollie?"

As I nodded, I felt my grin go impossibly wider and she shook her head while smiling, saying, "I had a feeling something was going on with you two, but she repeatedly denied it, even though I could tell she was into you."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my curiosity sparked and Chelsea shrugged casually as she said, "Nothing too exciting. I saw you two a couple of times.  It was just the way she was around you when you two thought that you were alone. There was something there."

I smiled softly to myself and looked up to see her staring at me with a pleasant expression. Her voice was soft as she said, "You love her, don't you?"

"With all my heart," I said just and she gave me a warm smile. Chelsea leaned forward, placing her hand on my arm as she said, "I'm happy for the both of you. Mollie's a sweet girl. If any girl is lucky enough to get you to settle down, I'm glad that it's her."

"Thanks, and I know," I said, nodding as she stood up to leave. Before she started walking away, I asked, "Hey, can I ask your opinion about something?"

"Sure," she said, tilting her head at me questioningly. I felt the nerves in my stomach start to twist around and I quickly asked, "How soon is too soon for an engagement ring?"

Chelsea's eyes widened again as her mouth dropped open in shock before asking, "You want to propose already?"

I had my answer with that response and knew that I was crazy for considering it. She saw my fallen face and sighed, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say it like that. If you feel like you want to take that step then it's really up to you on the timing. If you're not sure quite yet on how she will respond, then you might want to consider a promise ring. It's like a pre-engagement ring to signify that you are going to be committed to her and only her."

A promise ring. Those three words resonated through my brain and I nodded at Chelsea. She smiled at me and said, "Good luck to you both."

"Thank you," I said, nodding at her and did a Google search for promise rings, searching until I found the perfect one. While staring at it on my screen, I saw my phone light up with Mollie's text:"class is almost done. come save me!"

Class was over and I was walking out with Sam to the parking lot. We were laughing about the looks our professor had given us multiple times because we were chatting. It turned out that I had a lot in common with her. We both liked the cheesy romantic 80's movies; Sixteen Candles, Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. We loved photography and wanted to start our own businesses. We loved sushi and decided to make a date for her, Mike, me, and Callen sometime when Callen was home.

"There's my beautiful girl," Callen said, leaning against the passenger door of his jeep wearing a huge grin on his face. I felt my insides flutter as I grinned happily back at him. His blue eyes were so full of love and it was hard to stop the butterflies from their frenzy flight in my stomach. Sam laughed, teasing, "Cal, you shouldn't say that to me in front of your girlfriend."

Callen gave her a mock sneer and pulled me to him as he gave me a light kiss before wrapping me into a hug. His lips were pressed against my ear and he whispered, "I can't wait to get you home."

"Aw, you two are so cute, it's almost sickening," Sam laughed, shaking her head. Callen and I exchanged smiles and she sighed, asking "So, what are you two up to tonight?"

"Just going home," Callen said and took my stuff from me, putting it inside his jeep. I started to get in the passenger side as Sam gave us a knowing smile, nodding her head with her eyebrows raised. She suggested, "You guys should come out with us for a little while. I'm supposed to meet up with Mike, Rita, and Evan at Mirco, you should come too."

Callen looked at me questioningly and I shrugged a shoulder at him. I was looking forward to being at home with him, but the night was still young and it would be fun to hang out with his friends as an official couple. Callen looked for certainty in my eyes so I nodded and he said, "Okay, we'll meet you there in about a half hour?"

"Sounds great! I'll call Kyle and Kara to see if they want to come!" Sam exclaimed and gave me a quick hug through the open door, saying, "I am so glad you two are together!"

I smiled as I watched her practically skip to her car. Once she was in it, Callen pulled away and it struck me how caring he was to his friends. There was so much that I hadn't notice before about him. He really was a nice guy to those who mattered to him most. It made me fall just a little bit more for him. I gazed lovingly at him as he pulled out of the parking lot. He looked over at me, casting me a warm smile and asked softly, "What?"

Shrugging my shoulders, I returned his smile as I replied, "Just thinking of how amazing you are."

"Well," he said, taking my hand and interlacing our fingers, "it's because you bring out the best in me."

I smiled, feeling my cheeks flush pink. He let go of my hand and placed his hand on my thigh, sending little flutters through my body. We drove back home to get ready to go out. Mirco was a casual place with some music and pool tables. Callen informed me that it was one of their favorite hotspots to go to.

I changed into something that was a little more appropriate for going out and put on a little make-up. Callen knocked on my door, opening it after the first knock. I was struggling to put on a necklace and felt his hands slide over mine to help clasp it. His lips grazed my neck once he got it clasped while his arms slid around my waist. We stood there looking at each other in my mirror, our eyes meeting. Callen turned me around to face him, his hand cupping my cheek as he kissed me sweetly.

"We're going to be late," I murmured against his lips. He smiled, suggestively as he replied, "I don't care." He kissed me more deeply, wrapping his arms around me tighter.

26

Callen

We finally arrived at Mirco, a cool bar that had a dance floor and pool tables. My friends and I came here so frequently that we breezed passed the line and straight into the door. I could see my friends in our usual large corner booth and as soon as Sam saw us, she waved her arms enthusiastically.

"It's about time you two got here!" Sam shouted above the noise. Mollie gave her a sheepish smile while I shrugged casually. Sam gave us a knowing smile while shaking her head and took Mollie's hand, squeezing her in between her and Kara.

"Where am I supposed to sit?"I asked, looking at her questioning. Sam shrugged casually and Evan laughed as he patted me on the shoulder saying, "Let's go see if a pool table is free and leave the girls to their girl-talk."

I leaned over Sam and gave Mollie a quick kiss before I stepped away, following the guys over to a table. After deciding teams, Kyle came and stood next to me while we waited for Evan and Mike to set the table up. He nodded over at Mollie and asked, "So, it's official now, huh?"

Nodding, I let the huge proud grin spread across my face. He gave me a pat on my back as he said, "Good, I'm glad that you've finally found yourself a decent girl to settle down with."

"Uh, thanks, I think," I remarked with a smile. Evan nodded that it was my turn, pointing out that Mike and I were stripes. While I looked around the table for a decent shot, I was hoping that my pool playing skills would come back to me. It had been a while since I played pool with them, and I didn't want to mess up. I'd never hear the end of it if I did.

While leaning down to take a shot, I saw Mollie and the girls approach us as they were making their way to the dance floor. Mollie gave me a seductive smile before lightly moving her fingers across my back right as I went in for the shot. Her touch caused me to miss the cue ball and the guys started laughing. Evan said, "Your girl is supposed to help you, not hinder you bro. Concentrate!"

I sighed, raising my eyebrows in a warning look in her direction as she waved while walking away. I leaned back down and hit the shot, knocking the ball that I was aiming for into the pocket. I hit the next ball in, but missed my next shot because I was watching Mollie and the girls dancing on the dance floor. It was going to be hard to keep my concentration on this game with her moving like that.

I saw Callen out of the corner of my eye and prayed that he would stay where he was. The girls told me that the first boyfriend to come over had to buy the next round of drinks. I didn’t want to lose the first night that we were out as an official couple with his friends. I had extra motivation because Rita made a bet of $50 that Callen would be the first one out. It was risky because Callen couldn't seem to keep his hands off of me, but I took the bet anyway and I wasn't looking forward to losing $50. I tried communicating with him through my eyes that he just needed to stay put. It was working...sort of.

"He wants to get out here so bad," Kara said, slinking her arm around my waist. I nodded in agreement and said, "I know, so does Kyle. It'll be one of those two who crack first."

"Want to work together?" she asked, her eyebrows rose in question. I tilted my head at her and asked, "How would we do that?"

"I don't know, but I'd love to not lose this one. Kyle and I lost last time," she said and then gave a sheepish grin while holding up two fingers, "twice in the same night. Ugh, I hope he's learned."

"Well can't he tell Callen about the bet and then maybe they'll stay there?" I asked and she shrugged, "I'm hoping so. But, I think if each of us dances with either Sam or Rita, maybe Mike and Evan will be the first to crack?"

"It's worth a shot," I shrugged and we chose our partners, praying that our guys would ignore us. I was used to dancing one on one with Marnie, so I was pretty comfortable dancing with a girl. I chose Rita because I thought that maybe the sight of her and I dancing together would make Evan get out here faster.

Rita was all over me, dancing seductively and I had a feeling that she had the same idea. I looked over at Callen who was nudging Evan, making him turn to look. I saw his eyes pop out of his head and the pool cue drop out of his hand as he watched the two of us dancing. I just prayed that Evan would make the first move to the dance floor and not Callen. Mike and Kyle were hungrily watching Kara and Sam, who were looking like they were about to make-out. I turned around so that my back was facing Rita, who came snug against it. It was then that I noticed that we four girls had all of the attention of every male in the place.

I almost jumped for joy when I saw Mike make a beeline for the dance floor, wrapping his arms tight around Sam's waist as she continued dancing with Kara. When Callen pushed a guy that was heading for me out of the way, I slinked over to him wrapping my arms around him, grinning happily as I said, "You did so good."

"Huh?" he asked, looking confused. Shaking my head, I kissed him, remembering that we weren't supposed to tell our boyfriends about the bet since it could happen more than once in a night. It was silly, really, and you would think that they would catch on, but Rita said that they hadn't yet, or else they didn't seem like they had.

Callen's body was tight against mine as we matched the rhythm of the song. I loved the feel of him against me. His lips crashed to mine as his hands went into my hair, sending little tingles down my spine and I arched my body against him. I placed my hands under his shirt, feeling his toned chest underneath. He groaned in my mouth as I lightly traced small circles across his abs. We heard someone tease, "Get a room!" breaking us out of our passionate display of affection. I bit my lip nervously and buried my head into his chest, not believing that we were doing that in front of others. It really felt for a moment that we were alone.

He kissed the top of my head and I could feel him chuckling lightly. I gazed up into his eyes and he kissed me softly on the lips. I noticed we were being thrown a lot of jealous looks from some of the guys in the room. My eyes focused on someone, hiding among a group of people standing around one of the bar tables as if they wanted to be seen, but not be seen at the same time. I stopped dancing and tried to get a better look. My mouth dropped open and I looked at Callen saying, "Sophie's here."

I followed Mollie's surprised gaze and my eyes met Sophie's fiery green ones. Protectively, I moved Mollie behind me as Sophie came out into full view, shaking my head at her. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared me down. Sam noticed who we were looking at and stood next to Mollie, while casting an evil glare at Sophie.

Turning back around, I gave Mollie a soft questioning look as I asked, "Do you want to get out of here?" She shook her head and said, "No, I think we're okay. If she comes over, then we'll deal with her."

I nodded, pulling her close to me. I was glad to come face to face with Sophie in a crowded place. She could be pretty ruthless if we were somewhere a little more private. I knew that my friends would help keep Sophie away if she decided to make a scene. Sam was already seething as she kept a sharp eye on where Sophie was standing. Mike was talking into Sam's ear as she glared at Sophie, then started pulling her away from the dance floor. I followed suit with Mollie, pulling her down onto my lap once we got to the booth.

"What is she doing here?" Sam seethed, craning her neck to send another glare in Sophie's direction. Mike rubbed Sam's shoulder and said, "Hon, just ignore her. If she comes over, which I doubt that she will, let Callen deal with her."

"She won't come over," I said, shaking my head. I was almost sure of it. Sophie just wanted me to see her, that's what she did when I was with someone else. She wanted to see if I would leave Mollie and run to her. I had lost a few relationships that way. However, knowing Sophie's tactics would come in handy, but what would happen when I left tomorrow night? Would Sophie try to come at Mollie then because she couldn't get to me? I leaned my head against Mollie's back as I sighed and wrapped my arms tighter around her waist, making her pat my arm gently saying, "Cal, you're squishing me, I can't breathe."

"Sorry," I said, looking up into her warm eyes. She leaned down, putting her forehead against mine as she said, softly, "I'm not afraid of her, you know. She can come at me with all that she's got, it's still not going to make me walk away."

I smiled warmly up at her and kissed her soft lips before gazing back into her eyes. She moved off my lap and snuggled in under my arm. Sam had stopped looking for Sophie and the rest of the group joined us. Rita looked like she was fuming and when she looked straight at me, I knew she had a run in with Sophie.

"Sophie's on the warpath," Rita huffed as she sat down, moving next to Sam. "Stupid little bitch confronted me while I was in the bathroom, so I slapped her and stormed out."

"What did she say?" Sam asked, her eyes wide and angry. Mollie watched the scene with interest as Rita looked softly at her and said, "First, she told me to warn Mollie that shit was about to hit the fan and then, as if that didn't make me want to punch her off her high horse, she started insulting Mollie and saying that she wasn't good enough to be with Callen. So I slapped her hard across her stupid model face and said that Mollie is a million times better for Callen than she ever was. Then before I left, I gave her a warning that if she ever went after Mollie that she would have to answer to me."

Sam's eyes narrowed and she started rising out of her seat. Mike put a tight grip on her, pulling her back down and Rita seethed, "Stupid girl, she forgets how she got to where she is today. If I had taken that modeling job, she wouldn't be as famous as she is now."

My mouth dropped open as I asked, "What?"

"Sophie didn't tell you?" Rita asked, then shrugged casually as she continued "I'm not surprised. Our agency told me that I won the contract for 'Fresh Face', but I didn't want it because I wanted to finish my senior year with my friends. Their second choice went with another contract for a make-up line, so they went after Sophie. I don't know that they ever told her though; probably not since she's got so much of a big head because of it."

"Does she really think that she is better looking than you?" Kara asked, laughing humorlessly. Rita shrugged her slender shoulders and rolled her eyes, giving a sign that she was done talking about Sophie.

I was touched that these girls were willing to stand up for me with Sophie, even moreso that Rita had already done it. I looked at the three of them with a soft look in my eyes and knew that I had found three loyal friends for life.

"I'm ready to leave," Sam said, anger still in her voice. "Does anyone else want to go somewhere else?"

"We could go to our house and hang out in the pool or hot tub," Callen suggested and Sam's face turn from a pissed off one to a sweet one as she said, "Aw, you said 'our house'."

I gazed at him sweetly as he rolled his eyes at her before catching my gaze, stopping himself. He quickly asked, "Is that okay?"

Nodding my head, I said, "Yeah, that'd be fun!"

He pulled me close and kissed me. I could tell that he was happy about being able to hang out with his friends with a girl he was with again. I saw firsthand the anger Sophie caused, so I knew that when he was with her, he was without them. I'll ask him later why they dislike her so much.

We paid our tab and left the club. Once we were in his jeep and on the way home, I asked, "Why do they hate Sophie so much?"

Callen let out a long sigh before saying, "They used to not hate her, but that was a long time ago. Sam used to date Scott until Sophie ruined it."

"Why?" I asked and Callen let out another long sigh as he said, "Because Sam caught Sophie cheating on me with this guy that I hated because he had always been after Sophie and well, eventually it worked. I was devastated because I loved her, she was my first everything and Sam was one of my best friends, so she helped me through it. Sophie told Scott that Sam was cheating on him with me, which was not true because Sam has always been like a sister to me."

"He believed her because Sophie was his sister and left Sam heartbroken. Since then, Sam and Sophie have been on this never-ending feud so when I'm dating Sophie, Sam will not talk to me at all. Kara is very loyal to Sam since they have been best friends since birth and well, Rita and Sophie have always been competitive of each other and have never liked each other." Callen finished as we pulled into Lacey's gated driveway. He leaned out the window to let the guard know of our guests that would be coming and soon we were pulling into our driveway.