Play With Me by Kristen Proby
I sit across from him in a little diner in North Seattle known for their twelve-egg omelets. Even Will can’t eat that much at once, but he’s decimating the six-egg version, which makes me slightly queasy just to watch.
The man can eat.
“You look beautiful today.” He smiles softly at me, and I grin back. I’m just in my usual; a loose t-shirt and jeans, hair down around my face.
“Thank you.” I let my eyes travel over his dark blonde hair, startling blue eyes, blue t-shirt and strong arms. “So do you.”
I take a bite of a waffle and sigh. “I love the food here.”
“I know, it’s awesome. You have to draw a picture for the wall.” He points at the artwork with his fork and I giggle as I look around. There are hundreds of drawings done in crayon covering the walls, some really good, some just plain funny.
“Why don’t you do a drawing?” I ask.
“I did. It’s up there somewhere.”
“Excuse me, aren’t you Will Montgomery?” Two young girls are standing at the end of our booth, grinning, twirling their hair. They’re young and cute and flirty and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
“I am,” he replies with a sigh and looks over to me, begging me with his eyes to not get mad. I just shrug and smile.
He can’t help that he’s a super-hot football star.
“Wow, can we get your autograph?”
“Yeah, and maybe your photo? We’re big fans,” the other one adds and they giggle.
“I’m sorry, I’m having lunch with my girlfriend. I’d really appreciate it if you’d just respect our privacy.”
They stop and frown down at him, but he holds their gaze firmly.
Holy shit! This is new.
They both look at me for the first time, then back at Will.
“We saw in the paper that you had a new girlfriend, but we thought they were lying because you never have girlfriends.”
Will smiles coldly, and I can hear his inner dialogue. You don’t know anything about me.
“I do have a girlfriend, and I’m enjoying her company. Have a good day.” He turns back to me, effectively cutting off anything they were about to say when the waitress comes over with a carafe of coffee.
“You heard the man. Either sit at a table and place an order or leave.” She scowls at the girls as they leave the diner. “Sorry about that. They slipped by me.”
“No worries.” Will smiles up at her as she refills our coffee.
“That surprised me.”
“Why?” he asks me and takes a sip of coffee.
“You usually like being the center of attention.” I shrug and push my mostly empty plate away.
“Not always,” he shakes his head. “As long as I’m your center of attention, I’m good.”
“Needy much?” I ask sarcastically and laugh when he pins me with a glare.
“I am not needy.”
“Okay.” I sit back and grin at him.
“I’m not.”
“I just agreed with you.”
“Uh huh.” He takes another sip of coffee and takes my hand in his, running his thumb across my knuckles. “What do you have going on today?”
“I have to work the swing shift tonight,” I reply and check my watch. “You?”
“I have to go to the training center to watch some film this afternoon.”
“Did you train this morning?” I ask.
“Yeah, early this morning.”
“I slept through it.” I smile over at him and he shakes his head, his eyes happy.
“So lazy.”
“How do you get up so early?”
“I’m used to it. Been doing it for years.” He shrugs and examines my hands. “You have tiny hands.”
“I’m a girl. They’re supposed to be small.”
He kisses my knuckles softly and then pulls something out of his back pocket. “I need to talk to you about this.”
“What?”
“I’ve been invited to a charity ball thing. It’s formal, and I usually don’t go, but I thought that you might like to go to this one.” He shifts uncomfortably, and looks almost nervous, piquing my interest.
“What’s the charity?”
“Seattle Children’s,” he replies, his eyes on mine.
A slow smile spreads across my face. He wants to take me to a formal ball in honor of what I’m passionate about. Because he knows what it means to me.
Because he loves me.
“Will, this would be amazing.”
He smiles and looks down at the silver embossed invitation and then passes it over to me.
“It’s next weekend?” I ask in a panic. Shit! I don’t have anything to wear!
And no money to buy anything.
“Yeah, is that a problem?” He’s watching me closely, so I gather myself and smile reassuringly.
“No.”
“Bad liar. What is it?” He asks and takes my hand again.
“Nothing, really.”
“What are you worried about?”
Damn it, he knows me too well already.
“I’ll just have to figure out what to wear.” I shrug, like it’s no big deal. “It’ll be okay.”
Will narrows his eyes at me in thought but then just smiles at me. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah, I have to work in a little while.”
“Let’s get you home then.”
* * *
~Will~
I drop into the Shelby and pull my phone out of my pocket before even leaving Meg’s house. I just walked her to her door so she can get ready for work tonight. I hate that she works nights.
She works too fucking hard.
But then, I suppose most nurses do. It never occurred to me before I met her that patients need around the clock care. Of course, it makes sense, but not really something most people think about.
She works too fucking hard. And I hate that she drives home alone in the middle of the night in that piece of shit car of hers.
I told her to keep the Rover, but she refused.
Damn stubborn woman.
I dial Jules’ number and wait impatiently for her to answer.
“This is Jules.”
“Hey, it’s Will. Do you have time to meet up with me tonight?”
“Um…” I can hear her shuffling papers and typing on her keyboard. “Yeah. I should be done here around seven. Why?”
“I just want to take you and Natalie out to eat,” I answer innocently.
“Where’s Meg?” she asks.
“She works tonight.”
“Have you talked to Nat?”
“Not yet, I called you first.” I run my hand down my face and sigh. “I just need to talk to you guys and I haven’t seen much of you over the past few months.”
“Hey, I’m not complaining. Sure, I’ll pick Nat up and meet you. Where are we going?”
“Just come to my place, I’ll order in.”
* * *
“So,” Natalie begins, taking a bite of an eggroll. She’s adorable, and looks happy, which is all any of us have ever wanted for her. She’s as much my sister as Jules is. “what’s up with you and Meg?”
They’re both fucking nosy as hell. But this is why they’re here.
“I’m completely in love with her,” I reply calmly and load my plate full of lo mein and chicken and egg rolls and dig in. I pause and look up at the girls. They’re frozen. Jules’ chopsticks are paused half-way to her gaping mouth and both sets of eyes are wide.
“What?” I ask.
“Did you just say you’re in love with her?” Jules asks and sets her chopsticks down.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” They look at each other and then back at me. “Have you told her that?” Natalie asks.
“Yep.”
“What did she say?” Jules asks.
I squirm. I really don’t want to admit to these two that Meg hasn’t said it back. They’ll never let me live it down.
“Has she said it ba
“No.”
“Fuck,” Jules whispers. “Will, Meg has trust issues…”
“I’m aware,” I interrupt her. Do they think I don’t know this shit? Of course I know. “I didn’t ask you here for this.”
“Well, I think we should talk about it,” Jules answers stubbornly. “Meg is fantastic, and I’m so glad that you guys are doing well.”
Natalie nods in agreement. “Definitely. Meg is awesome, and I’m glad that she’s back in our lives. I’ve missed her.”
“Look guys, I know you like her. That just makes a relationship with her that much easier. She’s great.” I shrug and smile at my sisters.
“Don’t hurt her,” Jules whispers, her pretty face completely serious. “Honestly, Will. Meg is strong, but she has already had enough shit thrown at her in this life.”
“I know, Jules. Seriously. I’ve met Sylvia up close and personal, and have removed her from Megan’s life.”
Their eyes bug out again.
“How did you manage that?” Natalie asks.
“I paid her.” I shake my head as I remember the look on that bitch’s face as she signed the contract severing all ties with her only child. “She got a shit load of money to disappear. She signed a contract. She won’t bother Meg again. If she does, I’ll sue the shit out of her.”
“Wow.” Natalie swallows and laughs ruefully. “I wish I had thought of that.”
“You wouldn’t have been able to afford it back then,” I answer softly.
“How much did you pay her?” Jules asks.
I just shake my head again. “More than she expected. Look, this isn’t why I asked you here. I need a favor.”
“Okay, shoot,” Jules stuffs half an eggroll in her mouth and chews with her mouth open.
“You’re so fucking classy,” I mutter.
“Thanks.” She smiles and stuffs the other half in her mouth.
“I’m taking Meg to the Children’s Hospital Charity Ball next Saturday and she needs a dress. I need you to buy one for her. I’ll give you my card, and then I need you to tell her you’re lending it to her.”
“Why?” Nat asks with a frown. “Just take her shopping.”
“She wouldn’t let me,” I shake my head in frustration and sigh. “I know her. There’s no way she’ll let me take her out and spend a bunch of money on her.”
“You’re right. At least you didn’t land a gold digger,” Jules shrugs and then keeps eating, ignoring my scowl. “Okay, we can buy her something. What should we get?”
“Oh!” Nat jumps in her seat and takes a drink of water. “There’s a local designer who makes the most beautiful gowns that are totally Meg’s style. Rocker-ish, but elegant. Here.” She pulls up her iPhone and starts tapping it, and when she finds what she’s looking for she turns it so Jules and I can see. “See? Look at this one.”
It’s perfect. The dress is flesh-colored with red and orange flowers beaded in small patches. It’s gathered lightly at the stomach, giving it definition. There are cap-sleeves, and a low v-neck so it’ll show off her amazing cleavage.
It’s Meg.
“That’s perfect. I want that dress.”
“Will, I don’t know if that exact dress is available.”
“I don’t care how much it costs. That’s the dress.” I shake my head and glare at them. How hard can it be? “Just call her and tell her I want it.”
They look at each other and then at me and start laughing their little asses off.
“Oh, Will, you’re funny.” Jules wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Good.” I sit back, satisfied that Meg will have the perfect dress for the ball and grin. “Thanks, guys.”
“You’re welcome,” Natalie grins at Jules. “You know, she’s going to need shoes too.”
“And lingerie.”
“Lingerie?” I ask. “What kind?”
Oh, God, this might kill me.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jules waves me off and I can see the wheels turning in her head. She’s up to something.
“This is going to be fun.” Nat grins.
* * *
~Megan~
I’m exhausted. It’s been a long, long day. It’s three am when I leave work, only an hour past my official time off.
Thankfully, I’m off now until next Monday. I’ll be able to go to Jules’ party Sunday night, but I can’t get out of work Monday night because some of the other girls are on vacation. I’ll just have to suck it up.
This whole having a social life thing is really starting to interfere with my work schedule. I laugh at the thought, start my old car and head toward home.
Yes, having Will, and his huge family, in my life is complicating things, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s added some fun to my life.
He’s reminded me that there’s more to life than work.
Leo would be proud.
My stomach twists the way it always does when I think of Leo. I miss him. He was my brother in every sense of the word, and having him gone from my life has left a big hole. Jules is right, his number probably hasn’t changed, but what would I say? He’s been gone for years now. He’s a big time rock star with a band, a tour schedule, fans and responsibilities. He made it clear when he left what his priority was.
I shake the thought of Leo off and stop at a red light in a deserted part of downtown Seattle. Hell, any part of Seattle is pretty much deserted at three am. Just as the light turns green, and I step on the gas, my car dies.
What the fuck?
I turn the key, but there’s absolutely no response. Not even a clicking noise.
Goddamn car!
I hit the steering wheel in frustration and then lean my forehead against it. Fuck.
Well, I can’t sit here in the middle of an intersection all night. I make sure the car is in neutral, open the drivers’ door, get out and push it to the side of the street, park it and climb back in, locking the door.
This is downtown Seattle in the middle of the night.
I call Will’s number and cringe. He’s going to have to get up in a couple hours to go train.
“Hello?” he answers sleepily.
“Hey, babe. I’m sorry to wake you,” I murmur.
“What’s wrong?” I hear him sit up. “Why aren’t you here?”
“Well, I was on my way there, but my car broke down.”
“Where are you?” He’s moving around, probably looking for clothes, and I sigh.
“I’ll call a tow-truck, Will. I just didn’t want you to worry when you woke up and I’m not there.”
“I’ll come get you. Where are you?” he asks again.
“Downtown.”
“What?”
“I’m downtown. In fact, I should call Jules. Their condo isn’t far from here.”
“Hell no, I’ll be there in ten minutes. Call a tow. I’m on my way.”
He hangs up and I rest my forehead on the steering wheel again. He sounded mad. Well, screw him! He didn’t have to come get me. I told him I’d call a tow.
Speaking of a tow, I call a local company, give them my location and my insurance information, and wait.
Less than ten minutes later, Will pulls up behind me in the Rover. I get out of the car and slide into the passenger side of his SUV.
“Thanks. You didn’t have to come get me.”
“Like I’d let you sit out here by yourself, Meg. How long did the tow company say they’d be?”
“About a half hour. They’ll be here soon.”
He just nods and looks straight ahead, jaw tight.
“Will, seriously, I’m sorry. I know you have to get up early…”
“That’s why you think I’m upset?” His head whips around to look at me. “Because I’m going to lose a couple hours’ sleep?”
“I know you have a busy schedule today…”
“Stop tal
“Megan, I’m not mad at you for waking me up, or for having to come get you. You’re mine. This is part of my job. I’ll gladly come get you every night after work and bring you home, just so I know that you’re safe.”
“You don’t have to…”
“What pisses me off,” he continues, ignoring me. “is that I’ve told you that your car isn’t safe, especially for driving alone in the middle of the night, and I’ve offered you this car to keep.”
“Will, I can’t just take a car from you.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because it’s a goddamn car!” I yell back to him. “It’s not a pair of shoes or taking me out to dinner, Will. It’s an expensive car.”
“A car that I barely use.” His voice is calmer now. “Megan, I rarely drive this car. Seriously, just use it. If it makes you feel better, just borrow it indefinitely.”
I frown at him.
“You don’t have much choice. I have a feeling that thing is past the point of return.” He points to my little red car and I sigh.
“I know.”
He takes my hand. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, but babe, this is silly. Just use this car, okay?”
“Why do you always get your way?”
“Because I’m charming and handsome and rich.”
“And so incredibly modest.” I shake my head at him and then climb over the console into his lap. “Thank you for coming to get me and for letting me borrow your car.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How can I ever repay you?” I ask and weave my fingers into his soft dark blonde hair.
“Hmm… I think we can work on payment when we get home.” His eyes are happy now, a smile plays on his lips and I tip my head to lay my own on them.
“You smell good,” I whisper.
He wraps his arms around me and kisses me softly, nibbling my lips playfully, then across my jawline and over to my ear where he knows I’m ticklish.
“You taste good,” he murmurs.
Just then a tow truck pulls in front of my car and backs up to my front end.
“Stay here,” Will instructs me as he gets out of the car. “And lock this door behind me.”