Tempting the Player (Campus Wallflowers #4)

by Rebecca Jenshak

“You can’t break up with him or Felix will be heartbroken,” Dahlia says. We all laugh. Those two do seem to have a special kind of bromance.

“You have me. No matter what you choose.” Those green eyes hold me hostage. “So, you’ll go?” “Yes,” I agree reluctantly. “Promise?” She holds up her pinky finger.

I might have thought that was a sweet sentiment if he weren’t so deranged.

“Don’t listen to him,” I tell them. “This is the best greeting ever. I’m going to demand it every time I walk in from now on.” “Careful what you wish for, Hollywood,” Knox says, joining us.

“We’ll come back tomorrow,” Dahlia promises as Jane hugs her like she’s never letting go. “Promise?” “Of course. We can build a pillow fort in your room and Felix and I can sleep over with you two.”

Dahlia giggles. “Or not. You should see Hendrick’s face right now.

“Ready for sleep?” “No,” she protests. “But I can tell by that stubborn glint in your eye that you’re going to insist I lay down anyway.” “You know me so well.”

“Admit it, you can’t bear the thought of not seeing my face every day.” She leans forward like she’s going to press her lips to mine but stops before they make contact. “Or kissing me a thousand times a day.” “A thousand?” “Rough estimate. I’ve never actually counted, but that sounds like a fun game.” “It sounds like a fantastic game.” I close the distance. “One.” She laughs lightly. “I love you,” I tell her and then kiss her again. “Two.”

“Three. And also, I’m in love with you too. Like really, really in love. I’m basically living out my own romantic comedy. Or maybe it’s a drama. A romantic dramedy.” Smiling, she brings her lips to mine again and lets them linger.

She takes my hand and slips something cold and metal in it. I stare down at a silver key. “What’s this?” “The key to this place. I’m returning it to your family.”

Crap. I knew it was too much. A normal girlfriend would have bought him a nice shirt or something. He turns and frames my face with both hands and drops his head to mine. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you or this.” “So, it’s not too much?” I ask hopefully. “It absolutely is too much.”

“Consider it backpay. Now we’re even for all the months you wouldn’t let me pay you.” “I know what this place is worth.” He cocks a brow at me. “Well, you were underpaid. You saved my life. Backpay and a bonus.”

He looks up at the building. “I can’t tell you what this place means to me.” Then his gaze flicks back to me. “Or what you mean to me. I love you so damn much.” “I love you too.” “I will accept it on one condition.” My heart flutters in my chest. “Anything.” “Move in with me.” His lips fight a smile and his eyes twinkle.

It’s the place where we became friends, where each of us fell in love, where we watched Jane Austen more times than I can count, studied together, drank wine, played dress up, cried, and laughed. Years from now when we’ve all graduated and started our lives, we’ll look back at this moment and remember that what we shared was special. A once in a lifetime kind of friendship. Or in my case, thrice in a lifetime.

“Wow.” I knew that Hendrick was giving up an opportunity to play, but I suddenly realize just how big that opportunity was. “I don’t know what to say.” He stops abruptly. “Say yes.”

“Yes,” I say automatically, then turn to him. “What exactly am I saying yes to?” Suddenly there’s a ring in front of my face. A stunning diamond ring and Hendrick drops to one knee.

“I wanted to ask you months ago, but then this trip came up and I knew there was no better place to tell you how much I love you and ask you to be mine. Being back here feels like I’m closing one chapter and starting another. With you. And I’d choose you every time. I know you’ll probably want to wait until you’re done with school, but I couldn’t g...