Dating: For the Assist Page 11

  “Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m saying. I haven’t been able to get the tune out of my head since the moment we first kissed.” I watched her carefully, waiting for her to laugh or brush me off. I mean, who wrote songs like that? Jack Black did, but that was in a movie. Who did that in real life?

  To my utter horror, Dannika’s eyes filled with tears. Her hands flew to her cheeks and it seemed like she was struggling to catch her breath.

  “Oh. Oh, gosh. Are you okay? Don’t cry.” I tried to console her. Hoping a hug would do the trick, I wrapped her in my arms. “I promise, I’ll never play it again!”

  She sobbed.

  Good grief.

  “Danni-”

  “Shut up, you idiot!” She lifted her head and whacked me on the chest. “I said it was beautiful, didn’t I?”

  That gave me pause. She had said that. Well, then why on earth was she crying? “That was before I told you I composed it. And that I composed it for you.”

  “That makes it even more beautiful!” she cried.

  Baffled. That was the only word to describe my state of being at that moment. “Then why are you crying?”

  “Because, you dummy, you just told me I inspired you to write the most beautiful piece of music I’ve ever heard! Of course I’m emotional! I’m a basket case, for goodness sakes!”

  Huh.

  “So, you’re not mad?” I had to make sure.

  Dannika chuckled. It was rather watery, but it was definitely a happy sound. Or at least amused. “I’m not mad, Luke. I’m floored. And flattered. And I just can’t believe this is happening.”

  Calming everything except my grin, there was no stopping it, I reached for her. Tenderly cupping her cheek with my hand, I wiped away the moisture there with my thumb. “What’s happening, Danni?”

  Her eyes searched mine. I hoped they conveyed everything I wanted to tell her.

  “What about Abby, Luke?”

  I shook my head slowly back and forth. “What about her?”

  “I thought all this was about getting her back. Has that changed? Have you changed your mind?” she asked, her teeth coming out to tug at her bottom lip, drawing my attention to it.

  “What do you think, Dannika?” I asked softly. My thumb was so close to her lip I used it to pull it free of her teeth. I was going to kiss her. As soon as we cleared things up between us, I was going to kiss this girl.

  “I know what I think, Luke. I want to know what you think.”

  Fair enough.

  “I don’t want Abby. I’m done with that.”

  She frowned. “Why?”

  “Because of this,” I said and then I couldn’t wait any longer.

  When our lips met this time, I held back everything except a promise, a promise that she was the only girl for me.

  15

  Dannika

  I couldn’t believe what was happening! Luke kissing me. Luke writing songs for me. Luke saying he didn’t want crazy Abby because he wanted me. Since when was this my life?

  Since right now.

  We’d left the dance a while ago. I wasn’t complaining. The piano bench wasn’t comfortable, but I didn’t mind. I was with Luke and for the first time in our lives he was talking to me and listening to me. He was genuinely interested, invested. The more we talked, the more we stopped talking to kiss, my hope grew. But so did my fear.

  Was this a dream? What if he changed his mind? What if the more we talked, he realized we had amazing chemistry but nothing in common?

  But it wasn’t like that. We knew each other. Our conversation flowed easily, but finally we were sharing things, deep things, feelings. Hopes. Dreams.

  “You really have no idea what you want to study?” he asked me. His arms were around me and I was glad since my back was starting to hurt from sitting on that silly bench. Relaxing against his body helped.

  I shook my head. “I mean, I want to go to school, but I can’t really think of a career I’m dying to pursue.” I picked at loose thread on a button on his shirt. He’d long since taken off his jacket and draped it over a nearby music stand. “Hopefully, it will come to me while I’m working on my general ed stuff. What about you? Piper said you’ve been contacted by music schools.”

  He nodded. “Yeah. But I don’t know. What am I going to do with a degree in music?”

  Frowning, I sat up in his arms. “What do you mean? You can’t just stop studying piano, Luke. And composing. You have to keep writing music and sharing it. I bet you could get in anywhere once you shared your own music with the world. Oh, my gosh! You could perform. Tour the world playing the piano and become super famous!”

  “Whoa! Slow down,” he chuckled. “How did we even get on this? I thought we were talking about you?”

  I gave him a look. “Talking about you is way more interesting. I’m not talented at all.”

  Luke frowned. “Don’t say that.” He reached up to tuck a loose curl behind my ear. “And talking about you is definitely more interesting than talking about me.”

  Butterflies fluttered in my stomach hearing him say those words. Luke thought I was interesting? “You’re just saying that because you don’t want to talk about piano.”

  He grinned. “You’re right about me not wanting to talk about me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t find you endlessly fascinating.” Leaning forward, he nuzzled my neck with his nose and mouth.

  My breath caught. “Don’t you find that a little weird?” I didn’t want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but sheesh, just a few hours ago I thought I was helping him win back his ex-girlfriend. Of course, I had been hoping to catch his attention for myself, but I never actually thought it would happen.

  Luke lifted his head and I wished I hadn’t said anything. Luke kissing my neck was vastly preferable to Luke not kissing my neck.

  “Not weird. Surprising. But definitely not weird.” With an expression more intense than I’d ever seen gracing his features, Luke took my face between his palms. “I don’t know how to explain it. You’ve been right here, under my nose for half of my life. At first, I was annoyed at you. Piper and I were best friends until you came along. I think I resented you for a long time.”

  I shook my head between his hands. “I’m so sorry. I never knew that-”

  He cut me off with a short laugh. “Don’t be sorry. It was probably good for both of us. In case you haven’t noticed, Mom’s a bit of an introvert. I think it’s been good for Piper and for me to have really good friends that don’t live in our house.”

  “I practically live at your house,” I reminded him.

  Luke’s eyes darkened. “You have no idea how much I’ve been thinking about that this week.”

  I bit my lip as a blush creeped up my neck into my cheeks. He could probably feel the heat under his palms. “Me, too. That’s why I’ve been sleeping at my house.”

  Luke nodded. “Good plan.” He smiled. “At least, that’s what I should say. Mostly, though, I wouldn’t mind at all if you stayed over.”

  Blushing even harder, I turned my face into his hand. Laughing at my sudden shyness, Luke wrapped his arms around me.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just kidding…sort of.”

  He laughed again when I punched him lightly in the stomach.

  “Seriously, though. Maybe I’ve always kind of liked you and I’ve just talked myself out of it for years because you’re Piper’s best friend. And then we kissed.” Luke shook his head with a small chuckle, running one hand through his hair. “There was no talking myself out of it after that, as much as I tried. Then tonight, when Abby followed us. I couldn’t help but notice the differences. This,” he gestured between us, “is so easy. Isn’t it?”

  I nodded because he was right. It was so easy. But I still felt like we needed to spell things out, be one hundred percent transparent about what was going on between us.

  “So, now what?” I asked.

  Luke frowned. “What do you mean?” But I could tell by the twinkle in his eye he knew exactly
what I meant.

  “Don’t tease me, this is a big deal. You’re my best friend’s brother. I’m not giving up Piper if this isn’t-” I stopped short, heat flooding my cheeks for what felt like the millionth time that night.

  Luke wasn’t going to let me off the hook, however. He pulled me closer. “If this isn’t what?” His eyes looked directly into mine. I searched them for teasing, for any sign that he didn’t mean anything he’d said this night, but all I found was myself reflected in their depths. This was really happening.

  “If this isn’t you being mine and me being yours,” I finally said.

  Luke’s eyes closed for just a split-second before he grinned at me. “That’s exactly what this is. Dannika Harper will you be my girlfriend?”

  My answering grin was enough to find his lips on mine again. Again, this kiss was different. Possessive. Sure. Happy. And for the first time that night, I allowed myself to hope.

  “Alright,” he said a little while later. We finally left the stage and the piano and were walking hand in hand through the hotel. We’d ridden the elevator to the top floor and we’re making our way down. Neither of us had any desire to go back to the dance.

  “What?” I asked, just happy that we were together. I didn’t care what we did.

  “Well, we still haven’t solved the problem of what you want to be when you grow up.” He nudged my elbow and grinned.

  I rolled my eyes, but then decided to tell him the truth. Why not, right? “Honestly, I just want to have babies.”

  Beside me, Luke sputtered. He looked like he was choking on his tongue.

  “Wow. Are you okay?” I asked with a laugh, pounding on his back with the flat of my hand.

  “Uh,” he started to say, but then he was taken over in a coughing fit.

  That made me laugh even harder. “Jeez, take a breath!”

  He cleared his throat hard. “I’m trying!” He cleared his throat again. “Holy crap! You can’t just spring that on a guy!” He turned to me with red and watery eyes.

  “I didn’t mean right now! I was talking about the future.”

  “Well, that’s good to know considering we just solidified our relationship. I’m definitely not ready to be a father yet,” Luke said.

  I shook my head. “You are such a dope. And you’d make a great father.” I nudged his shoulder. “Someday.”

  A worried look crossed his face. He tried to hide it, but I saw it. “Hey, what was that? What’s wrong?”

  He glanced around. We were at the end of the hall on the third floor. A padded bench sat beneath a dark window. It was late.

  “Let’s sit for a second. I’m not sure this conversation can be had while walking. I might trip and die.”

  I rolled my eyes, but let him pull me to the bench. “You’re being awfully dramatic,” I said as I sat beside him.

  “I have reason to be! It’s not like I’ve had any kind of father figure in my life. Jared had to teach me how to shave, for crying out loud! The thought of being a dad myself is terrifying.”

  Wow. I never thought of it like that. But I got it, too. My situation was different from Luke’s. I had a mom and a dad. Two examples, both good and bad in their way. But at least I had something to go off. I’d made a lot of decisions, set a lot of goals for myself based on the things my parents had done that I agreed or disagreed with, but the disagree list was a lot longer than the agree.

  But Luke didn’t have a father. Piper told me a long time ago that she and Luke were the result of their mom visiting a sperm bank. They didn’t even know their dad’s name. All they knew was that he was probably tall. And had dark hair since both Piper and Luke had dark hair and Lilly’s was blonde.

  “You aren’t giving yourself enough credit. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching my parents, it’s these two things.” I grinned when Luke laughed at my choice of words.

  “Tell me, oh wise one, what are these two things?”

  Gazing at him seriously, because this was a serious matter, I told him. “The first is love. My parents love me. I know they do. If they didn’t and I didn’t love them, I’d just give up and move in with you guys. And the reason I’d want to leave them is the other thing, they are both selfish. Parents can’t be selfish. People can’t be selfish. Of course, we all have to care about ourselves. We have to be aware of our own needs, but my mom puts her own needs ahead of mine every single time.” The thought, not the realization because that had come a long time ago, made my eyes water. “And my dad isn’t much better. At least when it comes to me.”

  Luke’s jaw clenched. “I’ve never understood your mom. I mean, I love Gloria, but she makes me so mad sometimes.”

  I laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “Yeah, I know the feeling. She makes me mad, too. I guess, that means there are three things. Love, selflessness, and forgiveness. I have to forgive my mom all the time.”

  “Maybe you should stop doing that,” Luke said, nudging my shoulder.

  That made me laugh again, but this time it was half laugh, half sob. “No. As much as she makes me mad, I’ve come to the conclusion she’s never going to change and I either have to accept that and have some kind of relationship with her or be mad all the time and have her not be a part of my life. She isn’t mean. She makes sure I have food and a place to live. I have all the money I could want.” I stopped and shrugged. “It could be worse.”

  Luke watched me for a few moments, an expression that looked an awful lot like wonder glowing in his eyes. Suddenly, he leaned forward and pressed a quick, sweet kiss to my lips. “You’re kind of amazing. You know that?”

  “No, I’m not.” But he was amazing. This whole night was amazing. I wanted nothing more in this world than to be with Luke, just being.

  “You really are. And I think you will be an incredible mom.” His eyes were intense. “Is that why you don’t know what you want to do? You want to be a soccer mom and not a career mom?”

  Glancing down, I avoided his gaze. Did that make me a loser? Because I didn’t want a career?

  “Because I think that’s awesome,” he continued and making me meet his eyes again. “My mom is great and she’s always worked hard to be there for us when she isn’t working, but I think she would have wanted to stay home if she could have gotten married and there was someone else to work and help provide.”

  “Really? You don’t think that’s outdated?” I asked and he shook his head, no. Some of the tension I hadn’t realized I was feeling relaxed. “Because, I just really love kids and want to raise some of my own, but do it differently. And hopefully, better.”

  “You will,” he said. His brow furrowed as if something had just occurred to him. “Hey, have you thought about becoming a social worker? We were talking about different careers the other day in Biology,” he gave me a look. “You know Mr. McGowan, he gets off track sometimes, especially if you get him talking about something he’s interested in. And someone asked about psychology degrees and what a person could do with one. He said something about social work. I think you would be great at that.”

  As soon as the words were out of his mouth goosebumps erupted on my arms. I had never even considered social work! It was perfect!

  “That’s a great idea,” I cried, throwing my arms around his neck. “I’m going to look into programs tomorrow.”

  He held me tight and being there with Luke just felt so right, so good.

  “Thank you,” I murmured.

  “Should we go? I think if we head down there now we might make it for the last dance.”

  Lifting my head off his shoulder, I smiled. “Let’s.”

  16

  Luke

  This night could not be any better. That’s all I could think as we danced. Prom would be over in fifteen minutes. Would the magic end then, too? I didn’t think so and definitely hoped not. Every moment spent with Dannika brought us closer together. I never would have believed a person could fall in love in one night, but that’s exactly what happened.


  Or maybe I’d been falling for a long time, I just didn’t know it.

  Whatever. Nothing else mattered except the fact that we were here. Well, that and the very real and very close reality of graduation. Dannika was right. I had been contacted by a couple of universities as well as music conservatories on the west and east coasts. A big part of my hesitation in making a firm decision was Piper. Something was going on with my sister and I was determined to figure out what that thing was. More than anything, I wanted her to know I would always be there for her. I would follow her wherever she wanted to go to play basketball. I could get a degree anywhere. Lots of schools had good programs. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, anyway. What difference did it make where I went?

  It didn’t.

  Except, now there was Dannika to consider.

  Our relationship was new. Like hours long new. The idea of being away from her while we went to different schools, possibly on different ends of the country, made me feel a little sick. My only consolation was that she wanted to stick close to Piper as well. Perhaps between the two of us, three if you counted Drew, we could keep my sister strong and happy and on her way to her dream of playing professional basketball.

  All that boiled down to a need to talk to Piper. I’d try not to worry about the rest.

  Right now, I just needed to worry about this moment. Dannika in my arms-

  “Luke!” Abby screeched my name the same time as her hand clamped down on my shoulder.

  “Abby! What are you doing?” I shouted, jerking out of her grasp. “Good grief! You scared me to death!”

  She stood beside Dannika and I in the middle of the dance floor with her hands on her hips. She was still in a prom dress, but her hair and makeup had seen better days. People all around us stopped to stare.

  “What am I doing? What are you doing? And where have you been? I’ve been looking all over!” She looked a little unhinged.

  I glanced at Dannika to see a worry line between her brows and I was sorry I ever thought about getting back together with Abby.