Emerge by S.E. Hall Page B

appreciate the view like one would a movie star, right? Right.
    Breaking away from my examination, I’m able to answer him. “I don’t know anything about speed dating, but this night has not felt speedy.”
    WAIT, I got it! The movie Sweet Home Alabama ; Evan is like Jake and Dane like Andrew…nailed that analogy! I can’t wait to tell Bennett later. Not that I’m comparing, just proud of my cleverness. Crap, pretty sure I’m being asked another question…
    “You haven’t had fun?” He smiles coyly, looking right in my eyes again. Geez, this is new. I don’t notice guys, or their tattoos, or necklaces. And why do I suddenly feel so guilty?
    “Fun wouldn’t be the right word. This by far is the least painful room of the night, though, so congratulations.”
    He laughs at me; so does Bennett. She hasn’t moved from Tate’s side, and blatant staring doesn’t seem to be above her, either. Oh, and he notices; he leans in every time he talks to her.
    “So, somebody besides Bennett wanna tell us about themselves?”
    “How about you?” Dane can challenge with just his eyes I’m quickly learning.
    “No, no…someone else can go first. I’m super uninteresting. “
    “I doubt that.”
    “Oh, for heaven’s sake, I’m not gonna have to suggest Truth or Dare, am I?” I roll my eyes at them all. “And hurry, it’s gotta be close to switch soon.” We've definitely been in here the longest of the night.
    “That was the last switch of the night.” Dane winks again.
    “Oh, okay, then I’m jammies and bed bound. Come on, Bennett. Nice to meet you guys!” I start to walk to the door but turn back. Why is Bennett not following me?
    “Hold up now, ya’ll don’t have to run off! I, personally, could go for a game or something. Damn, it’s like ten on a Friday,” Sawyer chimes in with a frown.
    “Yeah, Laney, come on, it’ll be fun!” Bennett squeals.
    Oh, that lil enamored redhead! “Um…” Do I look as uncomfortable as I feel? I was being a smartass about the Truth or Dare; I don’t actually need to know anything about anyone. I just thought Bennett would want Tate’s stats. Forget this wing girl crap.
    Dane walks over to me and leans one hip on the counter. “Laney, why don’t you go put on those jammies.” He grins. “And come back. I’ll order a pizza.”
    His nearness doesn’t go unnoticed and I cringe at my body’s betrayal. “I’m not wearing pajamas in front of boys I just met!”
    “Um, Laney,” Bennett butts in sheepishly, “I’ve seen your pjs; they’re fine.”
    Dane raises an eyebrow at me.
    We just met these guys. It’s late and the official crawl is over so now it would be me in a guy’s room just for the hell of it; Evan’s concerns echo in my head.
    “Nah, I’m getting tired. I need my room, Bennett. I’d feel a lot better if you’d come with me.”
    “Perfect, game and pizza in our room, guys!”
    Alrighty, Bennett totally missed the plot. Ugh.

    “ L aney, what do you want on your pizza?” There’s a god-like boy who’s practically a stranger yelling through my bathroom door. This night has gone way off track, but this is Bennett’s room, too, and she’s really in to Tate, and thou shalt not cockblock.
    “Anything…except peppers. Or onions. Oh, and no anchovies!”
    “So…pepperoni?” So smug, that Dane.
    “Sure.” This is my room. I’m coming out in my pajamas.
    “ What the fuck are those?” Sawyer’s face looks pained, like my sleepwear is actually the biggest disappointment he’s ever had.
    “You kiss anyone with that mouth, Sawyer?” He gives me the same weird look I always get when I say it, but yeah, I’d had to change the phrase.
    “Sorry! But seriously, Laney. Hot girl says she’s putting on pajamas, I’m thinking she’s gonna show me her secrets, like sweet Victoria. So what are you wearing ?”
    “I’m wearing my pajamas, and I don’t have any secrets.” I don’t. Well, I might…haven’t decided if I’m telling Evan