Matchplay by Dakota Madison Page A

the image one would expect from a group of young guys living together. This was no Animal House. It looked more like a law library from a John Grisham movie. I remembered how bohemian The ArtHouse was in comparison. There was no doubt the guys, who lived in The Clubhouse, were from extremely wealthy families. I was suddenly very happy I had decided to wear my best dress and heels.
    I noticed there was a sign in book where all the guests were stopping. Two younger looking guys were making sure everyone signed in. One of the guys was a bit taller than the other but that was the only distinguishing feature between them. They both had dark hair, model-perfect looks, great bodies and GQ style. Typical Clubhouse guys. There was no way my name was going in the book and I certainly wasn’t going to allow myself to be “time and date stamped.”
    When dad and I got to the sign in book, I took a deep breath, looked at the two guys and said firmly. “I’m sorry but I’m not going to put my name in this book.”
    The guys both gawked at me as if they had never heard anyone say no before. They looked at each other then back at me. Then the taller guy said, “You have to sign the book.”
    “No, I don’t . I’m not going to sign it and you can’t force me.”
    My dad stepped up very close to me and whispered in my ear. “Is everything okay?”
    “Yes,” I whispered back. “I don’t want my name in that book. I’ll explain later.”
    My dad nodded and stepped back. I was happy that he trus ted me and had confidence in me to handle the situation.
    When I looked back at the two guys, they looked nervous. “I don’t think we can let you in if you don’t sign the book,” the taller guy said.
    “That’s fine. Then we don’t have to stay. Can you let Aaron Donovan know that Rainy was here?”
    Both of the guys’ eyes grew wide at the mention of Aaron’s name. The shorter guy gulped. The taller guy then lightly slapped the shorter guys arm. “You’d better get Donovan over here.”
    Without another word, the shorter guy hurried into the house. A few seconds later, he returned with Aaron on his heels. Aaron was wearing a black pinstripe suit that fit him perfectly. He looked amazing. He was the definition of Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.
    Aaron looked at the taller guy and said, “You can make an exception for Rainy and her dad. She doesn’t have to sign in.”
    The taller guy just nodded. When Aaron looked at me, a huge smile overtook his face. He was absolutely beaming. “I’m glad you made it.” It was as if he wasn’t sure I actually would. “You look beautiful.”
    “Thanks .” We locked eyes for a moment and the intensity of his gaze took my breath away. Then I remembered my dad was standing next to me. “Aaron, this is my dad, Ron Dey.”
    Aaron extended a hand to my dad. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir.”
    My dad shook Aaron’s hand. When I looked at my dad’s face, his expression was neutral. I couldn’t tell what he thought of Aaron at all.
    “Come inside,” Aaron said as he placed his hand on the small of my back and led me into the main room. My dad followed on my other side.
    Aaron led us to a huge buffet table with every imaginable type of hors devours. “Help yourself to food. He looked at my dad. “There’s also an open bar for parents.”
    “Thanks,” my dad said. “I’m not much of a drinker.”
    Aaron smiled. “Just like your daughter.”
    “My daughter’s not old enough to drink,” my dad pointed out.
    “Of course,” Aaron agreed.
    Aaron then led us to a quiet section of the room where we could talk.
    “I didn’t think the two guys at the door were going to let us in,” I admitted. “You seem to have some influence around here.”
    Aaron looked a bit uncomfortable then said, “One of the perks of being the club President.”
    I was glad I hadn’t gotten anything to drink yet because I nearly choked. Aaron never told me he was President of The Clubhouse. Knowing what I