“Well it’s a beautiful day for extortion.” Cody’s said giving her a dazzling smile that carved dimples into his cheeks. “And besides, why wouldn’t I be in a fantastic mood with you in my life?”
Despite his sarcasm Cody’s gorgeous features made Hannah’s nerves flutter. “I don’t know, maybe because the last time I saw you, you couldn’t get away from me fast enough. And you were rude on the phone last night.”
“You can’t expect everyone to be as perfect as you, Hannah.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t worry about it. My head’s in the game. Now we better get going, doll face,” he added in an exaggeratedly snooting voice. “We don’t want to be late for tennis.” He smirked pulling the towel from his waist to tousle his hair.
Hannah got an eye full of Cody and tried to stifle her shock as she ran from his room.
“Meet you in the car,” he called after her not even trying to suppress his laughter.
Hannah sat in the car trying to regain her composure. What was Cody’s deal? He was like Jekyll and Hyde. She’d never encountered someone with so many mood swings. Maybe it was because of his drinking problem. Had he fallen off the wagon again? She hadn’t wanted to bring it up, but if it was going to get in the way of her success it needed to be addressed.
Cody slid into the passenger seat of Hannah’s car and frowned. “Pull up to the garage,” he ordered.
“Why?”
Cody arched his eyebrow and sighed in exacerbation.
“Fine,” Hannah grumbled.
She drove past the house to a two-story, six-bay garage. It was bigger than Hannah’s house! Cody hopped out and punched a code into the keypad and one of the doors soundlessly slid open. He disappeared inside and then popped out dangling a set of keys.
“You don’t have a license,” Hannah reminded him.
“Yes, but you do,” he smiled. “Park that rust bucket behind the garage. You’re driving my car.”
“W—”
“Because being seen in your car isn’t doing either of us any favors.”
Hannah begrudgingly parked her old Volvo behind the garage in the plentiful parking. By the time she lugged her backpack and tennis gear around front, Cody had pulled his car out.
Hannah nearly dropped her bags at the sight of Cody sitting in the passenger seat of his purring black Range Rover. The windows were down and he was chewing on the corner of his sunglasses as the early morning sunlight flickered across his chiseled features. He looked like he was modeling for a photo shoot.
Focus, Hannah!
Cody popped the hatch and Hannah threw her bags in the back of the SUV and an eerie thought crept into her mind. Had Elena ridden in this car? She knew it wasn’t the car she’d died in. The news had repeatedly flashed images of the totaled sports car. Perhaps if they’d been driving this car, Elena would still be alive. It was built like a tank.
She slipped into the driver’s seat and the soft leather upholstery seemed to wrap around her. Cody reached across and hit a button on her door. Hannah’s seat smoothly repositioned her so she could reach the pedals.
“Wow. The car knows how to adjust to its driver?” Hannah asked, impressed.
A darkness fell over Cody’s handsome features. “No. Those were Elena’s settings.”
“Oh.”
“Just hold down the program button and it’ll reset to remember you.”
She did as she was told, but Cody’s pleasant mood had evaporated, filling the car with awkward tension. Hannah hated that she’d hit a sore spot with Cody again. He’d seemed like he was actually willing to play along this morning until she’d pissed him off with her questions. Well, since he was already mad . . .
“About yesterday,” Hannah started. “I’m sorry about drinking in front of you. That was insensitive.”
“Why?”
“Because of your problem. I was drinking champagne before I kissed you and that was thoughtless. It won’t happen again.”
Hannah could feel Cody staring at her. And then he burst into hysterical laughter.
“Hannah, do you think your champagne kisses are some sort of kryptonite?”
“I don’t want to be the cause of a relapse.”
Cody snorted. “I don’t have a drinking problem.”
“Isn’t that what people who have drinking problems say?”
“I wasn’t at rehab for drinking!” Cody grumbled.
“Then for what?”
“Hannah, enough with the twenty questions!” Cody shouted. “You’re the one who needs my help. Let’s focus on your problems, not mine.”
Hannah pulled over and turned on Cody. “You’re right. I’m the one in charge of this relationship and I would appreciate if you would treat me with respect.”
“You’re twisted if you think this is a relationship, Hannah. You’re blackmailing me to go to a party.”
“You agreed to help me. Are you going back on your word?”
Cody stared at her, hard, as if he was trying to make up his mind. “No. But I’m renegotiating.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means this is now a partnership, not your dictatorship. It’s the only way this works and we both get what we want?”
“And what is it that you want, Cody?”
“Don’t worry. It won’t get in the way of your plans.”
“I’m not comfortable helping you accomplish something that you won’t tell me about.”
“Take it or leave it, Hannah.”
“I’m not bluffing. I’ll report your actual test scores.”
Cody shrugged.
“Fine!” Hannah put the car in gear and continued their drive to school in silence. She didn’t care what Cody’s motives were, as long as she got what she wanted.
What did he want?
Cody asked himself that question over and over during their silent drive to Stanton. He thought he wanted to stick it to the Goldens. To find a way to get back at them for how they’d treated him and Elena, and for what they were saying about Hannah behind her back. He’d been so angry last night. What gave them the right to treat people the way they did? He refused to stand by and watch the Goldens ruin another life. He wanted to protect Hannah. But the more time he spent with her the more confused he became. Maybe Hannah didn’t need protecting. She was fearless and stubborn. She wasn’t the least bit intimidated by him. In fact, she challenged him, and it was infuriating.
He actually enjoyed slamming tennis balls at her during their morning practice session. It was a great way to get his frustrations out. He even returned a few serves shocking the hell out of her.
“Not bad for a basketball player, huh?” he teased.
“Former,” she replied.
“Bad sportsmanship isn’t a good look on you.”
Hannah rolled her eyes and fired a shot at his head.
Cody nailed it and whooped in celebration. “That’s three in a row.”
“Are you keeping score?”
“Yeah, aren’t you?”
She didn’t reply.
“That’s three more questions you have to answer.”
“Clock’s ticking.”
“Tell me about your family. Do you have any siblings?”
“No. It’s just me and Dad.”
“Hmm.”
“What?”
“Sorta explains why you’re a robot without a girly bone in your body.”
This time it was Hannah who closed up. She dropped the ball she’d been about to serve and stomped over to her bag, shoving her racket in and slinging it over her shoulder.
“Where ya going?”
“I’ve had enough practice for this morning.”
“I was just kidding. Well sort of, but come on. If you can dish it you gotta be able to take it.”
“I can. Insult me all you want, Cody. But leave my family out of it.” She stormed away heading for the locker rooms.
16
Cody was leaning a
gainst his car waiting for Hannah—annoyed that she had the keys and he was locked out. What the hell was taking her so long? He was about to barge into the locker room to move her along when a girl walked out. He did a double take, drinking in the long stems, high heels, short skirt and tailored top. Cody barely recognized her. Hannah looked like Golden royalty—and it made him shiver.
Hannah strutted across the parking lot looking like a plastic version of herself. She’d spent way too much time in the locker room slathering on every cosmetic in the bag from Neiman Marcus. She was no Roderick or Hector, but she still managed to achieve the desired look. She wore her new blazer, shirt and stilettos along with pieces of her Stanton uniform.
Cody’s face wore a look of worry when she walked up to him.
Hannah immediately doubted herself and looked down to see if she’d missed a button or something. “What?” she asked. “Did I screw something up?”
“No.” Cody cleared his throat and snapped out of whatever thoughts he’d been lost in. “You look fine.”
He reached for Hannah’s bags and helped her stow them in the back of the Range Rover.
“Remember what I said,” Cody reminded when they drove to the student lot. “The Goldens are going to want gossip from the source so you have to be prepared.”
“I know, I know. Tell them I felt bad for you, you’re a charity project, blah, blah, blah.”
“It’s important that they think you don’t like me.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard,” Hannah said smiling sweetly. “You did spend all morning insulting me. I’ll just think of that.”
Cody smiled. “I was just reinforcing my point.”
Cody made Hannah park in the back corner of the bustling student parking lot.
“I don’t want anyone to scratch it,” he reasoned buffing an invisible spot off the hood with his sleeve.
“At least when we drive my car we can park anywhere we want,” Hannah taunted.
“You’re right, doll face,” Cody said slinging an arm over her shoulder as they walked toward the school. “Your car is much better. I mean it rides so nice and the paint job is very specific. Rust chic was the look you were going for, right?”
“Hey! You’re the one that said it draws attention,” she ribbed, ducking out from under his arm. “I thought that was our goal?”
“Yes. But I believe I clearly said it drew the wrong kind of attention.”
“Yeah, well—”
“Look out!” Cody shouted grabbing Hannah’s arm and yanking her out of the path of a speeding Mercedes.
She dropped her bag and the sound of screeching brakes filled the air as she clung to Cody’s chest. She could feel his heart pounding against hers as he steadied her on her feet. Good Lord, she’d almost been hit. Cody saved her life!
He was frantically running his hands over her, as if in disbelief that she was unharmed.
“I’m okay,” she whispered, wanting to quiet the panic in his eyes.
The driver of the silver Mercedes coupe rolled down his window and hung his head out, slowly removing his sunglasses. It was Harrison Cohl.
Hannah looked back at Cody and his panic had morphed to rage as he charged toward the Mercedes.
“Jesus, Harrison! Watch where the fuck you’re going!” Cody yelled.
A crowd of onlookers was gathering.
Harrison looked right through Cody to Hannah. “You okay, lovely?” he asked smoothly.
She nodded.
Harrison winked. “No harm, no foul,” he purred to Cody.
“You could have killed her,” Cody hissed.
“Yes, and then you’d have two dead girlfriends,” he whispered. “You really should be more careful,” Harrison said giving Cody a chilling grin before driving away.
Hannah, slowly approached Cody. He was visibly shaken. “Come on,” she whispered slipping her hand in his and pulling him away from the crowd of students in the parking lot. “I think we’ve gotten enough attention.”
17
Hannah reassured Cody for the thousandth time that she was okay before he agreed to leave her in the library. She didn’t have class until after lunch and since discovering her laptop had smashed after she dropped it to avoid getting hit by Harrison’s car, the library was the only place Hannah could get any work done. Not actual schoolwork—she’d been done for weeks. But she was busy studying her tennis opponent for her match on Saturday.
She’d been alone for less then five minutes before Madison Carmichael approached her. “Hannah, right?”
Hannah nodded.
“I heard what happened this morning! Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine, but my laptop wasn’t so lucky.”
“Oh no. Do you need a new one? I’d be happy to let you borrow mine.”
Hannah looked skeptically at the gorgeous brunette. She was even prettier up close. “Thanks for the offer, but I just signed this one out from the school.”
“Oh, right,” Madison said looking at the laptop like a moron. “I love your blazer,” she added, sitting down at Hannah’s table. “I never noticed how cute you dressed before.”
Hannah shrugged. Madison apparently interpreted it to mean she could ask more questions.
“So did Cody Matthews really save you?”
“Yeah. I guess he did.”
“Are you two . . . dating?” Madison asked.
“I don’t like to put labels on things.”
Hannah smiled to herself, thinking Cody would laugh if he heard her quoting him. “The truth is I just feel bad for the guy.”
Madison snorted. “Yeah, he’s a total fuck up.”
Hannah cringed at the cruelty in Madison’s voice. She nodded. “Yeah, I guess. But he just follows me around like a lost puppy.”
“I get it,” Madison said. “He is hot. But just be careful. Hanging around with Cody isn’t good for your reputation.”
“I know. I was going to ditch him already but I’m sort of just using him for his key to the masquerade.”
Madison’s mouth fell open. “Harrison’s party?”
“That’s the one.”
“Really?” A grin snaked across Madison’s pretty face. “Ya know, I could probably get you your own key. Then you wouldn’t have to drag Cody’s dead weight around.”
“Oh, I don’t want you to go through any trouble.”
“No trouble at all,” Madison said, standing.
“You said what?” Cody growled from their spot on the lawn.
“I did what you said. Why are you getting so mad?” Hannah asked taking a swig of the vanilla latte Cody bought her for lunch from their private campus kiosk.
“I didn’t tell you to mention our plan!”
“The best lie is a true one.”
“What?”
“If I can get my own key to the party, then I won’t have to sneak in using yours. It means that they’ll want me there. That’s the whole point of this. Making actual friends and memories in my last few weeks of school.”
“Hannah, I hate to break it to you, but you don’t just dress pretty one day and get invited into the Goldens inner circle. They’re up to something.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know, but I think we’re about to find out.”
Harrison Cohl was sauntering toward them looking like he’d just walked out of a GQ ad. “Hannah, darling. I just heard your laptop was damaged in our little run in this morning. Is this true?”
“Well . . . I mean . . . yes, but,” she blushed, realizing she was stammering like an idiot.
“Well that won’t do. What’s your home address? I’ll send a replacement over today.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I have a computer at home. And my father always has extras laying around.”
“Nonsense. I own up to my responsibilities.” Harrison said glaring at Cody. “Where shall I send your new laptop?”
“She said she doesn’t want anything from you,” Cody growled.
“Do
es he always speak for you?” Harrison asked looking at Hannah with concern.
Hannah glared at Cody. “No, I make my own decisions.”
“Good. You see, Cody, I’m simply dealing with my indiscretions like a gentleman. When you break something, you should offer to repair it. Not get it drunk and drive it into a tree.”
Cody snapped. He was on his feet in an instant. He had Harrison by the throat, rammed against the trunk of the massive oak they’d been sitting under. Harrison held his arms up in surrender, as Hannah tried uselessly to pull Cody away before he got himself expelled.
“You don’t get to talk about her,” Cody growled, fury radiated off him in waves.
“Or, what? You’ll kill me too?”
“Stop it!” Hannah yelled, finally shoving her way between them.
She kept one hand on Cody’s heaving chest while Harrison smoothed out his blazer.
“Be careful, Hannah. I’d hate to see him ruin another sweet girl.”
Harrison shook his head and walked away, as the rest of the campus stared at Hannah and Cody—cell phones out to capture the whole embarrassing scene.
No chance the Goldens didn’t know who Hannah was now.
18
Cody grabbed his bag and stormed to the parking lot. He needed to get the hell out of there or he was going to lose it. Harrison’s sickening grin brought Cody back to his last night with Elena. Harrison’s words echoed through Cody’s head. God I love taking things from you. The memories made Cody see red. Harrison was the reason Cody’s life was fucked right now. Deep down he knew it, but he couldn’t prove it.
He kept pumping his legs trying to put distance between him and the school because he could feel it coming. His breathing was raged, his heart racing. Cody scarcely heard Hannah’s voice calling after him as he charged through the parking lot. He spotted his car and reached into his pocket. Shit! Hannah still had the keys!
Cody walked behind the car and leaned against it trying to calm himself down. He pressed the palms of his hands into his eye sockets until his saw spots. It wasn’t helping. He could feel his muscles going rigid. He took in a shaky breath and started to list things to keep him in the present. He needed an anchor to keep him from slipping back into the nightmares of his past.
The Practice Boyfriend (The Boyfriend Series Book 1) Page 6
