Playing the Player: Falling for Best friend's sister. (The Hartford Brothers Book 2)

by JA Low

I give my friends a giggly twirl, and they give me an applause of appreciation. “Are we sure this is it?” I ask.

  “Yes,” they agree in unison. Okay then, I guess it’s time for me to make my arrival.

  “Quick, some photos first,” Audrey states. We pose for the next ten minutes, filling up our phones with photos we won’t post yet, not until I have made my grand entrance into the party.

  As I step out of the room, Portia is there waiting for me. Her green eyes widen as she takes in my change of attire.

  “Mom and Dad are going to be upset,” she says, looking smug.

  “Would you stop it?” Rainn says sternly.

  I ignore my little sister. I will not let her ruin tonight for me as we head toward the grand staircase where my parents want me to take photos.

  “She’s ready!” Portia calls out from the top of the stairs before she quickly goes down them, joining my family at the bottom.

  “You’ve got this,” Audrey tells me, giving me the strength to go down the stairs. I suck in a deep breath and propel myself forward to the edge of the staircase. I look down the grand staircase to where my family is standing. I see my parents and my brother and sister standing at the bottom of the stairs with enormous smiles on their faces, waiting for me to descend. My parents have their phones ready to capture the moment of prosperity. Gripping the rail beside me tightly as I take the first steps in my heels down the grand staircase, one by one I focus on not falling down them. No one wants broken bones on their special night.

  “Sweetheart, you look gorgeous.” My mother gasps. Tears well in her eyes as she sees me for the first time.

  A frown forms on my father’s face. “My love, that is not the dress we bought her for tonight,” he questions my mother, not me.

  “Hush now. Do not cause a scene. Your daughter looks beautiful, and it’s her night,” she says strongly. My father nods, looks back up at me, and gives me a blinding smile, his phone ready to take photos.

  “Stop right there, sweetheart. We need to take some photos. Smile!” she shouts up at me. I do as I’m told posing for their photos until movement out of the corner of my eyes catches my attention. My face falls and my stomach tightens when I see who has joined the family, Remi. Those green eyes land on me and I swear my legs quake as he unashamedly looks me over. A smirk falls across his luscious lips; how dare he have the gall to shoot me a wink too. He looks handsome dressed in dark denim, with a white button-down shirt. His sleeves are rolled up, showing off his tanned, muscular forearms. I take the next step, but because he’s turned me into a flustered mess, I almost miss it and wobble. I can hear gasps from below. That was close. Ugh, why did Remi have to come in and spoil everything again?

  Why does he have to be here? He’s not family.

  Eventually I make it down the stairs, and my parents embrace me, wishing me a happy birthday and telling me how beautiful and proud of me they are, which warms my heart. Dominic grumbles with felicitations and Portia pokes a tongue out at me. Remi doesn’t say a word; he keeps staring at me intensely, it’s a little unnerving.

  My father grabs my hand and entwines it with his. “Come, come, ladies. It’s time to celebrate Nell,” he says as he pulls me through the house and toward the back of our home where I watched the event team set up the massive white tent in the middle of the backyard. Underneath that, scattered across the lawn, are multiple small boho tents which are filled with a heap of cushions scattered all over the floor. I can’t wait to relax in one of them with my friends while scoping out the hotties that walk by. They also built a clear dancefloor over our pool and dropped hundreds of LED flowers into the water so that the light can shine through while you dance. I can’t wait to see that when it’s completely dark.

  My father brings me to the back door where a curtain of fairy lights cascades before me, then I hear the tap of a microphone and someone clearing their throat. The outside noise slowly turns down to a dull hum.

  “It’s time to welcome the birthday girl to her party. Happy sweet sixteen, Nell!” the MC yells through the sound system, practically bursting my eardrums. I can hear everyone outside hollering and calling for me. My father helps me through the curtain of fairy lights out to the back deck area, and I’m blown away by the hundreds of people scattered before me. Wow. People are clapping, they whistle, they’re waving. I’m giddy with excitement. My dad holds my hand as we walk down the red carpet toward my party. Flashes are going off all around me as a photographer captures the memories of the family.

  “Have fun, sweetheart.” My father kisses my cheek and heads on over to where all the adults are congregating. Once the oldies have gone, I’m inundated with congratulations from all my friends. I can’t believe so many people made it.

  It’s a long time until I can sit down in the tent with Rainn and Audrey, but we eventually procure one and I kick off my heels, which are killing me. I had grabbed a donut from the donut wall on my way and am currently shoving it into my mouth. It tastes delicious.

  “This party is amazing,” Rainn states, leaning back against the cushions, looking like an exotic queen.

  “I still can’t believe your parents organized for the Sons of Brooklyn guys to come play at your birthday party. That is so freaking amazing.” Audrey squeals. Not going to lie, I almost passed out when they walked out on stage. They are our favorite band of all time. I died when they called me on stage and sang to me, then hugged and kissed me. Le sigh. I’m so in love with them.

  “They were so hot,” I say. Taking another bite of my donut. “I wish I wasn’t sixteen because I’d happily let any one of them take me home.”

  “They’ve all got partners, Nell,” Audrey tells me, bursting my bubble.

  “Whatever, a girl can dream on her birthday.”

  “You could have your pick of anyone here tonight, you know,” Rainn adds. “Have you noticed anyone tonight or is a certain polo player still on your mind?”

  “I told you never to speak of him again,” I shoot back at her.

  Rainn holds her hands up and gives me a smirk. “He hasn’t been able to keep his eyes off you all night,” she admits aloud. I hate the tiny thrill of excitement I get over her words that Remi hasn’t been able to stop staring at me. He doesn’t deserve it.

  “Tad Waltham seems equally impressed with you tonight,” Audrey tells me, giving me an alternative to Remi. Tad is one of the most popular guys at our school. He’s captain of the lacrosse team, he’s on the swim team also, he’s rich, good looking, and his parents own some of the hottest bars in Manhattan. He has the connections, but he’s a bit of a douche, nothing unusual for the guys we go to school with. Did I mention he’s cute? He could be a prospect tonight. I will not end my birthday without a kiss and Tad is perfect for one night. I definitely do not see him as anything more. He’s not boyfriend material, not the way he goes through girls, but I’ve heard he knows how to kiss and that’s all I could wish for tonight.

  “Hey, sweetheart, it’s time for your present.” Mom pops her head into the tent, surprising us. Her face lights up in a grin as she holds out her hand for me. Reluctantly I get back up from the mountain of cushions and slip my aching feet into my heels again and head on out to the back driveway where my father is standing next to the MC. Then moments later, the honking of a horn fills the party and I still. Oh, my god. No, they didn’t. It was the car that I’ve been asking for! A Mercedes convertible in silver with a massive pink bow on the front.

  “Happy birthday, princess,” Dad says while Mom nods in agreement.

  Dominic is driving the car and stops it right in front of me. “Happy birthday, Nell,” he says happily as he gives me a hug. Tears fall down my cheeks as I’m overcome with excitement. Dom hands me the keys, and I jump in. Rainn and Audrey join in behind me. I honk the horn with excitement, making everyone laugh.

  Best birthday ever.

  “You looked hot in your car, Nell,” Tad says, winking at me. I know that I’m supposed to be swooning over Tad giving me
attention because any of the girls here at the party tonight would be interested, but my butterflies are silent. Are they broken?

  “Thanks.”

  “Did you want to dance?” Tad asks. I nod, and he takes my hand and walks me over to the glass floor. He pulls me tight against him, and I can feel every inch of his muscular chest. The same one the girls swoon over when he pulls his shirt off during swim training, showing off his six-pack abs. I know I should feel something, but I don’t.

  What is going on with my lady bits?

  5

  Remi

  Nell looks stunning tonight, and that dress is sinful. My dick’s been hard all night thinking about her. She’s still upset with me, and I get it. I overheard a personal conversation between her and Sparkles. Then I confess my attraction to her and told her nothing could ever happen, further humiliating her in my presence. I didn’t mean to. I said the words out loud, more for my benefit than hers because I was moments away from pushing her up against the tree and kissing her, thus ruining everything forever. Maybe I should have because I’ve ended up in the same place I was trying to avoid except without the good memories. Dominic’s been riding my ass anytime I look Nell’s way, and it’s annoying as fuck. Does he not trust me? You spend every night with your dick in your hand and her name on your lips—of course he can’t trust you.

  And now I’m sitting here watching Nell dance with some preppy douche who has wandering hands. Is this what she is in to?

  “Hey, you’re Dom’s friend, aren’t you?” a beautiful blonde asks as she sits down beside me on the cushions. “I’m Britney,” she says, looking at me with hungry blue eyes.

  “Remi.” My eyes never leave where Nell is dancing.

  “Are you having fun?” she asks cheerfully. The girl’s pretty enough, but I’m not interested; another blonde is occupying my thoughts.

  “Sure, I guess,” I answer.

  “Nell looks gorgeous tonight, doesn’t she?” Britney asks, following my line of sight. I take a sip of my drink and ignore the turbulence in my stomach over her question. “Tad’s always had a crush on her. Guess he’s finally going for it.” Now she has my attention. I turn and look over at her. She gives me a bright smile before licking her lips.

  “Is Tad a good guy?”

  “Yeah, I guess,” she answers, puzzled, shrugging her shoulders at my abrupt question. “Every girl at this party probably wishes they were Nell at this moment, having Tad’s undivided attention.” Britney lets out a small sigh. Is she jealous? “If they are still together when we get back to school, those two are going to be the ‘it’ couple,” Britney adds.

  If they are still together? Did he ask her out? I thought they were just dancing. No, she can’t date him. I won’t allow it; he’s not good enough for her. And you are? Maybe. Dom will kill you if you date her. This is very true he would, but…no, you came here to concentrate on polo, not girls. This is your career. The whole point you packed up your life and moved to Bridgehampton to train with the Garcias. My head is all over the place when it comes to Nell, which means I should probably forget about it. As I turn and look back out to the dance floor, I notice that the two of them have disappeared. Sitting up, I scan the surrounding area to see where they have gone. Shit. I know guys like Tad; he’s probably whispered things into her ear and persuaded her to go into the woods with him. He’s probably got his slimy hands all over her. No. I won’t allow it.

  “Sorry, I have to go,” I say. Britney just stares at me as if I’ve lost my mind and maybe I have. I frantically look for Nell and Tad; they couldn’t have gone far. I scan the wooded area off from the dancefloor, but I can’t see anyone, then I hear a giggle, and I rush toward the darkness and halt when I see two figures in the moonlight pressed against a tree.

  “I want to give you a birthday kiss, Nell.” I hear Tad’s douchebag voice. I stand in the darkness and watch as he reaches out and caresses her face. Those brown eyes stare up at him, and a small smile falls across her lips.

  “Just a kiss, okay?” she warns him softly.

  “Anything for the birthday girl,” he says breathlessly.

  Then I watch in slow motion as the douchebag kisses Nell. My stomach sinks and turns in disgust that she would allow this guy to kiss her. It should be me kissing her, not him. My shoulders slump in defeat.

  “Tad, I said no.” Nell squeals suddenly.

  The sound of her voice has me turning around quickly. My heart thuds against my chest and I’m moments away from ripping this fool in half.

  “Get the fuck off her,” I snarl viciously as my hand grips his shirt and yanks him backward. He crumples to the ground in a heap.

  “What the hell?” he screams, looking up at me standing over him. I’m seconds away from punching him in the face.

  “Remi, don’t,” Nell calls out as her voice breaks. “Leave him.”

  I turn back to the douche on the ground and glare at him.

  “Nell, I’m sorry…” He stumbles over his words. “I got swept up in it all. I didn’t mean to push you.” Tad looks sick with regret as he stares at a shaken Nell.

  “When a girl says no it means no, asshole.” I kick him in the ribs, and he lets out a grunt as he cradles his side.

  “Remi,” Nell warns.

  “I’m sorry, Nell. So, sorry,” Tad blubbers. “I’ve learned my lesson. I promise.” He looks up at me. My eyes narrow on him, and I really want to do more than a kick in the ribs, but I know that will make Nell more upset with me than she already is.

  “It’s late. I think it’s time you should go. Don’t you?” I stare down at Tad.

  “Yep. Will do. Um, happy birthday again, Nell.” He squirms before jumping up and scurrying away like the cockroach he is.

  When I turn around, happy that I got the dick to leave, Nell isn’t there anymore. What the hell?

  “Nell?” I whisper anxiously into the darkness. Where the hell did she go? Ugh, this girl. I traipse after her into the darkness, calling her name. Until I end up at the stables, where I notice the door is slightly ajar. I hear one of the horses greet the late-night visitor and know exactly who it is. Pushing the barn door further, I stride in and find Nell standing there in her designer dress, whispering to Sparkles.

  “If you’ve come here to give me a lecture, Remi. I don’t want to hear it,” she says into Sparkles’s neck. She gives me an angry huff, clearly noticing the tension between her human and me.

  “Why would I be here giving you a lecture?” I ask.

  “Dom would. He would say it was my fault for going into the woods with a boy alone, giving him mixed signals,” she says, her voice faltering.

  Inch by inch, I move closer to her. “I’m pretty sure your brother would have pummeled Tad for pushing your boundaries. He would never blame you for that.” She continues stroking Sparkles in silence for a couple of moments.

  “Thanks, girl, I needed that cuddle.” She kisses the horse and closes the door. She gives herself a shake and walks over to the water trough and washes her hands. I watch in silence, waiting for her to talk. “Thank you for tonight.”

  “It was nothing,” I say, sincerely. I’m no hero in this story.

  “It was something to me, Remi,” she says. Nell looks up at me with those doe brown eyes making my chest constrict and my dick throb.

  “I’m glad I was there.”

  Nell gives me a small smile and tilts her head as she stares up at me. “I’m glad it was you too, but…”

  But what?

  “I’m sorry you had to see me kiss that guy.” She scrunches up her nose in disgust at the memory of kissing Tad. “It’s not the kind of kiss I was hoping for on my birthday,” she adds.

  What kind of kiss was she hoping for, and from whom? Please say me.

  “Was he not the right guy?” I ask. Because if she doesn’t say my name, then I’ll be crushed.

  “Guess you could say that. Maybe I should get back to the party and see who else is out there to erase Tad’s lips from mine.�
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  A growl falls from my own lips, surprising me at the thought of her going back out into that party and finding someone else to kiss.

  “He won’t be out there, Nell. I can guarantee it.”

  “Really, how so?”

  I take a couple more steps closer to her until there is nothing but a hair’s breadth between us.

  “Because he’s standing right here,” I say. My expression darkening as my eyes dip down and focus on her pink lips, which fall open with surprise at my words. I reach out and cup her face. A shiver runs down her body as my skin touches hers. Those innocent brown eyes look up at me expectantly, her cheeks have turned a light shade of pink and her lips are still open, inviting me in. “I’m going to kiss you now, Nell. Is that okay?” I ask. After what happened earlier, I want her consent.

  “Yes.”

  Her answer is breathless, which makes me smile, knowing that she wants this as much as I do. I lean forward and press my lips against hers ever so gently. A shock of electricity rushes over my body as soon as our lips touch, and it’s as if a switch turns on between us because the next thing I know she’s pulling me against her. Our lips duel, our tongues lash against each other, and soft moans fall from her lips while my entire body feels like it’s on fire. My dick is a solid steel rod, and I press it against her softness, and I’m rewarded with teeth nipping my lips. Her hands run down my body and grab my ass, pulling me harder against her.

  “I need more, Remi.” She groans in frustration as her leg winds around my hip. I feel my dick pressed against her. Shit. I could come in my pants at any moment. Slow it down, Remi.

  “I want more too,” I say. “I have an idea. Do you trust me?”

  “Yes,” she answers. I feel elated she does, that she knows I would never hurt her, unlike Tad. My hands fall from her face, and I grab her hand and make my way to the stairs beside the horse stalls, and we head up to the mezzanine area. It’s where we store some of the hay and where I sometimes disappear to for a nap, so I know it’s perfect for us to make out there and not be disturbed. I grab the blanket hanging up on the side and lay it down for us. I sit first and call her over with my finger, she giggles and joins me on the blanket. What I wasn’t expecting was for her to straddle me and push me up against a bale of hay as her lips descend on mine again. We lose ourselves freely this time until things take a turn further than either of us was expecting. Thankfully, I have protection in my wallet because I did not expect for us to lose our virginities tonight. But it feels right. Perfect. There isn’t anyone else in the world that I want to experience this with than her. Something that I want to experience repeatedly because it feels so damn good.