Playing for Hearts (6 page)

She studied his blue eyes, the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes, and the straight white teeth. He was handsome, young, and eager. He'd be a great catch for any woman.

“Shauna?” John brushed her hand with his fingers. “I think I lost you there for a minute. I didn't mean to pry.”

She shook her head and smiled. “You're a sweet man. It's been a long day, and I was just thinking about everything I need to do yet before tomorrow's big event.”

“You're going to McMillian's?” He held out one of the drinks to her, and stood up with the other two glasses.

“Yes.” She inhaled deeply. “First time. I'm nervous.”

“Do you have a date you're going with?”

She sipped the cosmo, swallowed, and laughed. “No. I'm going by myself. I'm still trying to convince myself that I'm really going.”

“Hey, why don't we go together?” He grinned. “I got a ticket this year too, and I wasn't going to go because I didn't want to show up by myself.”

“Oh … I — ” She clamped her lips together. Why shouldn't she go with John? Grayson had other plans, and probably would skip the entire event, not that it mattered. “I would love to go with you.”

“Great! I'll pick you up at three.” He motioned for her to lead the way back to her friends. “I'll follow you and help you carry the drinks.”

She weaved her way across the room, smiling at the lucky turn of events. Tomorrow's party would be more enjoyable with someone to talk with, and John was a nice guy.
Nice guys are good.

The most sought after party of the year — hosted by Stan McMillian to celebrate the beginning of summer with a friendly fundraiser — gave Shauna the opportunity to see how the other half lived. The Grayson Schylers of the world.

She stood on the edge of the lawn beside John. Rumors of the state senator showing up, along with Cottage Grove's better-known residents, gave Shauna pause. All the schooling in the world never prepared her to talk about the stock market, oil prices, or the latest grant achieved by the hospital. She was more comfortable talking about oil changes and U-Joint replacements, thanks to her dad owning the town's only repair shop.

Attending the benefit were Peter Fontaine, a world-renowned heart surgeon, and his wife, Gloria, who headed the children's society. Next to the champagne fountain — oh lord, was that real crystal? — stood Nickolas Jenson, founder of Top Burgers, a world-famous fast food chain. She didn't recognize the blond-haired beauty beside him.

“Quite the party, huh?” John held up his glass. “Have you ever wondered how it would be to go through life having everyone cater to you? I imagine this is close to what a celebrity must feel like every day.”

Shauna giggled. “I could get used to the clothes and finer things, but I'm not sure I'm up for such an active social life. You should've seen me all day. I could barely sit still, and I almost changed my mind about coming. My dress cost a hundred dollars, not a thousand. I even painted my own nails. I could never keep up with all the women here.”

John slipped his arm behind her, and placed his hand at the small of her back. “I'm the lucky one to be able to claim you as my date. You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She scooted closer and leaned her head against his arm. “I'm glad you asked me to come with you. Tonight wouldn't have been the same if I didn't have someone to share the memories with or be able to whisper to when I feel out of place.”

“I'm going to get another drink.” He stepped away, stopped, and glanced over his shoulder. “Have you changed your mind about having a glass yet?”

She nodded, and then watched him stride away. He was attentive, polite, and made her feel like he didn't go out with women as a recreational sport. He honestly listened to her when she talked and for that alone, he made her happy.

Dressed in a navy blue suit, white shirt, and red striped tie, John looked dashing. He wasn't drool worthy the way Grayson was, but John was handsome. Everybody loved him. He had a gentle soul. Shauna liked him, and she could tell the feeling was mutual.

She walked along the grass on her toes, her heels threatening to sink into the ground. Carefully, she moved closer to the throng of people mingling in small groups dotting the area. Feeling out of place, she found it hard to enjoy the dress she'd splurged on for the event.

The black, shimmering material fell around her legs whimsically. Her shoulders and arms were bare, and she'd accented her neck with a faux diamond necklace on a thin gold chain. She'd added a touch more lipstick to her full lips and curled her hair in soft waves that trailed over her shoulders and down her back. On the outside, she appeared confident and comfortable. On the inside, she was the odd girl who more often than not had a spot of grease on her arm from her dad's shop and a pair of old cutoffs on.

“Ms. Marino, don't you look beautiful.” Christine Carson, the mayor's wife and community do-gooder stepped in front of her and took both her hands. “How are you doing, dear? I've heard that you're back in town.”

“I'm great.” She smiled. “How are Peter and Crystal?”

“Wonderful.” Christine beamed. “They entered high school this year, and Peter raves about your man, Grayson, constantly. Grayson says he has a good shot at playing at Harvard if he keeps improving.”

She swallowed past the reminder that everyone knew about her love and rather immature way of showing Grayson how much he'd meant to her. “That's great. I'll have to try to come to one of his matches and watch him play.”

John picked that moment to return, and she looped her arm through his. Maybe the others would recognize that she'd moved beyond Grayson, and she could put a stop to the daily reminders.

“You know John Bigstraum, don't you?” Shauna smiled.

Christine leaned forward and air kissed John's cheeks. “Of course. How nice to see you, John.”

“The pleasure's mine.” John handed Shauna a glass of champagne.

“Oh, look at the time.” Christine placed her hand on her chest. “I should go see if Mrs. McMillian needs any help setting up for the silent auction tonight. You two enjoy yourself, and Shauna, when you see Grayson next let him know I'll be there for our meeting on Tuesday.”

She shook her head. “But, I — ”

Christine walked away without giving her a chance to tell her that she had nothing to do with Grayson. She sighed.
Why tell me, when she could've called Stephanie?

The live band played and couples slowly started moving in front of the stage off to the left. Shauna sipped the drink, and wiggled her nose as the bubbles rose. She looked around for familiar faces. When she spotted Stephanie, her shoulders drooped.
Dammit.

Stephanie was wearing a white mini strapless dress on her Barbie body, her head thrown back in laughter, and her arm swung wide, balancing a cocktail glass with a skill that impressed the handful of men circled around her. Shauna raised her glass and chugged the rest of the contents. Grayson's girlfriend of the week was everything Shauna wasn't: graceful, athletic, tall, and experienced. “At least my boobs are real.”

John choked and wiped his hand across his mouth. “Excuse me?”

She groaned and curled her lip. “Did I say that out loud?”

“Yeah.” He chuckled. “I'll chalk that little piece of information away, and keep it private … don't worry.”

“I almost wish I could blame my loose tongue on the glass of champagne, but since this isn't the first time I've spoken my thoughts for other people to hear, I'll just pretend I didn't say anything.” She studied John who continued to laugh, and slapped his arm, giggling. “It's not that funny.”

“Oh yeah, it kinda is.” He pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her back to his chest. “That wasn't a question I had, but it's still nice to know you're one hundred percent real.”

“Stop teasing me.” She smiled. “What am I going to do with you, John?”

“Since you've broached the subject, I'm sure I can think of something.” He leaned down and whispered, “I really like you, Shauna. I hope we can go out again.”

“You know … ” She leaned her head back against him. “Now that I've let my deep, dark, secret out of the bag, I might always believe you only want to date me for my boobs.”

He kissed the side of her neck. “I plead the fifth.”

She patted his hands clasped in front of her. “I knew you were a smart man.”

Several minutes passed, and Shauna relaxed within John's embrace, swaying to the music. It surprised her how much she was enjoying his company. She was secretly glad he wanted to see her again. A distraction was exactly what she needed.

“To tell you the truth, I was always afraid of asking you out before you left town.” He rubbed her arm. “I thought you had your heart set on Grayson. I'm not the only one who stayed away because of your solid stance with him.”

She sighed. “It was a childhood crush, that's all. One day, I hope everyone will forget about my relentless pursuit of Grayson Schyler.”

“I'm glad to hear that.” John squeezed her tight. “Besides, I'm afraid Grayson is a bachelor for life. He enjoys the fast track too much, and I don't picture you as a woman who'd settle for anything less than a committed relationship.”

Shauna somehow managed to hide her reaction to John's belief. Too choked with emotion from her little white lie to acknowledge his statement, she stared across the yard. John was nice, but could he ever compare to Grayson?

“Speaking of Grayson … ” John muttered.

Shauna lifted her gaze and met the cold, unfeeling stare of Grayson. He stood twenty feet away with his arm around a woman she didn't recognize. She broke away from his intent gaze to check out his gorgeous date in the black and white gown that put Shauna's dress to shame.

The woman wore self-confidence while pressing herself against Grayson's side in a way that screamed of their intimate relationship. Shauna clamped her teeth together. No amount of time or training would give her that amount of sexy.

Her attention went back to Grayson. His white shirt emphasized his dark tan and the natural gold highlights in his hair. Her stomach warmed. She'd never seen him dressed with such sophistication and poise in person. Usually he ran around in shorts and a T-shirt, and while she liked him in both, the eveningwear eluded to masculine competence that left her lightheaded.

Before she could mask her displeasure at finding the cozy couple here at the party, Grayson and his date headed her way. If that wasn't bad enough, John let go of her. The loss of his body heat gave her goose bumps, or maybe it was the fact that Grayson appeared upset with her for no apparent reason, she had no time to figure out her reaction because they were suddenly standing in front of her.

“Chantel.” John kissed Grayson's date's cheeks and held the woman at arm's length. “You look wonderful. When did you get back in town?”

Shauna cringed.
Great. I can't even keep my date by my side.

“Chantel, I'd like you to meet my date, Shauna Marino.” John stepped back and smiled at Shauna. “Chantel is Tom's sister. He was one of my old frat brothers, and an all-around great guy. Chantel used to come up on weekends and visit her brother at the college, that's how I met her. She models in New York now.”

“It's nice to meet you,” Shauna said.

Chantel's perfect, over-white teeth gleamed. “It's a delight to meet you too.”

Shauna caught Grayson watching her through narrowed eyes. She smiled, letting him know she wasn't going to do anything to embarrass him. Oh sure, she wanted to ask if Chantel was his first date of the night, or if he paid her to come with him, but she wouldn't. She was going to remain polite and aloof if it killed her.

“I love this song.” Chantel tugged on Grayson's hand. “Let's dance.”

He shook his head. “I never dance.”

Chantel's lower lip came out, but Grayson shook his head. “John, why don't you take Chantel out to the dance floor? I'm sure you guys would like to catch up on old times.”

John looked to Shauna, and she nodded. “Go on. I'll be fine.”

Grayson watched his date swish off and then turned to Shauna. “What are you doing here with John? I gave you one ticket.” Grayson gazed out on the lawn where the others were dancing. “He's not the kind of man you need. You're high maintenance. You'll have him cowering and running for the hills before the night's over.”

“You don't own me,” she whispered. “I'm free to date whoever I want. I want John.”

He scoffed. “Until you lose interest.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“He'll bore you,” Grayson said with a shrug, “and then you'll be back to your old self.”

Shauna studied him, and ended up shaking her head. “I've changed.”

“No. You haven't.”

Chantel returned to Grayson's side and draped herself on his arm. “Darling? What's put that frown on your face? This is a party. You're supposed to enjoy yourself.”

He smiled and kissed her lips. “I am. How could I not with the most beautiful date here.”

Seconds ticked by, and Shauna smiled. “Have a good evening, Grayson … Chantel.”

Shauna stepped away from him and walked over to the fountain. She held her glass under the stream of champagne and stared across the lawn. How could he flaunt Chantel in front of her? Why did he have to be so stubborn? He wouldn't even take time to get to know her again. They'd had something wonderful at one time. A friendship.

John slid his arm around her waist. “Would you like to dance?”

Would she? She blinked away the moisture in her vision and nodded. If she had to stand here and watch Grayson fawn all over his date, she was going to lose it in front of everyone.