Baller (Heritage Bay Series Book 5) Page 2

  My eyes shifted to meet Vanessa’s, and Marcus’s words rolled through my mind. “…don’t let it slip through your fingers. Chase it. Fight for it. Hold on to it with everything you’ve got.”

  I tapped out a quick reply to Kinsley: No. Something came up.

  Something very unexpected.

  Then I shot off another text to Cam: Get a ride with Davis.

  His reply was instant: ur a dick.

  He’d get over it. I shoved my phone into my front pocket and hopped down the two short steps. “You only get one senior prom, Freckles, and I’m not gonna let it end like this.” I held out my hand. “Let’s go.”

  VANESSA

  Oh my God. Is this a dream? Please don’t let this be a dream.

  “Where are we going?” I placed my hand in Liam’s, and a million butterflies took flight in my stomach.

  “You’ll see,” he teased as he pulled me to my feet and led me to the end of the driveway to where his shiny black BMW was parked.

  I’d had an instant crush on Liam Mackenzie from the moment my dad introduced us. I was only fifteen at the time, but I was sure he was the most gorgeous guy I’d ever met. Here we were, almost four years later, and I was positive there would never be anyone like Liam.

  His black hair was tucked under a backward UH baseball hat, a gray T-shirt with “Baller” printed across the chest in white—the a replaced by a baseball—and a pair of dark jeans that hugged his muscular thighs and ass. I sighed inwardly. High school boys couldn’t even compare to Liam.

  “What about my dad?” I asked as he pulled a key fob from his pocket and unlocked his car.

  “As far as he knows, you’re still at prom and I had to run home,” he replied. “I promise to have you back before curfew.”

  “I don’t have a curfew tonight.” I threw him a look as I slid into the passenger seat. It was a look that had basically given him the green light to make his move. I’d hoped for once Liam would see me as more than Coach Abbott’s daughter. We’d gotten to know each other pretty well over the years. I’d even go as far to say we were friends. He joked with me a lot. Sometimes it felt like more, like he was flirting, but the more I got to know Liam, the more I realized he was just flirty by nature. “Technically, I’m supposed to be staying with Gabbi,” I added before he closed the door, but not before I heard him groan. Maybe there’s hope for me after all.

  The driver door opened, and Liam slipped behind the wheel. He tossed his phone in the center console before securing his seatbelt, then started the car. “Do I Wanna Know” by Arctic Monkeys blared through the speakers as he backed out of the driveway.

  “You’re really not gonna tell me where we’re going?” I asked as I pulled my phone from my clutch and noticed a bunch of missed calls and texts from my friends and Brian. What were the chances I’d dump Brian tonight only to wind up sitting in the front seat of Liam’s car an hour later?

  “We’re going to Pelican Cove.”

  Pelican Cove was known for its nightlife and upscale restaurants. It was in Heritage Bay where all the rich and famous people lived—where Liam lived—behind their tall gates and security guards. It was about a fifteen-minute drive from my house in Magnolia Park. Dad made a good living as the head coach of the baseball team of one of the top Florida D-1 colleges, but we were far from Heritage Bay rich.

  I needed to text Gabbi and let her know about my change in plans. I’m out with Liam. Cover for me.

  “Have you ever been to Mac’s?” Liam asked.

  “A few times. Doesn’t your family own it?”

  “My brother, Max, does.”

  Gabbi’s reply was instantaneous: Mackenzie?!

  I couldn’t help but grin, picturing the expression on her face. Yes. I’ll fill you in later.

  Holeeey shit, V. Be careful with him, and u better text me 2nite with details no matter what. Don’t forget.

  Kk.

  I knew she was only warning me because she knew how I felt, and that Liam was the only guy capable of breaking my heart.

  “Who are you texting?”

  “My friend Gabbi,” I replied as I slipped my phone back inside my clutch. “I told her I was out with you in case she showed back up at my house.”

  “She knows who I am?” He briefly glanced over at me before returning his attention to the road.

  “I might’ve mentioned you.”

  “Do you do that a lot?”

  “What?”

  “Get your friends to cover for you?”

  “No.” I shook my head and stared out the passenger window. “I’ve never had a reason to—” I turned away from the window to look at him. “—until now.”

  Liam grinned as he reached across the console, resting his hand on my thigh with his palm up. I set my hand in his, and he fused them together before bringing mine to his lips. Desire coiled in my lower belly, and a throbbing ache settled between my legs. An ache I knew only Liam could soothe.

  God, I wanted him.

  “Royals” was playing on the radio as he steered his car into the parking garage and eased into a space reserved for Mac’s.

  “Wait here,” he said as he climbed out, rounding the back of the car to open my door and help me out.

  “What if someone sees us?” I asked.

  “Are you ashamed to be seen with me?” he teased, taking my hand and lacing our fingers together.

  “No.” I laughed. “But what if someone sees us and it gets back to my dad?”

  Truthfully, I wasn’t sure how my dad would react to the idea of Liam and me. Dad loved Liam like a son, but it was basically an unwritten rule that you didn’t mess with Coach’s daughter.

  “I guess I’ll have to deal with the consequences.” His tone was resolute as he suddenly came to a stop and released my hand. My heart sank. Turning to me, he cupped my face. “But something tells me it’d be worth it.”

  Then he dipped his head, pressed his lips against mine, and completely ruined me.

  LIAM

  It was the perfect first kiss. Vanessa’s full lips were even softer than I’d imagined. I dipped my tongue into her mouth, sliding it against hers. She tasted sweet, like chocolate and strawberries and something… familiar.

  Breaking the kiss, I leaned back to stare down at her. “Have you been drinking?”

  Her eyes widened a fraction and she shook her head. “I had some chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne in the limo earlier, but only one glass. I’m not drunk.”

  “Who knew Brian was such a romantic?” I smirked, and she rolled her eyes.

  I laughed and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose, then her lips before pulling away. “Are you hungry?”

  She jerked a shoulder. “A little.”

  “Well, I’m starving. Come on.” I pulled Vanessa over to a woman who was standing on the sidewalk handing out flowers to passing couples. Her dress was short and her heels were high. She looked like she’d just stepped out of one of the nearby clubs.

  The woman smiled as we approached, her gaze sweeping over Vanessa. “What a beautiful couple,” she purred and passed me a handful of assorted flowers.

  Vanessa giggled, and I gave her hand a squeeze. “Thanks,” I said to the woman, and she replied with a wink before moving on to another couple.

  Turning to Vanessa, I passed her the flowers. “Prom 2.0 officially begins now.”

  “Thank you.” Vanessa took the small bouquet and smiled, but it looked more like a grimace.

  My brows pinched. “You don’t like flowers?”

  “Of course.” She chuckled. “What girl doesn’t like flowers?”

  I barked out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re a terrible liar.”

  “I like flowers, I just don’t like roses, okay?” Her voice broke, and she pinched her bottom lip between her teeth. Clearly I was missing something, but I didn’t push. My goal was to make her prom night memorable, not make her cry.

  I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Okay. Let me see these.” I plucked
the roses from the bunch and passed the rest back to Vanessa. “Better?”

  “Yes,” she said softly, smiling.

  As usual, Mac’s was packed. Thankfully, my brother kept a table open for family in the less formal bar area. There were also tables for dining, a stage for live entertainment, and a game room upstairs. Keeping a grip on Vanessa’s hand, I weaved through waiting patrons and up to the hostess counter.

  “Hey, Liam,” Marcy, the assistant manager, greeted me.

  “Good to see you, Marcy.” I passed her the roses.

  “Aww. Club roses just for me?” She fanned herself and batted her eyes dramatically. “So romantic, Liam. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” I laughed, then led Vanessa into the bar area. A band was setting up to perform on the stage, and a crowd had already formed in front of it.

  As I neared the table, my steps faltered. Shit.

  “What’s wrong?” Vanessa shouted over the noisy crowd.

  I turned to face her and grimaced. “My family is currently occupying the table.”

  Vanessa shrugged. “I don’t mind if you don’t.”

  I tilted my head. “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “I’m sure. Introduce me to your family, Baller.”

  My mouth pulled to the side. “Baller?”

  She pointed to my shirt. “The name fits you.”

  “Okay, Freckles.” I hooked an arm around her waist and tugged her close. “Come meet my family.”

  VANESSA

  There were two couples and two young boys. I imagined the older couple was Liam’s parents. I recognized one of the men as Liam’s brother, Max, the owner of Mac’s.

  “Is there room for two more?” Liam asked as we approached the table where his family sat.

  All eyes turned to us, skimming over my prom dress and settling on our joined hands.

  “Hey,” the older man cheered, his green eyes lit up with affection, and I immediately liked him. He had a kind face and dark hair that was peppered with gray. Beside him sat a woman with short blonde hair, curious green eyes, and a wide smile. She was perfectly put together, from her hair and makeup, to the jewels decorating her ears, neck, and fingers, down to her sleek outfit. This woman screamed high class and wealth.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked as Liam bent over and kissed her on the cheek. “I thought you were at Coach’s barbecue.”

  “I was,” Liam answered as he pulled out an empty chair for me, then one for himself before introducing me. “Everyone, this is Vanessa.” He gestured to the older couple. “This is my dad, Mac, and my mom, Ella.”

  I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie.”

  “Oh, honey”—she waved her hand—“please call me Ella.”

  “Call me Mac,” Mr. Mackenzie added.

  “We call her Mimi,” the youngest boy at the table chimed in with a toothless grin. He was freaking adorable.

  Liam chuckled. “That’s my nephew Aiden.” He gestured to the others. “This is my brother, Max, my sister-in-law, Jessica, and my nephew Cole.”

  I smiled and lifted a hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Max was handsome, and though he seemed to be quite older than Liam, it was obvious they were brothers. Jessica was beautiful and petite, with shoulder-length blonde hair and big blue eyes. Both boys had dark hair, but the youngest, Aiden, favored his mother.

  “You look familiar,” Max said.

  “I met you a couple of times when I came in with my dad.”

  Max’s brows pinched together.

  “Coach Abbott,” I added.

  “That’s right.” He snapped his fingers and pointed at me.

  A server came over to the table and took our drink order. As she hurried off, Liam asked, “Where’s Dylan?”

  “He went to prom.” Jessica grinned.

  Her eyes darted from Liam to me, then down to my dress. My cheeks heated, and I smiled tightly before looking over at Liam.

  “Dad made him go.” Cole laughed.

  Max gave an unapologetic shrug. “He’ll thank me later.”

  “Vanessa had her senior prom tonight, too,” Liam told everyone, throwing his arm across the back of my chair.

  “I thought you looked a little overdressed for this place,” Jessica joked.

  “Her date turned out to be a di—jerk,” he corrected himself, remembering there were kids at the table. “So I’m giving her prom 2.0.”

  Ella raised her brows. “Oh?”

  “What’s prom 2.0?” Cole asked, and my eyes shifted to him. His lips were pulled into a smirk. He couldn’t have been more than twelve or thirteen, but he was gorgeous. Max and Jessica were going to have their hands full with that one.

  “Yeah. What exactly does prom 2.0 entail?” I teased.

  “A prom redo,” he answered, then gestured to the flowers on the table. “First flowers—but not roses because Vanessa hates them.” I snorted and shook my head. “Then dinner,” he added.

  “My daddy buys my mommy roses,” Aiden chimed in. “The red kind.”

  “Your daddy is a smart guy, buddy,” Liam said with a soft laugh.

  The server returned with our drinks, and Liam ordered us both burgers and fries. The conversation flowed comfortably, and I found myself fitting right in with Liam’s family.

  After dinner, we said goodbye and headed out to the boardwalk that ran along the outer edge of Pelican Cove, overlooking the bay. Every fifteen feet or so, there was a lamppost with a bench under it.

  “Your family is amazing,” I said. “Your nephews are adorable.”

  “Adorable little shits.” Liam laughed.

  “So, Max is the oldest and you have an older sister in California?” I hedge.

  “Yeah, Emerson.” He nodded. “She lives in Malibu with her family. Her daughter, Jayla, and Cole are the same age. I see them a few times a year: a couple weeks in the summer, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.”

  “It’s nice that you have a big family and that you’re all close. It’s only been Dad and me for a long time. I haven’t seen my grandparents in a few years. They like to travel the country in their RV, but they call to check in every so often.”

  “Let me see your phone,” Liam said, holding out his hand.

  “What for?” I asked, but I was already fishing it out of my clutch.

  “Prom pictures to share with the grandparents,” he replied as I placed my phone in his hand. “Go stand over by the lamppost with your flowers.”

  I did as he asked. He snapped a few pictures. “Put the flowers and your purse down on the bench so I can get you in just your dress.”

  “Seriously?” I laughed.

  “You only get one prom.” He smirked.

  “Two,” I corrected, dropping the flowers and my clutch on the bench. “Now what?”

  He gave me a bored look. “I’ve seen your pictures on social media. Pose.”

  “Creeper.” I laughed, propping my hand on my hip and tilting my head. “Like this?”

  “Perfect.” He lowered my phone and moved to stand in front of me. “You’re beautiful.”

  My cheeks flushed, and he pulled me to sit beside him on the bench. Curling his arm around my shoulders, he tugged me close, then held up my phone with his other hand. “Smile.”

  I smiled big because prom 2.0 was awesome. He took one of himself kissing me on the cheek, another of me kissing him on the cheek, and then he turned and caught my lips with his.

  Warmth spread through me as his tongue pushed into my mouth and slid against mine. His hand moved from my shoulder to cup the back of my head as he deepened the kiss. The world stood still, and the noisy nightlife was drowned out by the pounding of my heart. It was just the two of us and this amazing kiss.

  All too soon, he pulled away and pressed his forehead to mine as both of us struggled to catch our breath. Music and laughter filled my ears, and the world righted itself.

  “What’s next?” I asked.

  Standing, he held out his h
and and helped me to my feet. “Now we dance.”

  LIAM

  Splash was an eighteen-and-up dance club and about half the size of a regular club. They didn’t serve alcohol, so it was mostly overrun by high schoolers and underaged college kids who didn’t own a fake ID and needed somewhere to hang out.

  “Liam Mackenzie,” Big Mike said, raising his hand.” What’s up, brother?” He clasped his hand around mine and pulled me into a bro-hug with a slap to the back. Big Mike was a linebacker for the UH football team. He’d been working as a bouncer at Splash since we were freshmen.

  “Just out with my girl.” I gestured to Vanessa.

  Big Mike took her in and grinned.

  “She ditch prom, too?” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “I think half the town skipped prom tonight.”

  Great. I rolled my eyes and reminded myself I was doing this for Vanessa.

  “Do you have your ID?”

  “Yes.” She fished it out of her little purse and handed it over to Big Mike.

  “Vanessa Abbott.” His lifted his gaze to meet mine, humor dancing in his eyes as he asked, “Any relation to Coach Abbott?”

  “He’s my dad,” she replied.

  Big Mike barked out a laugh, shaking his head as he passed Vanessa’s ID back to her. “Liam, dude, I knew you had balls, but damn.”

  I curled my arm around Vanessa’s waist and smirked. “She’s totally worth it.”

  His attention shifted to Vanessa, and he nodded. “I’m sure she is.” He stepped to the side and swept his hand toward the open door. “Have fun.”

  Splash was packed wall to wall with fucking teenagers—almost all of them dressed in prom attire.

  Vanessa leaned into my ear and yelled over the loud music. “We don’t have to stay.”

  I dipped my head. “Do you want to leave?”

  She opened her mouth, but before she could answer, a flash of blonde hair blew past me and slammed into Vanessa, nearly knocking her off her feet. Vanessa wrapped her arms around the blonde, and then they were both screeching.