Foul Play (Whithall University Book 1) (24 page)

“Okay, so we got all that sorted. Now, how are we going to distract them?’’ I ask.

“Cole and I were thinking about starting a fight,’’ CJ grins. “Cole can get away when everyone’s attention is on me. Simple enough,’’ he shrugs.

“Too simple,’’ Becca says and I jump. Until now she’s been silent and hearing her voice kind of scared me.

“What if something happens and you two can’t get to that chest. We need someone else as backup,’’ she tells us.

“I can’t,’’ Jordan says sadly. “I’ve got my little sister that night otherwise I would.’’

I sigh, feeling defeated. If Cole doesn’t let me go then there’s a chance we may never get that chest. With a costume no one will ever know it’s me. When I go to voice my opinion, the look on Cole’s face stops me. Something tells me I’d have to walk on fire for a chance to ever go to that party and get my revenge.

“I know someone,’’ Allie speaks up gaining everyone’s attention.

“Well aren’t you Miss Popular,’’ CJ grins, winking at her.

“Hey, Alex,’’ Allie shouts, and Alex, who is currently busy stacking up some book on the counter jumps, knocking the books off to the floor.

CJ chuckles and Allie turns, shooting him a glare, warning him to shut up. It’s the first time CJ has met Alex but no doubt Cole filled him in the other day.

“Sorry,’’ she winces as Alex walks over a frown scrunching up his face.

“It’s fine. You startled me,’’ he grins and pulls up a chair beside her, resting his arm against the back of her chair. CJ growls low in the back of his throat and my eyes widen at the daggers he’s shooting Alex’s way.

Holy crap, someone’s jealous.

Allie doesn’t seem to notice or seem to care and in a way I’m glad it’s not addressed as I move my chair an inch closer to Cole. All we need is CJ starting a fight and scaring Rosie and Becca more than they already are.

“Uh oh!’’ I mutter under my breath and Cole chuckles, kissing the tip of my nose. Thankfully no one is paying attention to us; they’re busy listening to Allie fill Alex in. When he realises what we’re all doing here his eyes go round, his body shaking.

“Holy fuck!’’ he grunts, shaking his head. “I... Fuck... I... Yeah, I’ll help,’’ he nods. “Will I be allowed in though?’’ he asks out of nowhere. “I mean, I’m not the type they usually invite to parties so won’t they just kick me out?’’ he winces.

Allie pats his arm, earning another deep growl from CJ. “Down boy,’’ I whisper, loud enough for him to hear. He shoots me a glare, his eyes darting back to Allie, finding her hand is on Alex’s shoulder, a murderous look washing over his expression.

“You’ll be in costume. It’s fine. It’s just for precaution and to make sure no one stops us from getting that chest,’’ she explains.

He sighs and looks around the table. “Yeah, I’m in. I’ll find a costume next weekend,’’ he nods.

“Shouldn’t we know who’s dressing as who?’’ I ask and Cole shoots me a warning look, as if he’s silently telling me to get the whole ‘we’ out of my head. I sigh, feeling defeated. I know I won’t be able to sit back and do nothing, it’s not in me.

“Yeah. If we all meet up at Allie’s and Willow’s, we’ll be able to go over everything once more then,’’ Cole tells everyone and I nod my head, agreeing.

“So that’s it, it’s on. If anyone needs to back out, let me know,’’ CJ announces but no one speaks up. He keeps his eyes on Alex, trying to scare him enough to back out.

“I’ll let you know if any information comes through on the blog,’’ Jordan tells him.

“I’m defo up for it. I’ve already got the perfect outfit in mind,’’ Jane grins. “They won’t know who drugged them,’’ she giggles.

“Let’s hope not,’’ I say dryly.

“I need to get back to class,’’ Jane announces, grabbing her tiny handbag. She waves goodbye to everyone before leaving, promising to not let us down.

Becca and Rosie stand, ready to follow when Jordan speaks up. “Do you two want to come to a coffee place down the road? My mom owns it,’’ she asks them, her eyes locked on Rosie’s.

Rosie looks to Becca, worry and fear clouding her judgement. When Becca nods her head avidly Rosie quietly nods her head and reaches down for her bag.

Standing up, I pull Becca in for a hug and when I pull back I give her a warm smile. “When this is all over we can do dinner at mine. We’ll order pizza or something,’’ I smile.

“Yeah, sounds good,’’ she grins, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s lovely to see you again,’’ I tell Rosie, taking a step closer, unsure of what to do. When she throws herself at me I’m taken aback. Her arms wrap tightly around my body and warm tears leak from my eyes.

“Thank you, thank you so much. I... I can never thank you enough. They’d be getting away with this if it wasn’t for you,’’ she croaks, tears in her voice. I pull away, wiping her tears away and giving her a sad smile.

“You’re doing this too. You’re bravery is what will put them both away, never forget that. You’re one heck of a woman,’’ I tell her and lean forward to whisper in her ear, so no one else can hear. “I like her.’’ When I pull back Rosie gives a small smile, one that shows off her dimples, giving her an entirely new look. One I’m sure she carried all the time before everything happened to her.

“Me too,’’ she whispers shyly and I grin.

“I’ll see you soon,’’ I tell her and wave goodbye, but not before thanking Jordan for everything she’s doing for us.

When they’ve all left I sit back down at the table, noticing Allie and Alex are no longer with us. I don’t need to look to confirm they’re together because the murderous look on CJ’s face tells me they are.

Turning to see what they’re doing I frown. They’re literally laughing and joking as they fight over the books they’re picking up from the floor. When Allie shoves Alex, sending him on his arse I’m sure CJ is about two seconds away from grabbing her caveman style out of here and away from Alex.

“I don’t like him. He’s shifty,’’ CJ growls, his eyes never leaving Allie once.

Cole grunts and I have to fight back a smile. He pulls his eyes away from Allie for a second to find what Cole and I are doing. He rolls his eyes at us.

“I’m being fucking serious. It’s not right. Look at him,’’ he shoots, eyes narrowing. “Like he has a chance,’’ he mutters. “He doesn’t, right?’’ he asks, turning to look at me for confirmation.

Wanting to tease him, I put on an innocent expression and shrug, grinning when he turns back to Allie, looking worried.

“You’re evil,’’ Cole whispers in my ear, sending goosebumps down my neck.

“Get over it,’’ I whisper back, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

With everything planned and mapped out there’s been nothing for me to do but worry non-stop all week. I used my assignment, at first, as a distraction and even managed to proof read it a few times before handing it in on Wednesday.

Cole helped distract me the rest of the time; still, with only a week left to wait, I’m still feeling twitchy. I hate the waiting more than anything else. So many thoughts are running through my head over it. What if the chest isn’t there? What if they don’t keep any scores? It’s all running through my mind and I hate that there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s like having something so close, right in front of you yet, it’s still an inch out of reach. It’s driving me freaking nuts.

“What are you thinking about?’’ Allie asks, handing over some popcorn.

“Everything,’’ I reply and I feel Cole’s stare burning the side of my face. “What?’’ I say, rolling my head towards him.

He grins and it takes my breath away. You’d think I’d be immune to him by now with the amount of time we spend together and yet, no matter how many times he grins, laughs or smiles at me, it’s like seeing it for the first time all over again, stealing my breath away.

“Let’s go out, all four of us. I’m starving and if I’m reading CJ’s perky ears right then he’s hungry too. So let’s grab something to eat and go bowling. What do you think?’’ He asks.

“Night time bowling? I’m in,’’ CJ grins.

It
would
take my mind off everything so I look over at Cole, returning his smile. “Okay, what about you Allie?’’ I ask, noticing that she’s tapping away on her phone.

“Yeah, I just texted Alex to see if he wanted to do something but he’s busy with his Nan at the moment,’’ she tells us and CJ snorts. “What is your problem?’’ Allie snaps at him and I have to bite back a grin. How can she not see how jealous he is? It’s plainly obvious to everyone but her.

“Have no idea what you’re talking about,’’ he mutters, not looking at her.

“Yeah you do. Every time I’ve mentioned his name you’ve made some animalistic noise in the back of your throat,’’ she snaps, calling him out. He has in fact being doing that a lot. I’ve been too amused by it to worry over it. I don’t think he’d physically harm Alex, he’s not a bully by any means, but something tells me he’d fight for Allie if he feels threatened or if she’s threatened in any way.

“Whatever,’’ he mutters, still pouting.

I giggle and look over to Allie. “Just us four then? Girls against boys?’’ I ask, a twinkle in my eye as I glance at Allie. She smirks, looking at me with the same mischief that I’m rocking. We both rock at bowling, having lived next to one in our hometown we spent most of our school years hanging out there after school.

“You’re on,’’ she grins and CJ scoffs.

“Like you two could beat us.’’

“Just wait and see,’’ Allie sings. “I’m gonna go grab my shoes from my room.’’

“Let me grab my shoes too,’’ I tell Cole and he lets me up from the sofa, a grin on his face. I shake my head, knowing why he’s doing this. It’s to distract me and its working.

*** *** ***

The bowling place is packed, loud music and lights filling the air, groups of students, families and teenagers filter around the place.

“WOW!’’ CJ shouts over the music. “I’ve never seen the place this packed before.’’

“Me either,’’ Cole grunts, not looking impressed by the huge crowds. I’m with Cole on this one; crowds are no longer my thing. When the woman leading us to our lane takes us to the far end, I begin to relax a little.

“At least we won’t be in the centre of it all,’’ I say out loud. Cole stays close to my side, keeping a protective hand around me. It’s comforting and I can’t help my body’s reaction to having him so close to me. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the feeling. It’s like electricity zapping between us.

“So then, you pair against us two, you feeling lucky?’’ Cole whispers against my ear.

I turn my head slightly, his lips a breath away from mine. “Very lucky,’’ I tell him, a small grin tugging at my lips.

“Is that so?’’

“Umm hmm,’’ I mumble, lost in gaze.

“I’ll have to see what I can do to make sure you don’t win then,’’ he winks.

“Oh, it’s on, like Donkey Kong,’’ I grin back, tapping his cheek lightly.

He takes my hand, pulling my body against his and the air whooshes out of my lungs. I look up at him and I sigh, melting against him when I notice the teasing gleam in his eyes. This side of him is one I’m not used to, the easy, flirty behaviour but when he shows it I can’t help but feel something more for him.

“I hope you aren’t a sore loser,’’ he grins, running his nose against mine and my eyes close monumentally, a sigh slipping past my lips.

Opening my eyes, I stand up on my tip toes so that we’re eye level and he pulls in a breath, I grin. My lips hover over his, teasing him with a quick touch before pulling away slightly, whispering, “Only one person is going to lose.’’ I pull away grinning before he can say anything. His mouth hangs open in shock, his eyes filled with desire and lust so I make sure to add an extra swing in my hips as I walk over to Allie, who is too busy arguing with CJ.

“You can’t add me as cupcake,’’ she growls.

“But that’s your name,’’ he tells her, his eyes scrunched up with confusion.

“No. My name is Allie. A.L.L.I.E, you idiot.’’

“Look,’’ he says holding up his hand, ready to argue so I take a step forward, interrupting.

“Let’s just play. Allie, let the cupcake go,’’ I tell her, trying hard to fight my grin.

“But...’’

“Nuh uh,’’ I warn, waving my finger at her.

“He started it,’’ she mutters, glaring at CJ.

“You got the board set up then?’’ I ask CJ and he grins, nodding his head, pleased with himself. I look up and roll my eyes. He’s put my name as Willow Tree, Cole’s, I presume is The Hulk and his as Sexiest Man Alive. “Really?’’ I ask dryly.

“What? I am the Sexiest Man Alive, don’t deny it,’’ he winks and gestures to Allie to take her go. “Do you need me to get you a bowling ball ramp?’’ he teases, winking at Allie.

“No, but you should have it handy because you’ll need it,’ she winks back, surprising him.

He laughs and I watch amused while taking my coat and gloves off. I’m so busy watching Allie line up the perfect shot that I don’t feel Cole come up behind me until it’s too late, shivers racing up my spine.

“You’re gonna miss,’’ CJ booms, throwing his hands up. Allie looks over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes on him, although, his distraction doesn’t stop her from taking the shot. We all watch as it runs down the centre lane, heading straight for the pins.

“Strike,’’ I yell out, and run to Allie, hugging her.

We’re both laughing and jumping around and when we pull apart we find Cole and CJ stood side by side staring at us, their gazes narrowed.

“I think we just got played,’’ Cole grins.

CJ narrows his eyes at Allie, yet, you can’t miss the lust sparkling in his eyes. “I don’t know whether to spank your arse for fun or to punish you,’’ he tells her and I burst out laughing. Poor Allie turns bright red, looking away so quickly that I’m surprised she doesn’t have whiplash.

“Your turn,’’ I tell CJ, grinning from ear to ear. Allie and I move out the way and I head over to Cole, loving the surprised look on his face.

“It’s so on,’’ he mutters, smirking down at me.

“Too right it is,’’ I grin and he leans down, taking me by surprise when he kisses me full force in front of everyone. CJ whoops and I start chuckling, pulling away from the kiss. My face is flushed and I’m breathless from the heated kiss. When I turn to the side, Allie is watching us, a happy expression lighting up her entire face.

“What?’’ I mutter, turning back to find CJ still has one pin left to knock down.

“Nothing,’’ she sings, moving closer towards me. “I knew it,’’ she whispers and I look back at her, confused.

“Knew what?’’

“You and Cole. I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. You pair could light up Blackpool with the sparks that fly whenever you’re together,’’ she grins.

“Allie,’’ I laugh, shoving her lightly on the shoulder.

“Nah, it’s rigged mate. No way I could have missed that,’’ CJ whines, walking over to the table where we’re all standing.

Allie and I look at the score board at the same time and burst out laughing. Seems that our charming, over confident, CJ is all mouth. He got all but one pin. That must have done some serious damage to his overinflated ego.

“Oh, laugh now, little lady but it’s your turn,’’ he shoots at me and I grin, picking up a ball of my own.

I move to the front of our lane, lining the ball up, ready to take my shot. My hands lift, but I freeze when I feel the heat of Cole’s body at my back, needing to steady my breathing.

“Can I help you?’’ I ask Cole, eyeing him over my shoulder, knowing the sly game he’s playing.

“No, just making sure everything is okay,’’ he tells me innocently, his body firmly pressed against mine.

“Could you step back, please?’’ I ask nicely, feeling my body light up.

“Oh no, I’m okay here. C’mon, we’re waiting,’’ he tells me, nodding his head to the pins and I grin, shaking my head over him playing dirty.

“It’s your balls,’’ I warn him and he grins, not believing I’ll swing back. When he realises I’m not bluffing, his eyes widen and he takes a quick step back. The ball wobbles a bit running down the lane and I hold my hands above my head, waiting in anticipation. When I see it begin to head in the right direction I start to bend down, ready to jump up with glee. Then it happens, it hits all of the pins, knocking them down in one and I turn, my arms above my head, shouting, and a huge smile on my face. “Take that,’’ I boom, laughing at Cole’s and CJ’s stunned expressions.

“No. No, no, no, no, no,’’ CJ chants, looking unimpressed. “You’re cheating,’’ he accuses, pointing at me then at Allie.

“How?’’ Allie snaps, hands on her hips. “You roll a ball and hope for the best,’’ she mutters.

“No. It’s skill,’’ he growls.

“Skills you blatantly don’t have,’’ she snaps back louder and I start laughing.

“And you were worried I’d be the sore loser?’’ I ask Cole, and squeal when he picks me up, spinning me around. I’m dizzy once he puts me back down on my feet, kissing me breathless.

“You are so freaking hot,’’ he mutters against my lips. “What else can you do?’’

“Wouldn’t you like to know?’’ I tease and push him towards the balls. “Your turn to show us what you’ve got.’’

“Best get my game face on then,’’ he tells me, his eyes soft.

He moves, grabbing a ball off the ball belt. As he walks backwards he sends me a cheeky wink, making me blush. He looks hot standing in front of the lane, his back muscles tightening in the grey t-shirt that he’s wearing. He swings his arm back, his biceps bulging and straining against his tee. I’m breathless, my heart beating rapidly, my cheeks flaming hot. I don’t even see the shot he takes; I’m too stunned by his appearance to notice anything else around me. I’m shamelessly ogling him.

CJ cheers, his loud voice shaking me out of my daydream. Cole walks slowly over to me, like a lion after his prey and my breathing escalate once again.

You’ll need an inhaler soon with the way he affects you, Willow.

“Looks like we might stand a chance after all,’’ he winks and for a moment I have no idea what he’s talking about. Then I realise where we are and it all comes back, my face heating.

Looking up at the score board it reads Cole got a strike. I bite back a grin, although, I still end up smirking when I gaze back up at him.

“You’re still losing,’’ I whisper, teasingly.

“From where I’m standing, I’m the winner either way,’’ he tells me cryptically, his eyes darkening, full of lust and something else, leaving me with my mouth agape.

I don’t get a chance to reply because CJ grabs me, swinging me around in excitement. “Score,’’ he shouts down my ear and I laugh, enjoying his excitement.

*** *** ***

“I’m telling you, that game was rigged,’’ CJ whines as we walk next door to the fast food joint that’s thankfully open until late.

“You’re such a sore loser,’’ Allie laughs, clearly gloating at our win.

“Says you who missed two balls and threw a hissy fit?’’ he snarks.

“You made me miss,’’ she growls and I’m worried the two are actually going to start physically fighting soon, either that or they’re gonna jump in bed together any day now.

“How did I?’’ he questions with a small smirk playing on his lips.

“How? How?’’ she growls louder, getting pissed. “You know exactly what you did,’’ she snaps furiously.

“No, I don’t, so why don’t you tell me?’’ he prods, asking a slap up the head.

“You smacked my arse you dickhead,’’ she snaps, whirling around on him.

“Woh, woh, woh,’’ he yelps, moving quickly out of the way. “I already explained to you that there was something on your arse. I was just swatting it away for you,’’ he explains, blatantly lying his pants off.