Playing The Player

04.

"Nice place," I remarked as Daniel parked by the sidewalk.

"Yeah, the perks of having parents with businesses across the country," he replied as I got out.

"Party man is here!" a guy shouted from the roof.

"Why is he up there?" I frowned.

"He's drunk. Last time he fell and broke his arm," Daniel shook his head.

"Ouch."

"Yeah."

He opened the front door for me, and I stepped inside to the sound of loud music.

"Damn, you look hot! Selfie!" A cheerleader rushed over and snapped a quick picture with me.

"I'm so glad you made it!" Harper shrieked when she spotted me, dressed in a short cocktail dress, heels, and heavy makeup.

"Thanks for inviting me," I smiled.

"Hey, Danny!" she called to Daniel, who was chatting with James and Eric.

"Hey, Harper," he said, hugging her with a smile. "Great party as usual."

"Thanks! Later, you'll know where my room is," she whispered, but I overheard.

"Look, Harper, I'm not in the mood tonight," he replied.

"But why?" she pouted.

"Because it was fun, but I'm done."

"Is it because of her?" she accused, pointing at me.

"It's not like th—"

"Jordan, if you're dating him, be careful. He only wants one thing," she warned before walking away.

"She's just upset I'm not giving her attention like I used to," Daniel said, turning to me.

"Why?"

He stepped closer, locking eyes with me. "Maybe because I have my eyes set on someone else," he whispered with a smirk, his warm breath brushing my face.

"And who's this someone else?" I grinned.

He opened his mouth to answer, but one of his friends called, "Yo, Daniel!" As he turned, they shouted, "We're going to play beer pong."

"I'm in!" Daniel replied, turning back to me. "Wanna come?"

"Nah, I'm good," I waved him off. "I'm going to check out the back."

I walked outside to find a few people hanging out and smoking by the pool.

"Hey, Jordan," a guy called, and I turned to see Liam, my neighbor with light blonde hair.

"Hey," I smiled.

"Want a drink?" he offered me a beer.

"Sure," I said, taking it and sipping.

"So, enjoying the party?" he asked.

"It's alright, but not as good as the ones back in New York," I shrugged.

"You're friends with Maya, right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Do you know if she likes anyone?"

Oh no, please don’t tell me he likes her. She likes Eric. "Um, yeah, she does like someone."

"Oh."

"Wait, do you like her?" I frowned.

He shook his head. "Nah, just checking for a buddy. At least if she likes someone, he won't embarrass himself asking her out."

What if it's Eric who's asking and he moves on?

"Well, I'm going to find my buddy and tell him before—"

"Wait, maybe you should let him ask her out. Who knows, maybe he's the one she likes," I suggested hopefully.

"Are you saying Maya could be crushing on Christopher?"

Wait, Chris?

"Chris?"

"Yeah, he kinda has a crush on Maya, but don't tell her or he'll kill me," he replied.

I spotted Eric coming outside with a beer and a girl with black hair, giggling at his side. "Who's she?" I asked.

"Oh, that's Ava, Eric's best friend. She just came for the weekend. She goes to a private school in the city."

"Have they…"

"Dated?" He continued my question. "Yeah, once in freshman year, I think. Here's a secret: I think she still has feelings for him," he whispered.

Oh.

"So, what about Maya and Chris?"

"Um…" I glanced at Eric and Ava. Ava pecked Eric's lips before heading back inside. He stood frozen, cheeks flushed, fingers brushing his lips.

"Maybe you should tell Chris he can ask her out. I don't know if Maya can change her mind quickly," I suggested.

"Cool, and what about you? Single?" he smirked.

"Yeah, not for long," I winked.

"Daniel is dangerous. You don't want to get involved with him," he warned.

"Don't worry, I love danger," I assured him, locking eyes.

"You have nice eyes, by the way," he complimented.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"Anyways, we'll catch up later, Jordan," he said before heading back inside as Eric dove into the pool.

*Sigh*

What should I tell Maya? Eric's ex-girlfriend still has feelings for him? I saw them together at the party, and honestly, I think he still likes her.

"Ugh," I groaned in frustration.

"What's wrong?" James asked as I grabbed a beer.

"Just frustrated," I sighed. "Trying to play cupid here."

"Who's the lucky couple? You and me?" He grinned.

"Not a chance," I snorted.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. When Daniel breaks your heart, I'll be here to pick you up," he smirked.

"Confident, are we?"

"Absolutely," he nodded.

°*°*°*°

"Come on, Danny, please," I saw Harper tugging at Daniel's shirt. She was definitely drunk, but I was a bit tipsy myself.

"Look, Harper, what happened in the past is over. I'm done," Daniel replied.

"But you always come upstairs with me at my parties. Why is this one different?" she snapped.

"Because it just is. Weren't you making out with Scott earlier?"

"Oh, that's his name?" she raised an eyebrow. "He doesn't mean anything to me, Danny."

"Sorry, Harp, but I'm finished with you," he said, turning to leave.

"Is it because of that b***h Jordan?"

Excuse me?

"She's not a b***h. Maybe you should learn some self-respect from her," he shot back.

"I hate you, Daniel! When you get a taste of your own medicine, don't come running back to me because I won't be your rebound!" she screamed, storming upstairs.

"Wow, you really let go of a hot girl, man," Chris said, slapping Daniel's back.

"And I'm happy about it," Daniel replied. "Have you seen Jordan?"

I headed to the kitchen and saw my brother doing a body shot with a senior.

"When did you get here?" I frowned as he finished and the girl gave him her number.

"About an hour ago. This party is wild!" he cheered, grabbing a beer.

"I want one," I said, but he held it above my head.

"You gotta work for it, sis," he grinned. I jumped, glared at him, then leaped onto his back to grab the drink, causing us both to fall, landing with me on top.

"s**t," he groaned.

"Hey, Jordan, I nee—" Daniel stopped short when he saw us on the floor. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

I got up, and so did Joshua. "The name's Joshua," he introduced himself.

Daniel glared at him. "You don't go to our high school, do you?"

"Nah, I graduated."

"Jordan, do you know him?" Daniel continued to eye my brother suspiciously.

"Of course, he's my brother and a total jerk," I replied.

"You mean a sexy jerk," Joshua corrected. "I'll leave you guys to talk. Jordan, I'll be heading out in three hours," he said before leaving.

"So, what do you want?" I asked, opening the refrigerator.

"I've been thinking lately…"

"About?"

"Stuff. I wanted to know if you're busy tomorrow."

"Besides recovering from a hangover and binge-watching Riverdale? Nope," I shook my head.

"I was wondering if you'd like to go out for an evening of fun with me."

"Free food?"

"Anything you want."

"Then sure, I'd love to," I nodded, smiling.

Perfect. I can always make up an excuse tomorrow if I need to. All players love to stand up their dates; I can use that to my advantage.

"Really?" His face lit up.

I nodded.

"Thank you so much," he hugged me, and I awkwardly hugged him back.

"Um... you're welcome?"

He released me and tilted my head up with his fingers, locking eyes before glancing at my lips, then back to my eyes. "Just kiss me. I hate when guys stare for two minutes and then walk away or ki—" I cut him off as he pressed his lips against mine. Wow.

I responded, wrapping my arms around his neck. His lips were soft and warm. He pulled away slightly, resting his forehead against mine.

"Wow," I said.

"Yeah, wow. You're a great kisser," he smirked.

"I know."

Daniel's POV

Damn, that was hot. She was a better kisser than any girl I've ever kissed. I hope she felt the spark I did—or whatever it was. I want to feel it again, especially if it means kissing her again.

She enjoyed that kiss; I could tell. Eventually, she'll fall for me.

My plan was going smoothly, especially with that date tomorrow.

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