Chapter 3

“What planet are you living on?” Charlotte demanded. “There are only two other people as popular as you in this world, and Timberline sure isn’t one of them! He needs you more than you need him. You, Jordan, and Steve—right now, you guys are at the top of the game, kings of the hill! My best friend might just be the most sought-after performer out there, and with Jordan Quick and Steve Hammer by her side, there’s no doubt. You’ll be boosting Timberline, not the other way around.”

“Wow, you sound pretty sure about all that. It’s hard for me to believe I could be that popular. But Jack did help me out when I was starting, so I feel like I owe him. This should make us even,” Gwen decided.

“Yeah, I guess so. But remember, Paula mentioned how he tried to hit on you right in front of her. She doesn’t trust him much, and your mom’s usually a good judge of character. You know his reputation. Just be careful around him,” Charlotte cautioned.

“Don’t worry. Sure, he’s good-looking, but he’s no Steve. I won’t be tempted. I guess Steve’s spoiled me for other guys,” Gwen chuckled.

Steve seemed understanding when Gwen explained about singing with Jack Timberline during his first game. He reassured her not to stress about it, since he seemed destined to warm the bench for a while.

Gwen felt uneasy about Jack Timberline’s eagerness to perform ‘Glory of Love’ with her, but she didn’t voice her concerns. They spent an hour rehearsing the song that Thursday afternoon, and Gwen couldn’t help noticing that Timberline lacked Steve’s vocal skills, rugged charm, and charisma.

Later that evening, backstage before her duet, Gwen noticed how different the atmosphere was compared to performing with Steve, Jordan, Charlie, and their band. The concert was packed, and Jack delivered a solid performance, but both he and his band seemed to be going through the motions with little emotion. Gwen decided it was her turn to bring some life back into the show.

When her moment came, Gwen gave it her all. Jack seemed to step up his game, not wanting to be outshone by Gwen. After the concert, Jack asked Gwen to stick around, and since her duet was one of the last songs, she agreed. Before she knew it, she found herself accepting his invitation to dinner, where she even had a glass of wine.

“There are some great clubs nearby,” Jack suggested as he escorted Gwen to his limo after dinner. “Let’s hit a couple before calling it a night. We might not cross paths again for months, even years. Say you’ll come with me. I’ll get you home whenever you’re ready.”

Gwen hadn’t been out much since dropping Steve off at Annapolis, so Jack’s proposal intrigued her. “Just for a little while. I don’t want to stay out too late, but I wouldn’t mind dancing for a bit.”

An hour later, Jack handed Gwen another drink as they made their way back to their table. He urged her to down it quickly so they could hit the dance floor again. Two songs later, they were wrapped tightly in each other’s arms, swaying to a slow tune. Jack started nibbling at Gwen’s ear and neck, sending shivers down her spine. Then he tilted her chin up and kissed her gently. Gwen didn’t pull away, and Jack slipped his tongue into her mouth.

“Let’s head back to my hotel room,” Jack whispered in her ear after breaking the kiss. “We can have another drink and see where things go. How does that sound to you?”

Feeling a bit queasy and not exactly thrilled about Jack’s advances, Gwen realized Steve was the only man she’d ever kissed like that. With Steve, it had been so much better—more romantic, more loving. Thoughts of Steve’s kisses brought her back to the reality of being in a club, in Jack Timberline’s arms.

“Could you give me a moment to freshen up?” Gwen asked, trying to maintain composure. “We’ll talk when I get back.”

Jack grinned widely and settled back into his seat at the table as Gwen hurried toward the ladies’ room. Instead of stopping there, she continued out the door and hailed a taxi parked nearby. Twenty minutes later, she walked into her dorm room, where a dozen curious girls stared at her in silence.

Gwen was near tears as she glanced around the room at all the curious faces. Charlotte rushed over to her side.

“We watched the football game and caught Steve’s interview. He was amazing! I thought you’d be back hours ago. Is everything okay?” Charlotte asked, concern evident in her voice.

“H-How did Steve do? Did he play?” Gwen forced herself to steady her breathing and focus. “Why was he interviewed?”

“Whoa, you really haven’t heard?” Charlotte exclaimed. “He brought Navy back from a 24-0 deficit! They beat Ohio State on the last play of the game! Looks like he’ll be starting from now on. Are you alright, Gwen?”

“You mean besides acting like an idiot, missing Steve’s game, and potentially messing up my life? Other than that, I’m peachy,” Gwen groaned as she sank into a chair offered by one of the girls.

“What happened that’s got you so upset? Do you want these girls to leave so we can talk?” Charlotte asked, realizing Gwen’s distress.

“No, they can stay. Somehow, confessing what an idiot I’ve been to a bunch of people makes me feel better,” Gwen admitted. “Jack Timberline asked me to dinner after the concert. Then he wanted to go clubbing. After a few drinks, he suggested going back to his hotel room.”

“Oh no, Gwen! You didn’t go through with it, did you?” Charlotte asked anxiously. “I warned you about him. What are you going to tell Steve?”

“I’m gonna tell him straight up: I acted like an idiot, I kissed that Timberline guy, but I didn’t go to his hotel room, and I sure as hell didn’t sleep with him,” Gwen said firmly.

“I know there’ll be pics of me with Timberline and probably rumors about us hooking up, but I swear it was just one kiss. That kiss reminded me how much better Steve is. I walked out, grabbed a cab, and came back here.”

“You’re probably the only woman on the planet who’d be upset over people thinking you hooked up with Jack Timberline. But after watching that football game and Steve’s interview, I get why you wouldn’t want him thinking there was anything else going on,” Dakota admitted. “He’s a total catch!”