Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
If he only knew.
“You got it.”
“I’m going to call it a night soon, anyway. Coach kicked our asses today at practice.”
“Do you need anything? Did you eat?” I ask, feeling the guilt roll in again like a punch to the gut. I’ve been cooking for him every night until Knox and I started this… whatever we’re doing.
“I did. Carla made this chicken and rice dish that Knox would be happy I’m eating. It was delicious, and it was healthy. There’s some left if you want some.”
“No, thank you. Sloane and I are going to grab dinner.”
“You seem happy,” he says out of the blue.
I smile because he’s right. “I am,” I confirm.
He nods. “Be safe. Are you coming home or staying at Sloane’s?” he asks.
“I might just stay there if it gets too late. I can always come home in the morning to get ready for work.”
“Sounds good. Love you.”
“Love you, too.” I hug him and rush out the door. My hands shake with excitement as I pull out of the driveway and head toward Knox’s place. He’s said a few times that he wishes that I could stay with him all night. If he asks tonight, I’ll be granting that wish.
I’m almost at Knox’s place when he calls me. “Hey, I’m almost there,” I answer. “I stayed and talked to my brother for a little while.”
“Have you eaten yet?” he asks.
“No. I wanted to eat with you,” I tell him honestly.
“Good. I’ll meet you at my truck. We’re going for a drive.”
“Should we do that?” I ask him.
“My windows are tinted, and we won’t really be out in public. Not for what I have planned.”
“That sounds suspicious,” I say, turning into the parking lot for his place.
“Listen, Corie, my girl just pulled up, and it’s been a full twenty-four hours since I’ve kissed her. I’m going to have to call you back,” he says as he ends the call and pulls open my car door. “Corie girl.” He grins.
“You hung up on me.” I pretend to be offended when we both know that I’m not.
“Come on.” He offers me his hand. Quickly, I grab my purse, phone, and keys before placing my hand in his and allowing him to help me out of my SUV. He makes sure my door is locked before leading me to his truck. He opens the door and motions for me to climb inside. I do, and he immediately shuts the door before running around the front of the truck and sliding behind the wheel. He starts the engine and then turns to face me.
“Everything okay?” I ask. He’s acting off.
“It is now.” Sliding one hand behind my neck, he uses the other to cradle my cheek as his lips connect with mine.
His kiss speaks a language all on its own. If it had a voice, it would say, I missed you, and I’m happy to see you. There is no hesitation in the way his lips take mine or the way he commands my body, angling my head just the way he wants me. With the first touch, I surrender all control to him.
When we both need air, he pulls back, resting his back against the seat, but his eyes remain on me. “Tinted windows,” he rasps. “Best invention ever.”
I can’t help it. I sputter with laughter. “Is that what all the urgency was about?” I ask.
“Corie girl, it had been way too long since I’d kissed you. Yes, it was urgent.”
I shake my head at him, smiling like a fool. “You’re too much.”
He leans toward me again, and this time, I’m ready, meeting him halfway. “And all yours,” he says, pressing his lips to mine, this time in a short peck.
“Where are we headed?”
“Buckle up, baby. You’re about to find out.” He waits for me to fasten my seat belt before he does the same, pulling out onto the road. “What sounds good for dinner?”
“Honestly, anything. I don’t have anything specific in mind if you do.”
“How about we do tacos?”
“Sure,” I agree. “How was your day?”
“Brutal. Coach kicked our asses.”
“Landry said the same. He was actually planning on going to bed early.”
He laughs. “A few months ago, that would have been me, too.”
“We don’t have to go anywhere. I can go home, too, if you need to rest. What am I saying? Of course, you need to rest. I’ve been taking up all your time. I’m sorry.”
Reaching over, he places his hand on my knee. “There is nothing for you to be sorry for. You’re taking all my spare time because I’m giving it to you freely. I want this time with you, Corie. If I were in dire need of rest, I’d just haul you to my bed, and we would sleep, but tonight, the weather is nice, still warm, and I want to do this with you before that changes.”