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)
Knox
* * *
Today has sucked. Corie spent the day lounging around the house with Landry, and tonight, she and Sloane have declared that it’s girls’ night. That means I don’t get time with her today, and I’m not a fan. Ten out of ten do not recommend it.
I’m aware that I’ve spent my day pouting like a toddler who lost his toys, but it’s more than not getting time with her. I miss her. Not just Hey, it’s been a while. I miss you. It’s more like a piece of me is missing, sort of missing her.
My phone rings, and I rush to answer it, hoping it’s her, but I sigh when I see Landry’s name pop up. “Hey,” I greet him, trying not to show my disappointment.
“What’s up?” he asks.
“Just sitting around the house. What are you doing today?” Other than taking all my girl's time.
“It’s been sibling day around here. Corie and I watched a couple of Mom's favorite movies and just vegged out all day. It’s been nice. She’s been gone a lot, and I’ve missed having her around.”
Guilt.
It sits heavy on my chest. I know I’ve been taking all of her time, but if we could tell him about us, we could all hang out together. I know she’s not there yet, but damn, am I looking forward to when that day comes. It's going to take some time, and I’m sure he’s going to be pissed, but I’m really into his sister. More so than any woman before her. There is something about Corie Reynolds that calls to me.
“That sounds cool, man.”
“Yeah,” he agrees. “Anyway, she’s going out with Sloane. She’s on her way over, and they’re getting ready together. Girls are weird,” he mumbles. “You want to come watch some tape or something?”
“Yep.” I’m standing and walking toward my room to change as I answer. Sure, I want to hang out with my best friend, but I also want five minutes with his sister—just a kiss and to hold her for just a few minutes. I just need my Corie fix, and I’ll be fine.
“Yeah, bring food. Wait, I’ll call the guys. Maybe we can play some poker.”
“Sure, whatever sounds good. What kind of food?”
“Skip the food; we’ll just order pizza once I know who is in.”
Even better, that gets me to his place faster. “Got it. I’ll see you in a few.” We say goodbye, and I quickly change clothes and slip into my shoes. I realize I’m going to look desperate to Landry if I rush right over. So, instead of leaving, I slowly walk twenty laps around my kitchen. That’s enough time to make it look like I didn’t race out the door. I lock up and amble to my truck after ensuring I have my keys, wallet, and phone.
Sloane pulls into Landry’s driveway right behind me, and suddenly, my day is starting to look up. That means Corie is still here, and they still have to get ready. My chances of that five minutes I’m jonesing for could be a very real possibility.
“Hey, QB,” Sloane greets me.
“Need some help?” I ask her.
“No, but I’m going to take it anyway. Then, I’m going to disappear into the bathroom upstairs and give you a few minutes with our girl. She’s been cranky today.”
“What’s wrong?”
“She tried to get out of girls’ night. It’s not like we’re going to a club. We’re meeting a few of the girls I work with at a bar on the edge of town,” she explains. “Anyway, I think she misses her man.” She smirks.
My chest feels lighter at her best friend’s words. I want to tell her they should stay here and hang out with us, but I know I can’t. Corie deserves time with her best friend. Sloane also needs that. She’s covered for us so much in the last couple of weeks, and they both need this time together. “I’ll talk to her,” I tell Sloane as we approach the porch.
“Talk, kiss—whatever else you need to do to turn that frown of hers upside down.”
“I’m on it,” I tell her, chuckling under my breath. She stops at the front door, knocks, but doesn’t wait for an answer as she turns the knob and walks inside.
“Honey! I’m home!” she calls out.
“Core’s upstairs in her room!” Landry calls back.
Sloane places her finger to her lips, telling me to be quiet, and I nod as I quietly follow her up the steps. She nods toward Corie’s door, handing me the rest of the bags, while she slips into the bathroom.
Knocking on the door, my girl calls out, “It’s open,” so I step inside.
“Do we really have to go?” she asks. She’s lying on the bed in a tank top and athletic shorts, with her arm tossed over her eyes. “We could just hang out here.”