Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 425(@200wpm)___ 340(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“I do. Or, I did. I was the tight end,” I say, talking over the snort from Larissa. “This was my senior year.”
“I didn’t get to follow college football much this year. You had a hell of a season last year, though, didn’t you?”
Thank fuck he didn’t follow this year. He may not be quite as warm if he had.
Not that it really matters.
“Yeah. We won the National Championship. We had a great team and great coaches. It all worked out really well.”
He nods, still thinking. “Did you ever play any baseball?”
“No. No, I didn’t.” I laugh. “There are too many games a year and not enough opportunities to … express myself.”
He laughs, reading between the lines and understanding that I like to hit and get hit.
“I played football and baseball back in my day,” he says. “To be honest with you, I preferred football, but my body just wasn’t cut out to take the abuse, so I ended up focusing on baseball.”
“Well, by the looks of everything tonight, that choice has served you well.”
He smiles broadly. “I like this guy. Good job.” He tosses me a wink before excusing himself to get another drink.
Larissa gives my hand a gentle squeeze. I squeeze it back.
So far, so good.
Trista watches me over the rim of her wineglass. I wonder how many drinks she’s had because her eyes are just a touch glassy.
“Getting Jack’s endorsement is quite a feat,” she tells me. “I’m not sure he’s ever particularly liked someone who Larissa has been involved with.”
The idea of Larissa being involved with anyone sends a ripple of jealousy through me, which is crazy. I’ve never felt jealous over a girl before. Women are easy come, easy go.
Maybe I just ate too many cookies from Judy’s box this morning.
“Well,” I say, forcing a swallow. “I guess he has good taste. He chose you, didn’t he?”
She appreciates this. “That’s very true.”
“I’m sure he just wants what’s best for Larissa,” I say, upping the charm factor. “You have an amazing daughter, Mrs. Cunningham. I’m honored to be here with her tonight.”
Larissa lays her head against my arm. This doesn’t go unnoticed by her mother.
“Well, Hollis,” Trista says, impressed. “I’m delighted to know that you are here. Larissa looks positively smitten with you.”
“And I am with her, as well. But how could you not be? Just look at her.”
“That’s what I think too. She’s an incredible girl and I’m just …” She touches her chest. “Just thank you for coming tonight. I hope we can have dinner soon.”
“I would love that,” I lie. “But I’ll be going back to school soon. I need to finish my education so I can be worthy of your daughter.”
Larissa pinches my hip and I try not to laugh.
Trista beams. She looks over our head and waves at someone. “If you two will excuse me, I need to say hello to Petra. But we will have a dance later, Hollis. Mark my words.”
“Absolutely,” I tell her. “I can’t wait.”
“I’ll find you soon,” she tells me before disappearing into the throng of people.
Once she’s gone, I spin Larissa around to face me. She’s beaming as she gazes up at me, and I feel a hint of pride that maybe she’s proud to have me here.
“I think that went well,” I say, feeling her out.
She tilts her head back and laughs. “You think?”
“I think so. I just hope it went well enough that your mom bought it hook, line, and sinker and doesn’t try to set you up with someone else. Because, unlike Jacky boy, I can take a hit, and I can deliver one even better.”
She rests a hand on my chest again. “You did great with my mom. Nailed it.”
I shrug. “Did you doubt me?”
She laughs. “No. Not really.”
“I can charm anyone.”
She raises her chin. “Do you think you’ve charmed me?”
“Maybe.”
I hope so.
She looks around the room. I can tell she’s considering her answer because lines appear between her eyes. I think they’re adorable but know from experience never to mention shit like that. Women don’t think it’s as cute.
“What would I have to do to charm you more?” I ask.
She grins. “You’ve done just fine. Don’t lose any sleep over it.”
A man dressed in a gray suit with a lavender shirt stops at Larissa’s side. They speak easily. By the time she introduces me, white noise screams in my ears, and I miss his name.
It’s not like it matters. He was wholly unimpressive.
“Did your mom send him over here?” I ask.
“Hollis Hudson, are you jealous?”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Nope. Don’t lose any sleep over it.”
She laughs loudly and freely.
“Is it wrong that I don’t like some pudfucker coming by and hitting on my girl?” I ask.
I use the term without thinking.
She doesn’t miss it.
“Your girl?” she asks, raising a brow.