Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 116372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116372 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 582(@200wpm)___ 465(@250wpm)___ 388(@300wpm)
A few minutes later, he pulls onto my street, and that tight feeling in my throat starts to ease up, which is good. He’s been so helpful, and I don’t want to ruin it by acting weird. I surreptitiously breathe in and out to the count of four, willing myself to stay calm and not say or do anything embarrassing or stupid.
“Whoa, these houses are huge,” Dylan says.
“Yeah,” I agree.
Compared to the house I grew up in, they’re not, but I’m aware they’re bigger than average. We pass BJ and Kodiak’s place, and I point to the house up the street. “I’m right here, number forty-four.” Three cars are parked in the driveway, meaning my brothers must be home.
“Holy shit.” Dylan whistles. “You live here?”
“Um, yeah.”
He turns down the radio, which means we can hear the music coming from the backyard. Judging by the bass, it’s Maverick’s playlist.
“Sounds like there’s a party.”
I wonder if this is his way of asking me to invite him in. “My brothers probably have friends over.”
“Right, you said you live with them.” He runs his hands over his thighs.
“Yeah.” Awesome, I’m down to one-word answers.
“Are they, like, cool with you having friends over?”
He’s definitely looking for an invitation. “Uh, I guess?”
Back in high school, some of my drama friends would come over in small groups, but the guys were usually in the friend zone, because, well . . .
“They’re a little protective.”
“Like, protective meaning they’ll grill me and do a background check to make sure I don’t have any speeding tickets?”
I think he’s trying to make a joke. “Um, that would probably be on the tamer side of things. My twin can be a lot to deal with.”
He glances at the house. “Right. Okay. Well, maybe next time we could study at my place?”
I’m relieved that I’ve managed to get myself out of a potentially awkward situation, at least for now. “Oh yeah, sure, maybe we could do that.” I unbuckle my seat belt, wanting to get inside before someone spots the car—namely River.
“Um, Lavender?” He’s gripping the steering wheel like he’s trying to choke it.
“Yeah?”
“There’s a party next weekend at my fraternity house. It’ll be pretty chill if you want to come. I could tutor you first or something?” He looks hopeful.
I don’t want to hurt his feelings, so I go with noncommittal. “Can I message you and let you know? I think I’m supposed to do something with Lovey and Lacey.”
“Oh, you can totally invite them to come too.”
“I’ll talk to them.” I want to get in the house before someone comes along and sees us here. If it’s River, he’ll flip his lid, and if it’s Mav, he’ll embarrass me. I’m leaning against the door, feeling around for the handle.
“Okay, sounds good. I had a good time today.” He leans in, and I realize he’s coming in for a hug.
At the same time, a loud bang on the window right beside my head startles us both. The car rocks back and forth violently, and I jerk forward, bashing my face on the side of Dylan’s head.
BJ shouts, “No boning in the driveway!” The door is wrenched open, and I tumble out, smacking my head on the concrete. Stars burst behind my eyes, turning the world black and white for a few seconds.
“Oh shit, Lav, are you okay? I had no idea it was you in there.”
I blink through the pain and find BJ, Liam, and Lane standing in a semicircle around me. Liam and Lane are finished with college, but they still live in the city and hang out with Quinn and BJ. All three of them are staring down at me with confusion and concern. My legs are still in the car.
I open my mouth to speak, but the words are stuck, either from shock or from hitting my head. BJ slides his hands under my arms and hauls me up as Dylan opens the driver’s side door.
His head pops up over the roof, eyes wide. “Are you okay?” He scans the massive wall of man behind me, and the color drains from his face.
“I’m fine.” I don’t know whether to rub the back of my head or my lip, because both hurt. I go with my lip because it’s easier to reach, swiping my fingers across the bottom one. BJ grabs my wrist. “Shit, you’re bleeding.”
“You scared the crap out of us, and this is the result.” I motion to my face. My heart is pounding like I’ve run a marathon, but I feel like I’m managing this unfortunate situation pretty well, all things considered.
I motion to the three of them. “Dylan, these are my cousins BJ, Liam, and Lane. Guys, this is my friend Dylan who was just dropping me off.”
My cousins grunt out a variety of greetings.
“Hey, guys.” Dylan raises his hand in an uncertain wave.