Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
My attention never deviates from her as I pop to my feet.
When I take a step in her direction, one of the girls reaches out to detain me. “We were wondering if you wanted to grab a coffee. Maybe we could—”
Before the rest of the sentence can make it past her pink-slicked lips, I shake my head. “Sorry, I have plans, and she just walked through the door.”
With matching frowns, they turn and stare at Ava.
I take their distraction as my opportunity to leave.
The last thing I want to happen is for Ava to change her mind. I might not know her well, but I can see the indecision written across her expression.
It only takes a few long-legged strides for me to eat up the distance between us. “You’re late, Tink.” I make a show of glancing at my phone. “By at least ten minutes.”
Her gaze flicks from mine to the girls, who have their heads bent together and are whispering furiously while staring at us.
“Looks like you had company while you waited. Am I interrupting a fan club moment?”
Not bothering to glance in their direction, I shake my head. “Not at all.”
Unable to keep my hands to myself for another second, my fingers wrap around her elbow as my other hand settles at the small of her back, propelling her toward a couch in the back, away from the girls.
Once she’s settled, I nod toward the counter. “I’ll grab us a couple of coffees. Anything specific you’d like?”
With a tilt of her head, the corners of her lips quirk. “Surprise me.”
I arch a brow. “Hmmm. Why does this feel like a test?”
“Not sure.”
When mischief sparks in her eyes, I narrow mine for a second or two before swinging toward the counter. Once there, I ponder the array of drink options written in colorful chalk until one catches my eye, and I order two of them.
The entire time I wait, my attention strays to Ava. I’m half afraid she’ll disappear. Most girls are thrilled if I give them a little bit of attention.
This one couldn’t be more different.
“That was a hell of a game the other night. I couldn’t be there in person, but I watched the highlights on ESPN.”
I glance at the barista. “Thanks.”
He rests his elbows on the counter, as if settling in for a long chat. “Yeah, I used to skate back in the day.”
“You don’t say.”
With a nod, he puffs out his chest. “I wasn’t half bad.”
My gaze slides to Ava.
Well, hell.
The brunette sorority sisters have descended, flanking her like vultures.
My attention stays pinned to them as I clear my throat. “Are the drinks ready?”
He straightens to his full height. “Cara? Put a rush on the Van Doren order!”
Less than thirty seconds later, a girl bustles around the corner with two cups. Her cheeks are pink and her hands tremble as she sets them on the counter. “Here you go! Sorry about the wait!”
“No worries. Thanks.”
As I step away from the register, she raises her voice. “Bye, Hayes Van Doren!”
Without turning, I lift one of the drinks. “Have a good one.”
As I make my way to Ava, I notice the girls have settled on either side of her, sandwiching her in. By the look on her face, she’s not thrilled about the situation.
Her gaze fastens to mine as I approach.
The sorority sisters straighten as their eager expressions lock on me like heat-seeking missiles.
One of them flashes a sly smile. “We were just getting to know your friend.”
It would be impossible not to notice the way Ava’s jaw tightens.
“Yeah! Now we’re all besties,” the other adds, trying to slip her hand around Ava’s smaller one. With a frown, Ava tugs it free.
“Thanks for keeping her company while I was getting our coffees.”
“No problem!”
“Now, if you two wouldn’t mind…” My voice trails off, not wanting to be rude.
“I’d love a coffee!” the girl on the left chirps.
“Me too!” the other agrees.
“Sure.” Their smiles widen before I nod toward the counter. “Mark would be happy to assist you with that.”
They blink a few times before understanding dawns across their faces.
“Oh.”
That’s all it takes for awkward silence to descend.
“Um… I guess we should leave you two alone, then?” Her brows draw together, as if that’s not what I could possibly want.
My smile widens as comprehension finally dawns on them. “That would be great. Thanks for understanding.”
They take their sweet time vacating the couch, as if they fully expect me to have a change of heart.
Yeah, that’s not going to happen.
I want this girl all to myself.
The sorority sisters hesitate for a long beat before finally rising to their feet, their exit slow and reluctant. “It was nice meeting you,” one of them says to Ava, her tone sweet but insincere.
Ava watches them go, then turns back to me with a shake of her head. “Do you have a fan club that stalks your every move?”