Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 92848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 464(@200wpm)___ 371(@250wpm)___ 309(@300wpm)
Attempting to buy a little bit of time, I tip the bottle of beer to my lips and take a long swig before responding. “Didn’t say a word.”
Ryder strokes his chin. “Huh. I must be hearing things.”
“You should really get that checked out,” I mutter.
He smiles like the asshole he is. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
“That club is a meat market. You’re not worried about her?”
Damn.
I really don’t know when to stop, do I?
“Nope.” He pops the P at the end. “’Cuz I know exactly who she’s coming home to at the end of the night.” He taps his chest. “This guy.”
“For fuck’s sake,” her brother grumbles from across the room. “Can you just stop? I liked it better when you two ignored each other. This shit is brutal.”
Colby breaks away from the girl he’s kissing long enough to say, “If I’d known it would bother you so much, McKinnon, I would’ve made a play for her years ago.”
Maverick gives him a one-finger salute. “Like she’d give your ugly ass the time of day. The girl has standards, and you don’t meet them.”
“Bet?” He glances at Ryder before grinning. “You know I don’t mean it, McAdams. I’m just giving McKinnon a little shit.”
All of Ryder’s previous humor dies a quick death. “Say another word about Juliette and we can take this up on the ice.”
Unperturbed by the threat of bodily harm, Colby goes back to making out with the raven-haired chick sitting astride his lap. Five minutes later, a brunette settles beside him and attempts to get in on the action. I’m half wondering if a fight will erupt when one girl pulls the other toward her for a long lip lock.
Colby grins as he runs his hands over both of them.
I can only shake my head before glancing around the living room. He’s certainly not the only guy getting busy. And there’s more than one couple who’ve already shed their clothing. Some of these people have no problem putting on a show. And hey, if that’s what you want to do and it’s consensual, go for it.
I’m not going to lie—it’s one of the reasons I avoid the couch. The damn thing would probably glow like a Christmas tree under a black light.
Even the thought grosses me out.
When I catch Bridger’s gaze, he gives me a chin lift. Instead of kicking back with a cold one, he’s nursing a bottle of water.
I don’t bother to ask what his deal is.
I already know.
Hell, everyone at the university does.
Last weekend, Bridger laid low and there was still another message blasted out Monday morning. After his ass was chewed out by his father, Coach pulled him aside to discuss the situation. I feel bad for the guy. Bridger’s always kept his nose clean when it came to shenanigans. Whoever’s behind the text messages must have a real ax to grind with him because it’s causing a shit ton of problems.
Those thoughts are cut off when one of the girls Colby is making out with moans.
And that would be my cue to call it a night.
Alone.
Chapter Nineteen
Carina
“Here’s to being a bunch of badass bitches,” I shout, attempting to be heard over the pulsing beat of techno as we clink our shot glasses of tequila together before tossing them back. The liquor burns a fiery trail as it slides down my throat.
“Holy crap, that’s terrible!” Juliette sputters, coughing as tears gather in her eyes. “Don’t ever make me do that again.”
With a laugh, I immediately order another round. My bestie brings the second one to her lips before slyly throwing the golden liquid over her shoulder when she thinks no one’s paying attention. She’s lucky it doesn’t land on someone.
Tonight is turning out to be epic. All the girls showed up. Even Viola who, according to Fallyn, can give Juliette a run for her money in the studious department. Those two have spent a lot of time talking about the STEM courses they’ve taken throughout the years. Once it gets too deep, I shut them down before they officially kill the buzz I’ve been working on.
I twisted Juliette’s arm and poured her into a little black dress that hugs all of her curves. Her hair has been straightened and her makeup is on point. Her newly minted boyfriend is going to lose his mind when he sees her at the end of the night.
You’re welcome, Ryder McAdams.
Since I don’t have anyone to go home to, I’m hoping to relieve some of the pent-up sexual tension brewing inside me by dancing my ass off. In hindsight, it was a mistake to give into Ford’s little game of truth or dare. I’ve unwittingly been drawn into a frenemies-with-benefits situation where I’ve yet to get any D.
How’s that for ironic?
It’s the reason I’m wearing a short, sparkly dress that clings to every curve. I’m not nearly as voluptuous as Juliette but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna shake what my mama gave me. My hair is all long and loose and floats around my shoulders in soft waves.