Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
“I, for one, think their relationship is a match made in heaven,” Steele finally chokes out between laughs.
“Can we get to practice now?” I glare at them all. “Or are there more feelings you’d like to share in the circle of trust? I’m sure Coach would love to hear why his entire first line can’t be bothered to show up on time.”
They all groan and shuffle toward the door.
Ford pats my shoulder as he passes. “Don’t worry, man. If it all goes south with Holland, cat adoption is still a viable option.”
I flip him off but can’t help smiling.
The truth is, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing with Holland. But for now, I don’t have any other choice but to fake it until I figure it out.
Or until it blows up in my face.
Whichever comes first.
13
Holland
My eyelids flutter open to find Willow’s face looming way too close for comfort.
“It’s about time you woke up,” she says, perched on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been waiting here for at least fifteen minutes. I was about to start poking you.”
“That wouldn’t have ended well for you,” I slur, trying to find my bearings. It feels like I’ve been hit by a bus. “You’re never going to believe the crazy dream I had.”
She lifts a brow. “Is it any crazier than reality? The one where you’re dating Bridger Sanderson?”
I’m sorry, did she just say dating Bridger Sanderson?
I bolt upright and—
What the fuck?
The navy walls of an unfamiliar room swim into focus. “Oh shit. Looks like it wasn’t a dream after all.” I flop back, dragging the pillow over my face as I contemplate the merits of suffocation.
“Oh no, girl. We need to talk about this.”
Oh God.
“Can we please do that after I’ve downed a gallon of coffee?” My voice comes out muffled.
“Absolutely not. I’ve had almost ten hours to let your news sink in, and I’m still in shock. You and Bridger? This isn’t something I saw coming.”
The denial sits on my tongue. But how can I explain without revealing everything? Including my job at the Envy Room?
“I know,” I groan, peeking out from under the pillow. “But, please, I need coffee first. Then I’ll answer all your questions.”
She eyes me suspiciously. “Fine. But just so you know, I’ve already started planning double dates for us.”
“You did not just say that.”
“Oh, I absolutely did.” A wicked smile lights up her face as she claps her hands. “I’m going to plan so many fun activities. The movies. Picnics. Roller-skating. Remember how much we used to love doing that?”
“I was right, this is a total nightmare.”
She laughs before rising to her feet. “Come on, otherwise we’re going to be late.”
“Late? What time is it?” I ask, dragging a hand over my face.
“Almost eight. The guys left for practice a couple hours ago.” She glances at the empty side of the bed. “Didn’t Bridger tell you?”
“Of course he did,” I mutter. “I must’ve forgotten.”
She waggles her brows. “Or maybe you were too busy doing other things last night.”
My mouth tumbles open before I swallow down my response and say the only thing I can. “Guilty.”
Her eyes widen as she shakes her head. “It’s like I’ve entered an alternate universe.”
“That makes two of us.” I toss off the covers and head for my bag in the corner where I pull out jeans and a sweater.
Willow’s eyes dart to the duffel. “That’s a lot of stuff. Kind of looks like you’re planning to stay for a while.”
“It’s just for a couple of days,” I say vaguely, shoving my feet into my Chucks.
Her expression says she doesn’t buy it, but thankfully, she refrains from hurtling more questions at me. “All right, I guess that’s a start, but you still owe me all the details. Don’t think I’m going to forget.”
My shoulders slump. “I know you won’t. Let’s get moving before we’re late.”
Twenty minutes later, we’re on campus. My pace quickens as the Roasted Bean comes into view.
Thank fuck.
Coffee.
Is there a size bigger than extra large?
Is a shot or two of caffeine a thing?
If not, there’s no guarantee I’ll make it through the next couple of hours with my sanity intact. Plus, I have a test to study for.
“So, tell me exactly when this all started. Because the last I heard—”
Willow’s voice comes to an abrupt halt when the Jaws theme music cuts through the chilly morning air.
And here I didn’t think anything could make me smile.
Turns out I was wrong.
When she shoots a glare in my direction, my shoulders shake with laughter. “Come on, it’s funny!”
She huffs, keeping her eyes on me as she answers. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?”
I grin and point to the coffee shop. “I’m heading inside. I’ll catch you later.”
She covers the speaker with her hand. “We’re not done talking about this!”
I cup my fingers around my ear. “What? Sorry, can’t hear you. Bye!”