Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 145402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 582(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145402 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 727(@200wpm)___ 582(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
In no world would Wymack ever really leave his team behind, but the Foxes hustled out of there like they believed him. Neil waited off to one side while the others filed out, knowing Andrew would be the last to leave. Wymack knew better than to stick around and followed his Foxes down the hall. Andrew brought Neil's duffel to him. Neil took it but dropped it off to one side. Andrew studied it for a moment, then shrugged out of his own bag and put a hand to the wall near Neil's head.
"Your close calls are getting old," Andrew said. "I thought you knew how to run."
Neil affected confusion. "I thought you told me to stop running."
"Survival tip: no one likes a smart mouth."
"Except you," Neil reminded him.
A year ago Neil had been a scared nobody, hating himself for signing the Foxes' contract and counting down days until he moved in with Wymack. Tonight he was the starting striker for the first-ranked team in the NCAA. In two years he'd be captain, and in four he'd graduate from Palmetto State. Neil would find a professional team first and then fight tooth and nail to make the cut for Court. Neil could already imagine the weight of an Olympics medal around his neck. He didn't even care what color it was so long as it was his.
Better than that bright future was what he already had: a court that would always be home, a family who'd never give up on him, and Andrew, who for once hadn't wasted their time denying that this thing between them might actually mean something to both of them. Neil hadn't even noticed the silence at first, too distracted by his dizzying thoughts. Now he couldn't help but smile and pull Andrew in.
This was everything he wanted, everything he needed, and Neil was never letting go.