Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
North reaches for me, his hand touching my arm, his thumb stroking lightly. “You don’t have to run from me. We’ll take it slow. If you get scared, you can pull back. I’ll wait.”
Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I hate how much I want to believe him. “What if I hurt you?”
He smiles faintly, his hand finding mine. “That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
I stare at him, my heart warring with my head. I feel like I’m standing on a precipice, ready to topple at any moment. “Is this a deal breaker?”
“No,” he says firmly, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “But I’m not going to stop trying to change your mind.”
I manage a smile. “That’s fair. As long as you’re okay with me continuing to deny you.”
North offers a sly smile, his hand going behind my neck. He drags me toward him slowly. “I know one thing you won’t deny me.”
My blood instantly heats at the innuendo and promise in his voice. “What’s that?” I whisper. He pulls me closer, his mouth inches away.
“Your body,” he says simply, then feathers his lips over mine. “Isn’t that right?”
“Yes,” I manage to rasp just before he consumes me with a blistering kiss.
He’s right. I’ll never deny him this.
CHAPTER 11
North
We’re at Mario’s, once again. The place is packed tonight with the regular mix of Titans fans celebrating our win and regulars who couldn’t care less about hockey. I’m crammed at a high-top table with King and Willa and Foster and Mazzy, their easy banter keeping the energy light. A handful of the single guys are here but most of the couples didn’t come, presumably because we just came off a road trip and they want to spend some time alone.
We’re waiting on Rafferty and Tempe. I find myself glancing toward the door, not really looking for them but wondering if Farren will show up. She was at the game, sitting with the other wives and girlfriends, but she hadn’t said a word about coming here afterward. Our communication outside of the bedroom is hit or miss.
Sometimes we have a long-winded banter going back and forth while other times, we have deeper conversations. All via text and not talking on the phone but both of us are comfortable with that.
And then there are times when we don’t speak. I didn’t hear from her at all yesterday and I didn’t bother to reach out to her. I’m trying to give her space since she wants to keep this so casual but fuck if it’s not killing me. I really like Farren and being kept at arm’s length unless we’re fucking is honestly dissatisfying.
Don’t get me wrong. The sex is off-the-charts hot and I’ve never had chemistry with anyone like I have with Farren. I know damn well she feels the same, which sucks in a way, because she’s more than satisfied with just that.
King raises his beer, dragging my attention back to him. “Here’s to an amazing game tonight.”
We all clink glasses and toast the outstanding win.
“And to Rafferty and Tempe finally getting some peace,” Foster says, taking another long pull on his beer. “Word is Brienne fired Tansy on the spot after their meeting.”
I nod in affirmation. The story has made its way around the gossip mill, but Rafferty told me Brienne showed up at his place yesterday to let him know that Tansy was gone. After the game tonight, Rafferty did an interview to wrap things up with the press.
Mazzy grimaces. “Good riddance to that woman. She was poison. Can you imagine having to live with that hanging over your head? The fake doping scandal, the stalking? I’m so glad it’s all behind them.”
“And it all ended with a love story,” Willa says dreamily, nudging King with her shoulder.
“My little romantic,” he says, dipping down to kiss her.
Willa pushes at him playfully and directs her comment at Mazzy, presumably as the only other female here who will understand her sentiments. “I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. It’s like it was meant to be.”
“Agreed,” Mazzy says with a firm nod, but then Foster coughs pointedly, giving her a mock glare. “I mean… next to me and you, babe. No one deserves it more than them… after me and you.”
We all laugh but my thoughts are elsewhere. Every time the door swings open, my gaze darts that way, searching for one face in particular. I tell myself it’s pointless—she probably went home and curled up on Rafferty’s couch to watch an action movie. But then, through the crowd, I spot her.
Farren steps into the bar and a thrill runs through me, same as every time I see her. A wave of something dangerously close to joy sweeps over me and I don’t question it, but I do clamp down on it. I school my expression because to everyone sitting at this table, Farren is just a friend and a teammate’s sister.