Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Can we talk?” he asks with that scowl on his face.
“No, we can’t,” I reply and turn back toward my food to pick at it.
I’ve completely lost my appetite. The laughter around the table has died down as well. I can feel everyone’s eyes on us.
Bentley doesn’t seem to care as he places his hands on either side of me on the table, caging me in, then leans into my ear. My heartbeat picks up and my hands start to sweat. I scoot forward a bit in my seat, trying to put some space between us.
“Don’t make me do this in front of everyone.”
“Do what?”
“Have a conversation that should be just between me and you. You have everything wrong, Zah, and I’m not giving up until you see that.”
Bentley
She smells so nice, like cocoa butter and peaches. It’s taking everything in me not to tilt her head back and take her lips. For two weeks, I’ve been thinking about that kiss. Longing to duplicate it.
Zah has been the only thing on my mind. I haven’t been focused at practice or class. I’m useless. That’s why we need to have this conversation so I can keep my head clear.
It frustrates me that she has this so wrong. Technically, Carly was never my girlfriend. So it’s hard for me to even think of her as my ex. This shouldn’t even be a problem.
“You can come take a walk with me, or we can have this conversation here in the cafeteria in front of everyone,” I say into her ear as I keep her caged in with my arms.
She cranes her neck to look back at me and narrows her eyes. “I’ll take a walk with you, but I don’t know what for. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“Coswell, give the girl some space. It’s bad enough you’ve warned half the team off,” Henry G calls out from the far end of the table.
I stand up straight and glare at the asshole. I overheard him the other day talking about Zah to some of the other guys. Damn right I told them all to stay away from her.
Like I don’t know they play for points when it comes to girls. Zahirah isn’t a toy for anyone to play with. I’ll put my fist down their throats if they try me.
“Mind your business, Henry,” I bark back.
“You’ve been warning guys off?” Zah snaps, grabbing my attention.
“Yeah, I have and will continue to.”
“You’re an asshole. You have no right, Bentley,” she says and stands to push me out of the way.
I stumble back as she marches off, dumping her trash as she stews in her anger. I place my hands on my hips and shake my head as I watch her go. She’s still as stubborn as ever.
“Bro, you’re still striking out. Why not step aside and let someone show you how it’s done?” Henry taunts.
I point a finger at him. “You and I have a problem. I suggest you steer clear of me.”
With that, I turn and head out to the weight room to blow off some steam. It’s been a long day. I got the news that Carly will not be expelled. She’s only going to get a slap on the wrist.
They’re blaming it on the alcohol and giving her a pass because her father is a big donor and an alumnus. Total bullshit if you ask me. If I had trashed her car like that, I would have been out on my ass and in a jail cell.
However, her father did write a check to cover the damage to my car and then some. After getting the news about Carly, I received a call from my dad. He wants to come for a visit.
I haven’t decided whether or not I will tell him about the car, so this isn’t the greatest time for that. Now I have Zah pissed off at me for another reason. And all I want is to pull her into my arms and tell her how much she has always meant to me. I know I said no girls, and this is why. However, this is Zah.
***
“Coswell, calm the fuck down,” Coach barks at me as I beat the shit out of Henry G.
I told him to stay out of my way. Coach already warned the team not to touch me in practice. However, Henry decided to sack me like the grade-A asshole he is. I tore my helmet off and stripped off my pads, then ripped his helmet off his head and started to beat his ass.
I lick my lips in satisfaction as I watch blood pour from his nose. The asshole deserved it. He’s been taunting me since practice started.
“You two, in my office after practice. You’re done for the day,” Coach bellows.
“I think he needs a medic first,” I snort.