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)
Bentley stands and takes a step back. This wasn’t the reception I was expecting. I’m a little thrown off by it.
“Thanks,” I say to the guy who helps me up as I look down at my feet.
“No problem. I’m Corey. Can I take you to get an ice pack or something?”
“She’s a big girl. She can find one on her own,” Bentley bites out.
Corey throws his hands in the air. I look at Bentley, stunned. He’s never been like this with me.
“Hey, babe. I’ve been looking all over for you,” a girl in a miniskirt and crop top sings as she rushes over and tosses her arms around Bentley’s neck.
She plants a big, sloppy kiss on his lips, then turns to look me over. I take a step back and wrap my arms around my middle. With each second, I start to feel like a big dummy.
What in the world did I think was going to happen when I showed up here? Bentley almost kissed me once—the summer before he left for college—it happened so fast, I have to wonder if I made it all up in my head. That would explain why he’s looking at me like I’m crazy.
“Seriously, you should get some ice on that. I’d even say go see the med staff. You look new. I can show you where it is,” Blue Eyes says.
“I’m sure she can find it on her own, Jason,” Bentley snaps. He then looks at me and his eyes widen as I shake my head and take a few more steps back. “If anything, it was my fault; I’ll show her where to go.”
“But, babe, we’re supposed to head out for that movie. I don’t want to miss any of it.”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me,” I say and turn to leave.
I grab Arlene by the hand and take off back toward the dorm as fast as my legs will take me. This was all a big mistake. I should’ve never come here.
Bentley
What the fuck just happened? There’s no way Zahirah Nickels is a student here, and when did she turn into a fucking knockout? She’s always been so pretty, but now … how am I supposed to control my feelings?
It took everything in me not to kiss her that summer. I had been so close to pressing my lips to hers, but my phone buzzed in my pocket, stopping me. That was for the best. She’s two years younger than me and my little sister’s best friend.
No matter how much I’ve always been drawn to her, that shit can never happen. Zah is like family. I should see her like one of my sisters.
I’ve been telling myself that for years and still it hasn’t stuck. For two years, we’ve missed each other during summers and holidays. I rub at my chest as I realize how much I’ve missed her.
I snap out of my shock and groan. I was just a total dick to her. Not that I meant to be.
No matter my feelings, Zahirah is still a friend. At least she was before that shit I just pulled. I shake my head clear and tug my arm from Carly’s grasp.
“Zahirah, wait,” I call out.
“Bro, you’re too late. She’s gone,” Corey says.
I clench my jaw as I see Zah and her friend turn the corner as they rush away. My stomach sours. Could this all have gone any worse?
“Which is a shame because she’s super cute. Dude, do you think she’s going to be all right? I hope she doesn’t have a concussion or something,” Jason says.
“She’s fine. I mean, are you sure it really hit her? She could be faking. You guys are all on the football team, you have to be careful, you know,” Carly says.
“Zahirah isn’t like that. She doesn’t care about any of that shit. She’ll be at the Olympics before I ever make it to the pros,” I grumble.
“You know her?” Carly asks bitterly.
“Yeah, she’s my next-door neighbor. My little sister’s best friend. That’s Zah,” I say, but stop myself before I can blurt out more.
No one here needs to know that’s the girl I’ve had a thing for since I was thirteen. Back then, she was all bony limbs with the biggest smile and brightest eyes I’ve ever seen. God, she’s morphed into a supermodel.
I palm my forehead and allow it all to sink in. Zahirah Nickels is on campus. She’s a freshman here at my college.
“What the fuck does this mean?” I say under my breath.
I’m stuck in a daze as I process the fact that she’s here and will be attending the same college. The track program here is phenomenal. With her talent, she’s sure to go far.
I smile as pride fills me. I don’t know why I’m surprised. If Zah puts her mind to something, it’s hers. I just didn’t know she wanted to come here. Erica had tossed about the idea, but for whatever reason, she changed her mind.