Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
For a moment, he says nothing.
The silence stretches, making my nerves tighten.
When he finally speaks, his voice is steady and sure. “Did you ever consider that I’m not looking for easy?”
A few minutes later, we’re pulling into the parking lot of my building. Before I can say another word, he’s out of the truck, rounding the front, then opening the passenger door. He extends a hand, and despite the inner voice telling me to push him away, I take it. His fingers are warm around mine.
“You don’t have to walk me to my door,” I say softly as we head toward the entrance of the building.
“I know,” he replies, flashing me a lopsided smile. “But I want to.”
When we reach the lobby, we step inside the elevator, and just as the doors begin to close, four girls pour inside, filling the small space. A brunette with wavy hair locks eyes with Hayes and then beams at him.
“Hey, Hayes,” she says, her voice dripping with familiarity. “It’s been a while.”
The jealousy that flares to life in my chest is sharp and unexpected. From the corner of my eye, I watch as Hayes acknowledges her with a casual chin lift. “Hey, Olivia.”
My heart sinks at how easily her name rolls off his tongue. Before I can dwell on it, his arm snakes around my waist, and he pulls me flush against his side. The heat of his body seeps into mine. It’s enough to dissolve the jealousy simmering inside me.
Olivia’s smile falters, the confidence in her gaze wavering as she glances at me for the first time.
When the elevator dings and the girls file out without another word, Hayes doesn’t bother saying goodbye. He’s too focused on me, his hand resting possessively on my waist as we step into the hallway.
“What’s your apartment number?” he asks, his voice cutting through the silence.
“406,” I mumble, feeling slightly off-balance from the entire interaction.
Why does he have this effect on me?
He tangles everything up in my head until it’s impossible to think straight. Especially when he’s this close.
Once we reach my door, I swing around to face him. My heart hammers almost painfully in my chest at the intensity that fills his gaze. When his hand rises to cradle my cheek, I find myself leaning into his touch.
How is it possible for our closeness to feel so natural and right?
It’s terrifying.
“Would you believe me if I told you that you’re the first girl I’ve ever wanted to get to know?” he murmurs, his thumb gently brushing against my skin. “I don’t care about easy. I don’t care how slow we need to go or what you think you can give me. I just want to be with you while we figure it out. Together.”
His words hit me straight in the chest, sending a flutter through my stomach.
He’s so sincere, so honest, and it leaves me feeling raw.
Exposed.
His quiet sentiment has a million butterflies winging their way to life within the confines of my belly.
And yet…
There’s no way to keep the skepticism from my voice. “Are you sure about that? I’ve heard all the gossip that circulates around campus.”
“I won’t lie to you.” His gaze is unwavering. “There’s truth in those rumors. I spent the last few years screwing around because it helped me escape everything else going on in my life. But those girls? They were distractions. None of them meant anything to me. The difference is that you do.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip.
More than anything, I want to believe him.
I want to trust him.
“How can you be so sure?” My throat closes up as I force out the rest. “I don’t want to get hurt. After everything that’s happened, I’m afraid to put myself out there.”
He strums my cheek with his thumb. “That’s why we’ll take this at a glacial pace.”
“Glacial?”
“Super slow.”
Even though this is no laughing matter, a snort escapes from me. “I know what glacial means. Won’t you get bored?”
His lips tug into a smile as his brow arches slightly. “Bored? With you? Never. You keep me on my toes, and I like that.”
I huff out a soft laugh, the tension between us easing just a bit. He’s saying all the right things, and I hate how much I want to believe him.
“What about my dad?” I ask, voicing the concern that’s been nagging at me.
“Well, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not really interested in dating him.”
I roll my eyes. “I would hope not. What I meant is that I think we should keep this between us. He won’t be happy that I’ve become involved with one of his hockey players.”
He releases a long, slow breath. “I get that, but I really don’t like lying to people. Especially ones I respect. And I respect Coach.”
It’s tempting to shake my head.