Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
“Do not get into a car with anyone who’s been drinking,” Remy reminds me, as if I haven’t heard that a thousand times.
“I won’t. I told you, we’re trying out prom hair looks.” I cross my arms over my chest. “Sounds like you’re going to be far away if I need a ride, though.”
Remy blinks. Ha! Did I finally leave my know-it-all big brother speechless? “Call Ella or Eraser if you need a ride.”
“I will.”
Remy disappears into the kitchen. Griff watches the door for a second, then stands and slowly walks toward me.
My skin prickles as his gaze travels over my skin. He lifts his hand and runs his knuckles over my shoulder and down my arm, leaving goose bumps. My breathing speeds up.
“You look really pretty.”
“Thanks,” I whisper.
“Text me and let me know you’re okay later? I’m not planning to stay late, so if you need something, you can call me.”
Is that a sign? A hint that we can hang out without my brother around? “I can leave early too, if…”
“No.” He clears his throat and jerks his hand away from me. “You should hang with your friends tonight. Figure out prom hair or whatever.”
Why does he sound like he’s yanking the words out of his throat?
“Yeah, Molly.” My brother’s razor-sharp tone borders on sarcasm and irritation. At me or Griff? I can’t tell.
No, no. no. I thought Remy had returned to the kitchen. My mind races over the last few bits of my conversation with Griff. What did Remy hear? Was it bad?
He slowly walks up behind Griff. “You should spend time with friends your own age.”
Griff steps aside and turns toward my brother.
No. This isn’t what I want.
The two of them staring each other down like bulls about to lock horns—all because of me.
CHAPTER SIX
Molly
I’m sitting on the couch polishing my nails when Griff returns to our house an hour later.
“Hey,” he greets me as he walks in the door. His gaze darts to the staircase. “Your brother ready to go?”
I flick my gaze to the ceiling. “He’s probably doing a dozen wardrobe changes.”
Griff snorts, then zeroes in on my hands. “What are you doing?”
I raise my arm in the air, wiggling my fingers to show off the layers of purple, red, orange, and yellow polish I’ve carefully sponged onto my nails. “Gradient manicure.”
“Pretty.” The corners of his mouth lift. “Looks like a sunset.”
“Thanks.” I beam, pleased he noticed. Most guys would probably roll their eyes and make fun of me doing something “girly” like painting my nails. Griff never belittles my interests. “That’s what I was going for.”
He glances at my supplies and picks up one of the bottles of polish. “Mango For It. Clever.”
“Give me that.” Laughing, I snatch the bottle of orange polish out of his hands. “Unless you want me to give you a mani before your party?” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“Nah, maybe next time.” His happy grin fades. “You know I wanted you to come with us tonight, right?”
Ignoring the rapid fluttering in my chest, I shrug and focus on neatly swiping fresh rows of color on my sponge. “It’s fine. I told you guys, I have my own party to go to.”
He leans closer and lowers his voice. “I’d like having you on the back of my bike, though.”
Forget fluttering. My heart’s about to explode. “I like riding with you.” I turn my head, and he’s closer than I realized, our lips mere inches apart.
“Molly.” Griff’s raspy voice tickles every pleasure zone on my body.
Is he going to kiss me again? Would he risk it?
I part my lips.
A thud, thud, thud down the stairs shatters the moment. My brother with his perfect timing. I jump so fast, I jostle the polish bottles precariously balanced on my leg. Thank God, I twisted the caps tight.
Wait, some of the jostling was from Griff shifting his big body to the farthest end of the couch. As far away from me as the dimensions of our furniture allow.
Disappointment snakes through my chest. Why couldn’t Remy stay upstairs for five more minutes?
“You spill nail polish on that couch, you’re scrubbing it clean.” Remy stops in front of me, a scowl creasing his brow.
I narrow my eyes and slowly run my gaze over my brother’s outfit. According to my friends, Remy’s “hot.” Unfortunately, he’s aware of his appeal, so it’s my sisterly duty to keep him humble. “All that time spent primping in front of the mirror, and that’s the best you could come up with?”
“Yee-ouch.” Remy shakes his hands in front of him, like he’s trying to put out a fire. “That stung, little sis.”
What a liar. He’s grinning from ear-to-ear.
Griff rumbles with amusement. I bite the inside of my cheek to hold in my own laughter.
“Stop running your mouth and look at how talented your sister is.” Griff nods to my nails. “I should have her come into the shop and help me with some paint jobs.”