Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21250 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
As she slams the door shut behind us, the sound reverberates in the cramped space. “What’s wrong?” she demands, folding her arms.
“Nothing,” I snap, though I know it’s complete bullshit. I lean back against the wall, running a hand through my hair. “Everything’s fucking perfect.”
Nora raises an eyebrow, unimpressed by my bravado. “Cut the crap, Nash. I know you better than that. This has to do with Leni, doesn’t it?”
My chest knots at the mere mention of her name. “She got an offer to work with the Devils Hockey team.”
“Well, that’s great. You should be celebrating. Why do you look like someone just kicked your puppy?”
Great. Now, I feel even crazier. “I’m just… I’m having a hard time with the idea of her working on athletes, alright?” Spilling my guts to my twin hurts my soul. “I can’t stand the thought of her touching other men.”
Nora rolls her eyes incredulously. “You’re a moron, you know that?”
“What?” I shoot back, my frustration brewing. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”
“I’m on your side when you aren’t being clueless.” Nora stares at me through narrowed eyes. “Leni didn’t let the fact that you help people end their relationships every day stop her from falling for you,” she points out, urgency drilling into her words.
“That’s not the same!” I bark, frustration bubbling to the surface. “I don’t touch other women.”
“Let me ask you this. Did Leni do anything inappropriate when she gave you your first massage?” she interrogates, her tone sharp as a knife.
Has my sister lost her goddamn mind? “Hell no!” I answer, pissed she’d even consider such a thing. “What kind of stupid question is that?”
“Then why do you think she would do something wrong with these athletes?” She’s leaning into the conversation now, challenging me, and I can feel the tension swirling.
I know she wouldn’t cross that line with them. I know she respects boundaries. “I know she wouldn’t ever betray me,” I admit, the truth crashing down around me.
Nora looks at me like I’m some clueless idiot. “Then you just answered your own question.”
The realization washes over me like a cold shower, and for a brief moment, I find myself grasping at the edge of clarity. Leni is fiercely independent, and I love that about her. She’s capable and self-assured, and she can handle herself. Goddamn it. That doesn’t make the jealousy simmering in my gut any easier to swallow, but I’ll have to learn to deal with it because giving up Leni isn’t an option.
“I’m a fucking moron.” The truth fucking hurts.
“Yep,” Nora snorts. “I’ll take care of the Andersons’ meeting so you can get home and fix this before you lose the one woman on earth who’s willing to put up with your ornery ass.”
Fuck. My sister is right. Leni is everything to me and I wouldn’t survive losing her.
I rush through the door of Leni’s apartment, the weight of the world pressing down on me like a heavy fog. My gut twists as I think about my last conversation with her. I knew I’d screwed up, and now I was facing the fallout. The familiar warmth of the place feels cold as I step inside and see her sitting on the sofa, Boo curled up and purring against her leg.
“Hey,” I say, my voice coming out too low and uncertain. Leni glances up, and the moment her eyes meet mine, I can tell she’s fucking pissed. I’m ashamed of my earlier behavior. Guilt washes over me and I want to kick my own ass.
Her expression is a mixture of disappointment and annoyance. The tension between us has thickened like a dark storm cloud. “You’re home early,” she states, crossing her arms defensively.
“I’m a moron.” No use beating around the bush. I step into her space, the air between us heavy. “I reacted like a jealous idiot, and I’m really fucking sorry, Leni.”
She bites her lip, and I can tell she’s holding back her feelings as she searches my eyes for sincerity. “It isn’t just about the stupid offer,” she finally says, her voice steady but laced with disappointment. “It’s about you not trusting me.”
“Trust you?” I repeat, the urgency of her statement knocking the breath from my lungs. “I trust you with my heart and soul.” I pull her close, and when she doesn’t resist, the suffocating band around my chest loosens a little bit.
She takes a tiny step back as her gaze sharpens, and I can’t remember the last time she looked at me this way. I suddenly know I don’t ever want it to happen again. “Then why don’t you want me to take the job?” she shoots back, the fire in her voice unmistakable.
“Because I’m a jealous asshole who doesn’t deserve you.” I’m not sure how to explain it to her when I don’t even understand it all myself. “The Devils will be lucky to have you on their team. I want you to take the job with the hockey team,” I declare, my voice stronger than my nerves. I’ve wrestled with insecurity since our fight, but now I know I can’t hold her back. She deserves this opportunity, and damn if my jealousy should get in the way.