Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
He releases me. I give him a look. He smiles.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Hollis asks expectantly.
“Right. Yeah.” I glance between them. “Jameson Grover, this is Hollis Hendrix. He plays right wing for Toronto, and he’s my dad’s best friend. Hollis, this is Jameson, one of my friends from school.”
Hollis extends a hand. I seriously hope he doesn’t crush Jameson’s.
“It’s so amazing to meet you,” Jameson gushes and pumps his hand. “I’m such a huge fan. I have your jersey at home. And your rookie card. I’ve been following your career since I was a kid.”
“Oh yeah? You play hockey?” Hollis asks through a tight, made-for-TV smile.
“For a few years, as a kid, but I uh…liked watching better. You’re having such a great season. That hit you took was such bullshit. Man, we were worried you’d be out again, but you showed them, huh?” Jameson finally releases Hollis’s hand.
Hollis runs his hand through his hair. “Mostly they were worried about the concussion.”
“Oh yeah, I can totally see that.”
I need to get us away from Hollis. “Well, Jameson and I should probably head out.”
“It was so great to meet you, Mr. Hendrix,” Jameson says. “Good luck tomorrow night.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you later, Princess.”
“Sure, Hollis.”
I grab Jameson’s arm and drag him toward the lobby doors. Fucking Hollis.
Jameson waves over his shoulder as I push through, and we step outside into the cold February afternoon.
“Holy shit. You just introduced me to Hollis Hendrix.”
Jameson is a nice guy. Kind, hardworking, polite. It totally makes sense that he’s starstruck. I was when I met Scarlet Reed. “I did.”
“It’s one thing to know your dad is a pro hockey player, but the reality didn’t set in until that.” He thumbs over his shoulder. “Was that weird for you? I mean, I guess you’re used to being around pro hockey players all the time.” His brow furrows. “He called you Princess. He and your dad are bros, right? Like tight? That’s how the media makes it look, anyway. You must know him really well.”
I know what it feels like to have his tongue in my mouth. I’ve also fantasized an unreasonable number of times about being fucked by him. But I seriously doubt that’s what Jameson means. “I’ve known Hollis since I was in high school.”
Jameson nods thoughtfully. “He’s kind of like family then, right? Like an uncle or something?”
I choke back a hysterical laugh. “Yes and no? Mostly it’s this giant friend group who all have each other’s backs.”
When the light changes, we cross the street to the diner.
“Right, yeah. It’s kind of like having a bunch of older brothers. Like a lot of brothers who could kick some ass.”
“They can be protective like brothers.”
“I kind of caught that vibe from Hendrix. I hope I made an okay impression.”
“Don’t worry about Hollis. He’s grouchy on a good day.” I keep looking over my shoulder, half expecting to find him trailing us.
I can’t believe he hugged me. He’s the one who said kissing me was a mistake. He told me I should go on a date. He’s sure as hell getting an earful the next time we’re alone.
“Dating must be pretty tough, huh?” He holds open the diner door for me.
I murmur thanks and wave to Rainbow, heading for a booth near the back. “Sometimes. I’m used to being surrounded by high-level alpha dudes who are driven and super competitive.” I belatedly realize he probably meant it was hard to date with so many guys looking out for me.
Rainbow comes over to take our drink order.
“Hey! You ditch your dads today?” she asks.
I don’t bother to correct her. I think it’s hilarious that she believes my dad and Hollis are a thing. “Sure did. Rainbow, this is my friend Jameson. Jameson, this is Rainbow. It’s Jameson’s first time here.”
“Oh, you are in for a treat. I highly recommend any of the milkshakes, and the cookies-and-cream waffles are to die for.”
“I can attest to this,” I say.
We both order coffee and water, and Rainbow leaves us to look at the menu. “Don’t feel compelled to eat if you’re not hungry, but the waffles and milkshakes are really awesome.”
“I’m always hungry,” Jameson says with a grin.
“That’s a phrase I’m used to hearing.”
“I hope I didn’t fanboy over Hendrix too bad. I wanted to be cool about it, but I’m a hockey fan, and a Terror fan, and I didn’t expect to meet him. Or anyone, really, except for you.” He smiles shyly. “Thanks for saying yes to coffee.”
“Thanks for asking.” His expression should make my heart all melty and my girl parts all excited. Instead, I find myself comparing him to Hollis. Which isn’t fair. They’re not even playing in the same league, let alone on the same field.
I want to be attracted to him. I want to like him as more than just a guy in my class who’s shown an interest in me. But my head is across the street with Hollis, even though I’m pissed at him for pulling that bullshit.