Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 87181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87181 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“You rented out a football field for me, made jerseys, and got your whole family involved so I could have an experience I didn’t get as a kid?”
She nodded slowly and repeated, “It’s not a big deal.”
“It’s a big deal.” I stepped toward her, placed my finger under her chin, and tilted her head to meet my eyes.
I lowered my mouth to hers and kissed her without thought.
I kissed her because I craved her taste.
I kissed her because I wanted to.
I kissed her because the only thing I could think to do at that moment was to lay my lips against hers. My arms wrapped around her, holding her against me as she kissed me back.
“Is someone watching?” she whispered, thinking I was putting on a show.
“No one’s watching.”
“So,” her lips slightly pulled away. She took her finger and traced my mouth. “That kiss was just to kiss me?”
“Yes.”
“Oh. Okay. Well…” Her hands fell to my chest. “Do it again. But this time, harder.”
Quickly, I closed the bedroom door and placed her back against it. I lowered my mouth back to hers and took her into my arms, lifting her into the air. Her legs wrapped around my waist as I slid my tongue into her mouth, kissing her harder, deeper, and longer. I felt the kiss in every inch of my body as Holly kissed me back.
Her hands wrapped around my neck as I tasted every piece of her. She moaned slightly against my mouth as my hands roamed her lower back. I wanted nothing more than to take her to bed and start kissing every inch of her body. I wanted my tongue to rediscover every piece of her entire being.
“You guys, stop making out, and let's get this show on the road!” Alec said, pounding against the bedroom door. “Mom and Dad are already wondering where we are.”
Holly giggled against my mouth, and I gave her a small peck as I lowered her back to the floor. Her brown eyes locked in with mine as she bit her bottom lip. “To be continued?”
“To be continued.” I, for one, could hardly wait.
I opened the door to find Alec and MJ standing there. MJ seemed annoyed, but Alec had a look of mischief.
“Nice shade of lipstick,” Alec remarked, walking away down the hallway. “Let’s go!”
I wiped at my mouth, catching MJ’s harsh glare, feeling victorious at that moment. Kissing Holly was quickly becoming my favorite thing. It was the icing on the cake that it annoyed MJ.
I grabbed a hoodie and tossed my jersey on over it. I knew the jersey would be my favorite piece of clothing for a long time. I wished Mano was there to witness the game. He would’ve loved to be involved.
Holly’s parents were already stretching at the fifty-yard line when we made it to the field. They had Holly’s grandfather there, too, wearing a referee jersey. He was tossing a football up in the air with a big smile. Like all of her family members, he looked in ridiculously good shape.
Holly said they were more of an artsy family, but it didn’t take me long to realize that taekwondo was a sport for them—Grandpa included. Those people could bend and stretch in ways my body could only dream about. They might’ve been the most limber family I’d ever come across.
“Don’t worry, Kai,” Alec said, patting my back. “It’s touch football.” He started jogging toward his parents, leaving MJ, Holly, and me walking over.
“Thanks again for making me this personalized jersey, Holly,” MJ said sweetly. It made me want to punch him straight in the gut. He truly had no reason to talk to her at all. I’d also noticed him glancing her way on the car ride. He was a classic case of wanting what he couldn’t have.
Holly was far from interested, though.
She rolled her eyes. “If I knew you were you, I would’ve written shithead on the back of the jersey.” She took my hand into hers. “Come on, Kai. Let’s go.”
We headed out to meet her parents, and I realized there was never a time I’d have to speak up for Holly, as she was perfectly capable of standing her ground. Still, I’d always be in the wings, waiting to step up for her honor if she needed it.
But when it came to MJ? Not necessary. She was great at reminding him what a dumbass he’d been.
The game started very playfully. Holly, her father, and I were on a team. MJ, Lisa, and Alec were our opponents. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of mischiefs, and a lot of joy. When I was a kid, I dreamed of Christmas breaks like this. Where the family came together and engaged in ridiculously fun activities.
Holly hadn’t known it, but she was making more than one dream come true that afternoon. When it came to the final play of the game, our team was up by two points. As the quarterback, I made eye contact with Holly, showcasing I was about to pass it her way. She flexed her arm and patted her bicep as if showcasing that she was ready to receive.