Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“He kissed me,” I breathe and release a nervous laugh.
“I saw. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure everyone knows to keep their mouths shut.”
I groan. “I didn’t even think of that. Thanks.”
“No problem. I don’t want you thinking about Daddy either. You go on and have fun.”
I wave a hand in front of my face, feeling like I might burst into tears. I think I’m going to be sick. I’ve dreamed of this day for so long, now it’s here and it feels so surreal.
“What’s wrong, honey?”
“I’m just nervous, I guess.”
“Aww, come here.”
She pulls me into her embrace. I hug her tightly. I don’t know how much I need this hug until she squeezes me.
My sister always knows just what I need. She pulls away and looks me in the eyes. The warm smile on her face settles my racing heart.
“Don’t be nervous, Cakes. It’s Trev. He’s always gonna put you first. Relax and allow him to take the lead. Just enjoy the time.”
I nod at her and lick my lips. “Right. Enjoy the time.” I give a nervous laugh. “It’s just Trev. We’ve had cupcakes together millions of times. I can do this.”
“Yes, you can.”
“Hey, where’s Cliff?”
She frowns a little. “He had to take a trip to Dallas with his daddy. He’ll be back later tonight.”
“Aww, I can see you miss him,” I say and reach to rub her arm.
“Oh no you don’t, big head. Don’t use me to go stalling. Here, take your cupcakes and get,” she fusses and hands me my bag and the cupcake holder.
I crack up laughing and take them both from her hands. She pulls me in for one more hug. I can’t help wishing my hands were free to return it.
“I love you,” I say as I close my eyes and take in her comforting scent.
“Not as much as I love you. Go, this is what you’ve been dreaming of. This summer is going to be the best. I can feel it.”
“Not if I’m here and you guys are in Europe,” I mutter.
“You will be on that plane if I have anything to do with it. Trust me. I’ll pay the difference if you find a seat you can’t afford.”
“Pook, no.”
“Listen here now. I said what I said. I’ve got you covered. Now stop all this stalling and go find your beau. He smells really nice today.” She wiggles her brows at me.
“Oh hush.” I lean to kiss her cheek before I take off to find Trevor.
“Here goes nothing,” I whisper to myself, clutching the cupcake holder to my chest.
Trevor
“Yeah, she’s here. How are things going your way?” I say into the phone to my cousin Cliff.
“I didn’t think it would be so hard to pick a darn ring. There are so many options. I just want to get her the best.”
“Just breathe. She’s gonna love whatever you pick.”
“That’s just it, Trev. What if she says no? I could show up in Paris after doing all this, only for her to turn me down. She wants to see the world. Being tied to me…,” he says and trails off.
“Listen, she’s been in love with you for as long as I can remember. You showing up to surprise her, that’s going to go a long way.
“We all know you. Texas is where you belong, but I also know how much you love Pook. If she wants to take a trip, you’re going to take it with her. Look at what you’re planning for her now.”
“Yeah, I’m nervous as shit.” He scoffs. “I won’t be the cousin traveling to find all those exotic horses.”
I laugh, but I don’t tell him I’m not looking to get into the ranching business, NFL or not. He can take over the entire ranch for all I care. Instead, I try to give him some encouragement.
“Pick the ring that speaks to your heart. The one that says Pook. She’ll love it because it’s from you.
“You’ve fought hard to get her daddy’s blessing. You’re almost there. By the end of the month, you two will be planning your wedding while staring at the Eiffel Tower.”
He blows out a breath. I grab the cooler I left in the bed of my truck. I have our Frappuccinos waiting inside. We always need our frappés with our cupcakes.
I smile as the thought crosses my mind. Turning to go find Lynn with my phone still pressed to my ear, I shake my head as I realize I haven’t stopped grinning since our kiss.
“Thanks, Trev. I can always count on you.”
“I’m always here for you. You know that.”
“Yeah, I do. That’s why I’m gonna ask you to be my best man if she says yes.”
“When she says yes.”
“Yeah, when. You’re right. I got to go. Daddy is waving for my attention.”
“All right. Talk to you later.”
“Later.”
CHAPTER 4
Crushed
Lynn
“I couldn’t believe it when Brooke said you were considering quitting football,” I say before gulping down the last of my Frappuccino.