Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
How do you know? I want to ask but don’t. “It’s not serious. It can’t be.” Not only because I’m his professor, but because I’d be horrible at a relationship, I have two kids to think about, and Colton is young. He’s basically as close to Nash’s age as he is to mine and, holy fuck, how have I not thought about that before?
“That’s between you and Colton to figure out, but if you want it to be, I’m sure the two of you will find a way. Relationships are always hard work.”
I nod. She’s right. I know that, but I still don’t believe anything with Colton would ever work out. I’m a forty-year-old disaster.
When I don’t respond, Hannah seems to know I can’t find the words and asks, “Should we check on Sadie?”
“Yeah. I’d like that.”
Sadie looks up at me expectantly as I approach her. Her hair is in cornrows on the top and sides in a cool diagonal pattern, but falls loose in longer braids behind her head.
“It looks incredible,” I tell both Sadie and Tasha. “I definitely couldn’t do that.”
“You could if someone taught you,” Tasha replies. “But then I wouldn’t get to chill with Sadie, so I think I’ll keep the secret to myself.”
The four of us all laugh. These women are angels, and I don’t know how to thank them enough for everything they’ve given us.
There’s a knock on the glass door, and I turn to see Colton and Nash. Hannah unlocks the door for them, Nash immediately heading over.
“Holy shit. That looks sick,” he tells Sadie.
“Right? I love it so much!”
“She’s the perfect client,” Tasha says. “She gave me free rein to do what I want.”
“I can’t wait to see what you do next time!” Sadie shoots a quick glance at me. “I mean, if there is a next time. I’m sure this is expensive, so it’s okay if there’s not.”
“There will be a next time, kiddo.” I reach out and squeeze her shoulder, which elicits another beaming smile.
“Thank you,” she replies.
“No problem.” I give my attention to Nash. “How was basketball?”
He shrugs. “All right.”
“He beat me two games out of three. He’s fucking good.” Colton turns to Nash. “Are you going to play on the school team this year?”
“I can’t do shit like that.”
“You can play on the team,” I tell him.
“It’s expensive and practices are after school. I have to be home with Sadie.”
Shit. Something else I didn’t think about. “That’s on me to worry about. Not you. If you want to play basketball, you should try out for the team.”
“I can stay by myself,” Sadie adds.
“No,” Nash and I both say at the same time.
I smile.
He scowls.
“We’ll figure it out,” I say. “Can you get me the info for tryouts? Those would usually start in October, I assume?” Which is right around the corner.
“Yeah, fine, whatever. But I don’t even want to play that bad.” Nash puts his earbuds in and finds a chair away from the rest of us. I feel Colton watching me, but I can’t make myself look at him. No matter what I do, it’s wrong, but I’m determined to keep trying.
Tasha finishes Sadie’s hair while Hannah packs her a gift bag with products and the bonnet. They go over hair care tips with her, then Tasha asks me, “Can I give her my number? In case she has any questions.”
I breathe out a sigh of relief, sure I’d screw that up too. “Yes. That would be great. Thank you.”
They exchange numbers, and then I’m paying and they’re hugging us goodbye. Colton has lingered on the sidelines, not saying much. In fact, I don’t think we’ve spoken to each other at all since they got back from playing basketball.
“I’ll walk you guys out,” he says, and I nod.
I want to thank him properly for today. Want to crawl for him, want to get on my knees and suck his dick until he shoots down my throat, then keep it in my mouth all night, just so he knows how much I appreciate him.
Nash is listening to music, both he and Sadie in the car as I stand outside my door, leaning against it, Colton in front of me.
“I know you’re probably worried about entwining our lives more, but can I offer to play ball with him again?” He keeps his voice low, just for us.
I should say no. Saying no would be the smart thing to do, but that’s not what happens. “Yes.”
“Thank you.”
“I should be thanking you.”
“Oh, you will.” He grins. “It’s really fucking hard not to touch you.”
My breath hitches, knees weak. I’m dying for that too. “It’s not part of our arrangement.” It’s one thing to tease about it when we’re having video sex, but touching in real life is off-limits.
“I know, and I know I shouldn’t want to, but I’m also never going to lie to you, so there you have it. I want you, James, and the more I talk to you, the more I want you. I think it’s important you know that. Can I still give my number to Nash?”