Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
“He has a lot more…life experience than you.” He unlocks the truck.
I climb in the passenger seat, thankful the ride to the Watering Hole is short. “Of course he does. He’s been alive longer.” I know where he’s going with this, and it isn’t a conversation I’m interested in having with my dad.
He pulls out of the underground parking lot and into traffic. “You know that’s not what I mean. Madden is a good guy and an excellent hockey player. He’s grown a lot in the last few years, but I witnessed firsthand what he was like before he settled down.”
“So did I. I’m not dating Flip from four years ago, I’m dating him now. Please have some faith in my ability to make smart decisions when it comes to relationships.”
He rubs the space between his eyes. “I want to be cool about this, but I can’t unknow some of the things I know about Flip.”
“We can’t define people by their worst decisions,” I say pointedly.
He sighs. “I just want what’s best for you.”
“Me, too. And I think that Flip can be that. Look at all the ways he shows he cares. I think his current actions mean a lot more than his past ones.”
“I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I know, and I love you, even though some of the things that have happened recently have really hurt.”
“I’m sorry. I love you, too.” He pulls up in front of the Watering Hole.
“Then keep showing up for me and Ties and Fenna.” I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Of course, honey. Have fun with your friends.”
I open the door.
“And please be safe,” he tacks on.
“I will. I promise.”
I close the door and turn toward the Watering Hole.
My heart rate spikes. I guess now we find out how our friends feel about this.
All heads at the table turn my way as I push through the door. My stomach twists. My palms dampen. Flip is already out of his chair, closing the distance between us.
Anticipation turns my heart into hummingbird wings.
“How you doing?” Flip slips his fingers under my hair, hand curving against my jaw. It’s innocent, but comforting and stimulating at the same time.
“Okay. Nervous.”
“It’s me they want to grill, not you.” He wraps his other arm around me and pulls me against him.
He’s claiming me. In front of our friends. In front of all these people. He squeezes gently then pulls back, eyes roving over my face. “You’re audaciously beautiful.”
I laugh and duck my head.
Flip tips my chin up. “You being all shy with me, kitten?”
“Everyone’s watching,” I whisper.
“Good.” His thumb sweeps along the edge of my jaw. “Now they know who I belong to.”
My heart stutters and desire, thick and heady, zings through me. He’s not just claiming me, he’s asking to be claimed. I wet my bottom lip, mouth dry. How is this real life?
Flip’s nostrils flare, and he traces the contour with his thumb. He leans down, lips brushing my cheek as he lowers to my ear. “I’m looking forward to tasting those pretty, tempting lips when I drive you home later.”
I grip his bicep, knees turning watery at his gravelly tone. “You could kiss me now.”
“Not in front of these people, kitten. Only I get to see you melt for me.”
I whimper.
His fingers flex on my hip. “I love that sound.” He straightens and laces our fingers. “Make it again for me later.”
I shake off the haze. “Oh, that was evil.”
“I’ll make it worth the wait, don’t worry.” He winks and guides me to the table, where he’s already ordered me a cola and a margarita.
Flip helps me out of my jacket, and into my seat.
Quinn breaks the tension. “Anyone need a shot?”
“Never again.” I have no verbal filter when I’m drunk.
“Probably again, though,” Hammer chirps.
Everyone chuckles.
Connor stretches his arm across the back of Dred’s chair. “What does Flip have planned for your date this weekend?”
“Um.” I look to Flip.
“It’s a surprise,” he informs me.
“You better not take Tally to East Side’s,” Rix warns.
“Like that’s where I’d take Talls for our first date.”
“I’ll have Sam and Isaac on standby just in case,” Hemi warns.
“You won’t need them,” Flip says confidently. “I have a fantastic first date planned, and you can ask Tally all about it after it happens.”
“What’s the dress code?” Shilpa, the team lawyer, fishes.
“That’s actually a good question.” And one I haven’t asked yet.
“You would look beautiful in a burlap sack,” Flip assures me.
“I don’t own one of those, so we can’t test that theory,” I quip.
“You have lots of pretty dresses, though.”
“Do not take Tally to glow-in-the-dark mini putt in a dress and heels.” Rix points a finger at her brother.
Flip gives her the side-eye. “As if I would do that.”
“You suck at mini putt.” Tristan smirks.