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)
I gather the flowers and dropjes, and Connor and Dred join me in the elevator.
“You’ll be great. You’ve been friends for years. You’re just taking it to the next level now.”
I drive across town to Tally’s apartment and park in the temporary spot in front of her building, which miraculously opens up the second I arrive. I don’t have a chance to go up and get her, because she’s stepping off the elevator as I enter the building.
She’s wearing a stunning ice blue dress, her jacket slung over her arm, hair falling in artful waves over her shoulders. Her eyes light up when she sees me, then cloud with worry as she takes in the bustling, student-filled space.
I close the distance between us and cup her cheek in my palm. “You look concerned, kitten, is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just thought I’d meet you outside so you don’t have to deal with all of this.” She motions to our surroundings.
“I can’t see anything but you.” I brush my lips over hers and barely resist the urge to deepen it. I step back and take her hand, gaze roving over her. “You’re a vision. Is this dress new?”
She shakes her head. “I went shopping in Fee’s closet.”
“Well, I love this on you.” I hold up the flowers. “And it matches these perfectly.”
“They’re beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.”
“Holy fuck. I think that’s Flip Madden.”
“Where?”
“The guy in the suit.”
“We should go if you don’t want to get mobbed,” Tally whispers.
“Let me help you with your coat,” I offer as she slides one arm through and I circle her to assist with the other, quickly freeing her hair as she fastens two buttons. I wrap a protective arm around her, and steer her toward the doors, giving the Tilton Hockey guys a chin tip as we pass.
A group of guys check out my ride as I guide Tally to the passenger side and help her in. I use my body to shield her as I adjust her dress to make sure the hem won’t get caught in the door, as I close it, protecting her from prying eyes.
“Dude, that’s Flip Madden.”
“No way. What would he be doing here?” one guy scoffs.
It makes me edgy to think about the questions people might ask once we’re public. But this is a first date. One step at a time.
I take my place behind the wheel, closing myself in with Tally. I quickly buckle my seat belt and pull away from the curb before the guys think to swarm my car. It’s happened before.
“Did those guys recognize you, too?” Tally inspects the bouquet of blue and white blossoms.
“Yeah. I should probably rotate my cars to keep it fresh,” I reply.
“You’re also dressed in a suit, so you kind of stand out among the hoodie and jeans crowd.”
“And you don’t?” I give her a lingering once-over. “Seriously, you’re killing me, already.”
“I didn’t even do anything.”
“Stop looking so tempting.”
She widens her eyes. “Only if you stop being so devastatingly handsome.”
“Is that how you would describe me?” I ask.
“Depends on who I’m describing you to, I guess.”
“So it changes according to the audience?”
“Absolutely. Like I’d tell my granny you’re handsome, but I’d tell my friends you’re fuckhot, one word, not two.”
“Is there a dictionary definition to go with that?”
“Yeah, it’s the fire and heart eyes emojis.”
I laugh and her grin widens.
“I like it.”
“It suits you, I think.”
“Mm.” I set my hand palm up on the center console and she slides her delicate fingers into it. “How was your day?”
“Good. Long because I’ve been waiting all day to see you. How was yours?”
“The same. I tried to read after practice, but I couldn’t focus.”
She shifts so she’s facing me. “How do you like the new book?”
“It’s wickedly addictive.”
“Right?” Her eyes light up. “I would have died if I had to wait a whole year between books. Thankfully I stumbled on it when it was complete, so I didn’t have to languish in despair over the cliffhangers.”
“You didn’t say anything about a cliffhanger when you gave it to me.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll have the next one ready for you.”
“You should just give it to me now, so I don’t have to languish in despair,” I bargain.
She tosses her hair over her shoulder. “But then I won’t have any leverage.”
“What would you need leverage for?”
She shrugs. “It never hurts to have a bargaining chip.”
“And you think I’m the evil one? You know I live for those dog-eared pages.”
She rolls her bottom lip between her teeth. “Are they your favorite?”
“You know it.”
“Tell me why.”
“Because I get these little glimpses of what makes you tick.” I kiss the back of her hand. “They’re yours and you trust me with them. They’re pieces of you.”
Everything about her softens. I want more of these unguarded moments with her.
I turn in to the aquarium parking lot, and Tally’s whole face lights up. “Oh my gosh, Flip! The axolotl exhibit! Fee mentioned it last week, and I looked them up and they are literally the most adorable little things in the universe. Plus, sharks! This is so exciting!”