Total pages in book: 174
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 172061 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 574(@300wpm)
A low chuckle rolled out of him. “Now which do you think is going to take me further in life? Football or algebra?”
He was only a junior and already their team’s star quarterback, sliding right in to take his brother’s place after he graduated. He and Matthew had had plans to play together in college, but after Matthew’s injury last month, that was unlikely to happen.
Another bout of sadness twisted through her. She hated it for Matthew, even though he’d always given her crap for hanging out with Cash. He might have been a bit of a jerk, but he was still Cash’s brother. A human. And she wouldn’t wish any harm on him.
“Fair point, but if you aren’t passing your classes, you know you can’t play.”
“Hey, man, that C is solid. But if I fall below that, then I know who to come to.” With a grin, he tugged at a lock of her hair.
“Is that all you want me for? So I can tutor you?” She shoved his shoulder.
It was strange that every nerve ending in her body sizzled and snapped when she was around him, yet still, she felt wholly comfortable. He was the only person in the world she could tease and play with.
Chuckling, he clutched his shoulder like she’d hurt him. “Watch it, Daisy, that’s my throwing arm.”
“Your prized possession.”
“Not my only prized possession.” He wagged his brows.
“Eww.” She didn’t know how she managed to keep it together enough to play along. “In your dreams.”
In feigned offense, his mouth dropped open, and he raised his arms out to the sides. “Dreams? This is straight reality.”
Okay, he was right. Every girl in school wanted to be wearing his letterman jacket.
“Such a heartbreaker.”
“I’ll have you know, my heartbreaking days are over.”
Her brow curled in question.
The easiness he’d been wearing slipped before he pinned a bright smile on his face. “I…have a girlfriend.”
A rush of sickness swept through her being, and she struggled to focus through the haze of shock.
“Brandy Lemons,” he continued, his voice twisting in a prodding, like he wasn’t sure Daisy had heard him.
“Oh.” She didn’t mean for it to gush out of her, but Daisy felt like she’d been kicked in the gut.
He was all wrong.
He was absolutely a heartbreaker. He just didn’t know it.
At her reaction, he sat forward and fully shifted in her direction. “I mean, she’s cool, right?”
Daisy fumbled a nod. “Uh…yeah…yes, she’s great.”
Blonde with actual boobs and a fantastic cheerleader since she didn’t have the curse of tripping over her own feet.
Daisy forced a bright smile, so brittle she was sure her cheeks would crack.
Cash frowned, uncertainty pouring out of him. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
Was she okay with this? Was he serious? Didn’t he get it?
“Oh, no, I think it’s great. I’m happy for you.”
There was that word again.
Great.
No. It was not, in fact, great.
But what the heck else was she supposed to say? That she loved him and she always would and she hoped that maybe he would feel the same?
Pathetic much?
“Good,” Cash said, though he was still looking at her strangely. As if he were waiting on her to say something. Almost begging her to.
Then he cleared the roughness from his throat as he dragged his fingers through his hair. “Good. Yeah. Because I’m going to need to get your seal of approval since mine is going to be required when some asshole comes around thinking he’s good enough for you.”
He choked a weird laugh.
Right.
Like that was going to happen.
That stupid fake smile she wore just kept getting bigger and bigger.
Cash’s door suddenly burst open.
Daisy screamed, and her hands flew up to cover her face, though she peeked out through her fingers.
Laughter rolled from Matthew, who stood in the doorway, still holding onto the knob. His expression twisted into a smirk, and she could almost smell the alcohol radiating from him.
“I fucking knew it. My baby bro is getting some from the weird girl down the street.”
“Fuck off, Matthew. Told you we’re just friends.”
Matthew’s laughter only grew. “Doesn’t mean you’re not dipping your dick in the goods.”
“I have a girlfriend,” Cash shot out.
Mischief played through Matthew’s features. “Still doesn’t mean you’re not dipping your dick in the goods.”
Daisy pressed her hands tighter to her face.
Could this get any worse?
Any more mortifying?
Oh, but it could.
“What’s going on in here?”
Daisy peeked out when she heard the voice to find Cash’s mom poking her head around the side of Matthew.
Disappointment flashed through her expression when she saw Daisy.
“Cash,” she chastised. “You know you’re not supposed to have girls in your room.”
“Don’t worry, Mom, Cash is only fucking his girlfriend, not Daisy.” Matthew howled when he said it.
Cash’s mom scowled at him. “Watch your mouth, Matthew. I know you’re just getting accustomed to living back at home, but I’d appreciate you keep a check on the language.” Then concern filled her face and she tipped her head to the side. “And the booze. It’s a Wednesday night.”