Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
“Damn straight,” Boone says without a hint of embarrassment.
“Let her stay with us,” Danica chides. “It’s girl time.”
Boone shoots Danica a faux glare of challenge. “This is a date for me and Lilly, and we don’t get enough time together as it is, so I’m stealing her away and if you want to hang with her later, we will be sitting over on that bench under that maple tree eating food and making goo-goo eyes at each other.”
Danica and Kiera stare agog at Boone, not just for the sweetest words ever uttered by a man completely in touch with his feelings and not afraid to express them, but by the sexy, domineering manner in which he relayed them. It’s a complete turn-on to me—every bit of it. He’s the total package, and as much as I believe all the Titan men who were lucky to land these amazing women are sweeties in their own right, I’m quite sure I got the best.
Laughing, I rise from the chair. “I’ll talk to you two later.”
“Drinks,” Danica says with a pointed look. “We’re having drinks for sure one night!”
“I’m there,” I call back as Boone takes my hand and leads me away.
Boone and I hit the food tables and then we move over to the maple tree he’d pointed out. He straddles the backless bench and I follow suit as we set our plates down between us.
“Having fun?” he asks.
“Everyone’s so nice. Can’t say I ever gave professional athletes and their families much thought before, but turns out… you all are just regular people.”
Boone snickers. “Outside of being famous and making millions, sure.” Reaching over, he nabs a piece of brisket from my plate. “How did I miss this? It’s my favorite.”
He eats the tender meat and reaches for another but I smack his hand playfully. “It’s my favorite as well.”
Boone’s hands are faster than mine as they go to my face and he pulls me across the distance between us and kisses me hard. I’m so dizzy from the beauty of his mouth on mine and the very public display of affection that I can’t even stop him from stealing another piece from my plate.
We resume eating, chatting and periodically talking to others who come up to ask about Aiden. I’m slightly intimidated when Brienne Norcross appears before us to introduce herself. I’d met her fiancé, Drake, who is very down-to-earth, but this woman is a multibillionaire. On top of that, she’s stunningly beautiful and powerful.
She’s so sweet and warm and before she’s gone, I not only have a sincere invitation to sit in the owner’s box when Aiden gets out of the hospital, but she wants to know if I would like to have lunch with her soon. Of course, I would. I mean, who wouldn’t? I think I manage to even sound slightly cool and sophisticated when I accept.
When we’re alone again, Boone says, “I wanted to ask you about next week.”
“What about it?” I mentally review my schedule. Should be another normal week in the hospital with Aiden. While his marrow continues to recover, it’s still not strong enough for him to leave. At least, that’s what the doctors are saying as they continue to estimate a discharge plan.
Georgie and Charles are on board to cover another few weeks at the deli for me and I’ve been able to run things smoothly from the hospital. My father will be released from his two-week rehab stint tomorrow, provided he’s feeling strong, and I’ve already budgeted time to pick him up. A busy week, but I’m prepared for it.
“I know you have a lot on your plate but the second round starts and I was hoping you’d come to the first two home games to watch me.”
A forkful of my pasta salad is halfway to my mouth when I pause to truly analyze Boone’s tone of voice and the expression on his face. I see he feels horrible even asking me to attend because he knows how busy I am.
Normally, I’d have to do a recalculation of my schedule to see if I could budget time. I’d also have to reflect on my feelings of guilt and responsibility where Aiden’s concerned.
But that’s not me anymore. It can’t be me because Boone is now a part of my life and he has to fit into my totem pole of priorities. He’s earned a spot near the top, just under Aiden and Dad.
I smile at him, hoping he hears the excitement in my tone. “I’d love to come to both games. I’ll be screaming the loudest for you.”
His eyebrows shoot up, delight in his tone. “Really?”
“Really. You’re my guy. I’ve got to be there for you.” I eat the bite and mentally pat myself on the back because it’s pretty damn good. When I swallow, I add, “I need a jersey. Can we go somewhere today to get one?”