Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
I grin, trying to lighten the mood. “Only when you’re around.”
Once they’re across the shop, I huff out a relieved breath before settling next to Ava and passing over the drink.
“Finally,” I mutter. “Alone at last.”
Confusion flashes across her delicate features. “Certain that’s what you really want?”
“One hundred percent. I’m interested in getting to know you. Kind of hard to do that with other people hanging around.”
She stares at the girls for a second or two before bringing the container to her nose and taking a delicate sniff. With her gaze pinned to mine, she takes a sip. As soon as the hot liquid hits her tongue, her eyes widen before fluttering shut as she savors the rich medley of flavors. Pleased with my selection, my muscles loosen as I relax against the cushions.
Even though I can tell she likes it, I want to hear her admit that I picked out a winner.
“So, what’s the verdict?”
She takes another drink. “Not bad.” Lifting the cup, she stares at it. “Which one is this?”
“The McNichols Special.”
There’s a beat of silence before she shakes her head. “Of course it is.”
“You might not have realized it since you’re new to Western, but Colby McNichols is pretty popular around here.”
She snorts. “Oh, it would be difficult not to notice.”
A prick of something foreign blooms in the pit of my belly. It takes a handful of seconds to realize what it is.
Jealousy.
It’s not a sensation I’ve experienced before.
I don’t like it.
Even more disconcerting is that it’s impossible to shake off.
What doesn’t make sense is that I’ve shared girls before and didn’t care one way or the other who they liked more.
So why is this strange emotion rearing its ugly head now?
With someone who’d prefer not to spend any time with me at all?
My brow furrows as I stare at Ava. The words shoot out of my mouth before I can stop them. “Do you have a thing for Colby?”
Her face scrunches. “Hardly. For one, I don’t date hockey players. And two, even if I did, he’s married to my friend.”
My rigidly held muscles loosen with that acknowledgment as I take a sip of my own drink and attempt to get this runaway conversation back on track again. “Don’t date hockey players, huh?”
“Nope.” With a shake of her head, she pops the P at the end of the word.
“Is that a firm stance or is there room to maneuver?”
“It’s impenetrable.”
I settle on my seat, all the while watching her carefully. “You know, I get the feeling you don’t want to be here.”
Her gaze flicks to mine as uncertainty flashes in her eyes. “It’s not that,” she says slowly, as if choosing her words carefully. “I’m just… not used to this.”
“To what?”
“To you.” With a shrug, she glances away. “You’re not what I expected.”
“Good surprise or bad one?” I ask, my voice softening.
She hesitates, her gaze meeting mine for a moment before darting away. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”
I lean forward, straining closer. “I can wait while you do.”
As Ava stares at me, I can almost see the walls she’s built start to crack. She’s unsure, still guarded, but there’s something else there, something that makes me believe I’m getting through to her, even if it’s only a little.
“You’re very persistent,” she mutters, taking another sip of her coffee.
I grin. “You have no idea.”
With a laugh, she shakes her head, as if she can’t quite figure me out. “I’m not sure what you’re after.”
I keep my gaze locked on hers and my tone serious. “I’m after you, Ava.”
She blinks in surprise, and I can see her inner conflict. As much as she wants to believe me, something holds her back. Something I can’t put my finger on yet.
“Nothing about me is easy,” she warns.
“I know,” I say, leaning back. “But I think you’re worth the effort.”
Instead of responding, she clears her throat and changes the subject. “Did your siblings have fun at the clinic?”
“They did. The boys have been participating in them since I started freshman year. This will be their last one.” A punch of sadness hits me. As much as I want to move on with my life, I’ve enjoyed living so close and spending time with them. That won’t be the case next year. Plus, Ollie will be in high school. His schedule will be packed with academics and hockey. I’ll probably blink, and Kia will be going off to college herself.
“I’m sure they’ll miss it.”
“I think we all will.”
As excited as I am to make my move to the pros, so we have more financial security, I won’t be able to spend as much time with them as I have these past couple years. It’s an unfortunate trade off.
“Hi, Hayes.”
I glance at Larsa Middleton, who has sidled up to us while I was focused on Ava. I’m still getting used to the idea that everything around me ceases to exist when we’re together.