Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84200 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
“Then fuck him,” she grouses. “Metaphorically, of course.”
I settle back into my chair, crossing my arms over my stomach. “I can’t be mad, though. I understand why he’s nervous about the entire situation. It’s a legit worry.”
Shaking her head, Kiera drops the rest of the scone onto the plate. “Those things are dry as fuck.” She takes the napkin and wipes her fingers before dabbing at her lips. “I’m confused. Are we mad at him or not?”
I can’t help but laugh. “I’m not mad. Disappointed. Also understanding. Sad. Worried I made a bad decision in parting ways.”
“Now I understand why you said you’re fucked in the head.”
I pick up my tea and sip. When I settle the cup back on the saucer, I voice my biggest fear. “What if… what if the reason he doesn’t want anyone to know is that this isn’t serious for him? I’m… convenient.”
I hate that tears prick at my eyes. Last night at the party, the way Camden acted made me think that I’m just a convenient fuck. That I misread the feelings and our connection.
It made me feel used and cheap and that’s the real reason I bolted from Tillie and Coen’s house.
“Do you really believe that?” Kiera asks quietly. “Because you’re a good judge of character, Danica. I don’t know that you could miss something like that, and Camden seems like a nice guy.”
I shrug because I don’t know what’s real anymore. “I told him if he changes his mind… he knows where to find me.”
“Well, there you go.” Her voice is overly cheery. “He’ll come around.”
“And if he doesn’t, then I’ll know that it wasn’t as special as I thought it was.”
“So what’s the plan?” Kiera asks, crossing her arms on the table. “Do we set you up with someone hot and rub it in his face? Drive him wild with jealousy so he knows what he lost?”
My snort is loud and unladylike. “While that does sound fun, you know I’m not the type to do that. I think I’m going to have to move on from the loss, the same way I did after Mitch died. While it’s two different circumstances, it still hurts.”
Kiera takes my hand and squeezes. “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve this and I know you’re not, but I’m mad at him.”
I flex my fingers against hers, a silent thank-you for her support. When I pull away, I ask, “You still casually banging Bain?”
Her eyes flash mischievously. “Every chance I can.”
“Is that going anywhere?”
“Nah,” she drawls with a wave of her hand. “We’re just having fun and neither of us is interested in commitment.”
“Are you both seeing other people too?” I ask. Because I’m not sure how playing the field works from a woman’s perspective. Never had experience with serial dating, and it’s the stereotype that men are the ones who sow their oats.
“Who needs other people? Bain is a beast and more than enough for me to handle.”
My jaw drops slightly, not only from the shocking nature of her words but the raw lust in her voice when she talks about him. If the feelings I have for Camden—both physical and non-physical—had a sound, that’s what it would be.
“Does Drake know or have any clue?”
Kiera dips her head and levels a look at me that says I’ve asked a stupid question. I hold up my hands in placation. “There’s no sense in him knowing since it’s not going anywhere. I’m sure we’ll fizzle soon.”
“Doesn’t sound like you’ll fizzle the way you called him a beast,” I mutter.
A small smile plays on her lips, but she doesn’t confirm or deny my observation. Instead, she flicks my cup with her finger. “Finish your tea. Let’s go shopping… a little retail therapy.”
A small flush of happiness washes through me but I know it’s merely recognition that a few hours with Kiera will provide my heart a much-needed break from hurting.
CHAPTER 27
Camden
Back-to-back wins in New York against the Vipers and the Phantoms, respectively, means there’s a jubilant, rowdy atmosphere in the locker room. My teammates are all joking around as we finish our showers and get dressed. The bus will take us straight to the airport for a short stop back in Pittsburgh for one day and then we’re on to road games in Boston and Carolina.
I laugh when appropriate, quipping when I can and handing out high fives and fist bumps. Doing everything possible to make sure my outside doesn’t match my inside.
I’m unsettled and not able to get my footing. I’m feeling the exact way I felt the morning Coach West showed up on my doorstep when I missed practice, except now I have the added burden of pain from losing Danica. I’ve played like shit the last two games and Coach will be talking to me, of that I’m sure.