Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103104 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
“No shit.”
“Shit. Just a bunch of felines roaming over a tiny deserted island. There’s a caretaker and everything.”
“You like cats?”
“My brother does. He’s got one I gave him.”
I smile. “What’s your major?”
“Don’t laugh. Business with a minor in poetry.”
I laugh.
“I said don’t laugh! I don’t even know why it’s funny, but everyone laughs like poetry is dumb.”
“I wasn’t laughing because of that. I’m laughing because…it suits you.”
A few of the guys in the back yell when the TV behind the bar replays a Vandy football game from last year. I guess they’re getting ready for the new season. Our first game is in two weeks. I run my gaze over the guys he came in with. They’re all in football shirts.
Lee wears one too.
“You play football for Vandy?”
He nods. “I walked on this summer. Quarterback. Came in and tried out. Got a spot. Third string, but, hey…” He laughs and spreads his hands. “Some guys peak in high school. Looks like I did okay.”
God. I love how he laughs. It’s the color of the sun, soft and warm and golden.
I think I must say it aloud, because he blushes.
Then spears me with gunmetal eyes. “You okay with guys who play football?”
“Totally. What’s not to like? I know a few of those guys. Dated a football player in high school. Okay, two.” I grimace.
“Ah, young love. My competition, by the glint in your eyes.”
Someone asks for a Bud Light and I grab one, take the money, and slide it down the bar.
I make my way back to him.
He hasn’t moved an inch.
“So third string? You strike me as pretty competitive. Does that sting?”
He shrugs. “I used to think playing was all I needed, even wanted a scholarship from a big school.” A faraway look grows in his eyes. “What I really needed was my family. I’ve learned to be patient. Everything arrives when it’s supposed to.”
“Vandy isn’t a big football college, but it is SEC Division 1. You can work your way up to first string.”
“Maybe. What time do you get off?” he asks.
I push my hair over my shoulder, and he inhales sharply.
“Doors get locked at midnight. I’m closing, which means I have to clean the kitchen and the tables.” I sigh. “Won’t finish up till one. I saw you in my sociology class.”
“Saw you too. Wanna sit with me next time?”
My body vibrates, buzzing. I try to speak, but—
“Am I moving too fast?” he asks.
“No.”
“You got a phone number?”
I scribble it on a napkin and pass it over to him.
He tucks it in his pocket. “Do you like to eat? Like on a date?”
Do I like to eat? I laugh. Oh, Lee. You’re doing everything so right. “I haven’t had a date in, like…dang, never.”
“No way. You’re gorgeous.” His eyes linger on my face, touching on my lips then skating down to my low-cut tank, lingering on my locket.
I lean in and whisper. “True. A guy has never paid for my food on a date. Guess I’m waiting for the right one to walk in.”
“Damn.” He takes a swig of his beer. “Can’t say I’m sad about it. Has he walked in yet?”
“Ava! Stop flirting and help me with these sorority girls!” Carla yells from the end of the bar where she’s drowning in Deltas.
“You have to go.”
“Mmmm,” I say, not moving, reluctant to leave.
He smiles. “You best go.”
“My legs don’t seem to work. Carla can manage.” She yells at me again, and I blow out a breath. “Geeze. Can’t she handle those drunk girls by herself?”
“You work. I’m not going anywhere.” He stands up from the stool and strides back to his friends, and I sigh, watching him go, my heart jumping fast. He avoids the girls that flock to him, veering to the right and talking to one of the other players. He sees me looking and tips his beer at me.
I see promise in his eyes.
I see…
Me.
Later after we’ve closed, Piper lets out a long sigh and heads to the door. “Girl, I wish I had the stamina to wait another hour for you, but Wyatt’s outside with a ride. I’m dead tired.”
“I got it.” I’m used to the long hours. “Get some sleep.”
She pauses at the door and turns back. “Hey, I saw you talking to someone at the bar earlier. This place was wall to wall with people, and I didn’t get a good look at him. Potential date? I mean, I know you tell everyone you’re taken, but don’t you think it’s time to go out with one of these guys who keep asking you out?” She grins. “Oh crap, you’re blushing. What did he say?”
I shrug, keeping my secrets. “Nothing.”
She leaves and I get to work cleaning up while Carla counts the register receipts in the manager’s office. The other waitresses leave. A little before one, I’ve gotten the place straight and lock up the back.