Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 69919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69919 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 350(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
I managed not to laugh.
“I think you should give it more than fifteen minutes before you decide, okay? We’ll try it for a couple of days. If you still don’t like it, we’ll move you back to defense. Is that fair?”
She contemplated it. “I guess so.”
She pushed her mask back into place and skated toward the goal.
“Where do you find the patience?” Jana muttered under her breath. “I just want to give her a spanking.”
“She lost her father last year and never knew her mother. Her great-grandparents, who are in their seventies, are raising her. I don’t know what happened to both sets of grandparents, but she’s had a rough time of it. I think we can find some extra patience for a seven-year-old who needs a little extra love.”
Jana dipped her head. “You’re right. That was a thoughtless thing to say.”
“Don’t get me wrong—there are times I want to strangle the whole bunch of them. But then I remember that most of these kids come from broken homes, single parents, stuff like that. That boy over there talking to Boone? He’s going deaf and the parents don’t have the money to pay for the surgery he needs. I’d like to think we can afford to give them some grace when they act like kids, since that’s what they are.”
“I didn’t know that about Tommy.” Jana followed my gaze.
“It’s all right. Now, let’s whip their butts into shape.”
I grabbed a couple of extra sticks and blew my whistle.
Camp was over before I knew it and I couldn’t wait to get home. I didn’t want to think about new tires or the foot of snow we were supposed to get or anything but that bath waiting for me.
When I got out to the parking lot, Boone was standing by my car and I didn’t like the look on his face.
“Houston, we have a problem,” he said as I approached.
“Now what?” I asked in frustration.
“Your donut’s flat.”
I let out a string of curses as I stared at it.
“Do you have roadside assistance?” he asked.
“No,” I grumbled. “I had it through my car insurance, but I let that feature lapse.”
“Well, there’s nothing you can do about the tire tonight, but I can give you a ride home or wait with you while you call someone?”
“I…” There really wasn’t anything that could be done tonight, and I could always call my mother in the morning. She’d help me figure it out. “You know, I’m going to take you up on the ride home. I’m done with this day and there’s a bottle of wine with my name on it waiting for me.”
“Then let’s go. Do you need anything out of your car?”
“No, I’ve got my purse and laptop in here.” I patted my backpack.
“Great. I can get you home before the snow starts.” We walked over to his Range Rover and I got in, suddenly remembering the last time I’d ridden in it. A giggle escaped me and I covered my mouth with my hand.
“Something funny?” he asked, sliding behind the wheel and cocking his head.
“I might be a little punchy remembering the last time I was in your SUV.”
He grinned as he put it in gear. “You mean you standing there in that hot-as-fuck pink wedding dress demanding I open the door like a lunatic?”
I dissolved into more giggles, nodding. “Yup.”
Wait, had he just called me hot as fuck? Or was he just talking about the dress? That was the same thing, right?
“It probably sucked when it was happening, but it’s pretty funny now,” he said as he turned out of the parking lot.
“I must’ve looked insane,” I muttered. “Wedding dress, makeup running down my face…”
“It was more the serial killer look in your eyes than the makeup,” he deadpanned.
I smiled, relaxing in the seat as I realized I’d already reached a point where I could laugh about that day. Probably not in front of my parents, but it felt easy with Boone.
Comfortable.
“Do you need a ride to work in the morning?” he asked as he pulled up to my building.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted. “I have to figure out the car situation first. But I appreciate the offer.”
“Anytime.” He smiled over at me, the warmth in his eyes making my insides flutter.
“Would you like to come up for a drink?” I asked impulsively.
His eyes widened for a moment and he stared at me.
Crap.
I shouldn’t have done that.
There was no doubt he was uncomfortable.
“I can’t tonight,” he said finally, looking away. “Early practice and all. Maybe another time.”
“Oh, of course. Anyway, thanks for the ride. Good night.”
I couldn’t get out of that damn Range Rover fast enough.
What the hell had I been thinking?
CHAPTER NINE
Boone
I was so fucking close. Those few seconds when I still had control were ticking by in a heartbeat. Though I knew I couldn’t come yet, the urge was like a freight train barreling toward me—overpowering and unstoppable.