Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 107687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Someone kill me, but I will not back down from him. “Yes, a time or two.”
A chuckle rumbles at the bottom of his chest. “Tell me all about it. Details. You can even show me scars if you have any.”
“You are disgusting.”
“My mom would tell you otherwise. Even Elli. I’m her favorite.”
“I have absolutely no idea why. You’re very annoying and very inappropriate.”
“This must be your first time around hockey players.”
It is, but I won’t be telling him that. He laughs, smacking the guy beside him. I might be seeing things, but they seem to favor each other with their features. Not their hair. Dimitri’s is darker, but the guy beside him could pass as a brother. “FJ, some girl tells you something is like a tick on a nipple, what would you do?”
“Ask if she needs help removing it,” he says without hesitation, and I groan inwardly. “After I get over gagging and hoping she isn’t infected or the head isn’t in there, because you know that can happen.”
“Absolutely,” Dimitri agrees. “Cover your bases.”
“Exactly. And then I’d lick the spot to make her feel better. ’Cause I care about her well-being.”
Dimitri slaps FJ again. “See, my man. I taught you well.”
Great, now the image of Dimitri’s mouth on my nipple is in my mind. My nipples get rock hard as I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Will you shut up, please?” I ask, giving them both a look. They both give me the exact same lopsided smile, and I roll my eyes before looking back at where the coaches are gathered.
“FJ, this is Austen. She’s my roommate. Austen, this is my cousin FJ.”
So many things to yell at him for in that sentence. Like, oh wow, he does know my real name. Or what the hell is wrong with him, telling his cousin I am his roommate? And then, oh, that’s his cousin. That makes sense. I look past Dimitri to his cousin. “It’s nice to meet you, FJ. Is your cousin always this annoying?”
FJ beams, his eyes as intoxicating as Dimitri’s. “All the damn time. You learn to look past it and love him, though. He’s a good dude.”
“Doubtful,” I say as I tear my gaze away from him to Dimitri. His grin is absolutely unstoppable and so aggravating, I want to physically smack him. I exhale heavily as, thankfully, the meeting starts. I’ve been so distracted by Dimitri, I didn’t even notice the number of people in the room. Over forty players have gathered, and then I notice that Shelli isn’t sitting beside me at all. She is at the front with the coaches, beside her sister. I thought I was staying out of the way, but then all the seats were taken, which was good since Dimitri decided to sit right next to me. God, his body is giving off all kinds of heat. I am trying my very best to pay attention to Coach River, but when I want to take my clothes off due to the damn furnace that’s sitting beside me, it’s hard to even function.
Unable to take the heat, I slowly remove my jacket, trying my best not to bring attention to myself. I don’t do well enough, though, because Dimitri is watching me, and when he stifles a laugh, I glare at him.
“What?”
“Are those two ticks in your shirt? Or do you really like my inappropriateness?”
I look down to see my nips are fully noticeable through my thin white shirt. My eyes widen as my whole neck catches on fire, and I bring my notebook to my chest. “You are disgusting.”
“Shh, you’re distracting me,” he whispers, fighting a grin, and I gasp in disbelief. “The coaches are speaking.”
“I’m going to beat you with my notebook,” I threaten, and then I hear my name.
“Austen,” Shelli says, and I whip my gaze to her, my face on fire. “Help me in welcoming Austen McDavid. She will be shadowing me all season since she will be the new GM of the Knoxville Bears.” In seconds, everyone’s eyes are on me. I reach for my rubber band, snapping it as I put on the widest, fakest smile I can muster. “Her grandfather, Dan Davenport, the well-known team owner, has graciously asked for our guidance since the Knoxville Bears will be our new farm team. Those who don’t make it out of camp will play one more year in Jacksonville and then to Knoxville if, by chance, you don’t make it again next year. But let’s not think negatively. All of you have the talent and the resilience to play for the Assassins. Pay attention to your nutrition, your mental health, physical health, and your skills, and you can make the roster. I know you can.”
Everyone claps, and Shelli’s eyes stay on mine. “The floor is yours.”