Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147021 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 735(@200wpm)___ 588(@250wpm)___ 490(@300wpm)
“I have that, and it is glorious,” Shilpa declares.
We say our good-byes, and Hemi’s about to offer to drive me, but my dad is on his way out, too. Apparently, Hollis left a while ago. Before BDF, he would always stop to say good night to all of us before he took off. But like everything else, I guess that’s changed.
I’m tipsy as I follow my dad to the elevator back at home—not so bad that I can’t walk a straight line, but my brain is sloshy, and all I can think about is Hollis and that kiss.
“You’ll keep an eye on Hollis this week?” Dad asks.
“Yeah, of course.” The team leaves in the morning for the away series.
“Thanks, honey. He’s doing better, but I think he’s hurting more than he’s letting on.” We wait for the elevator to arrive. “I don’t want him alone and stewing all week.”
I swallow the sudden wave of guilt and wonder how much worse it must be for Hollis. He kissed me. I wanted it to happen more than I wanted my next breath. But the fallout isn’t anything I planned for. Or how awful it feels to keep this secret from my dad. I force a smile, but it feels heavy. “He really wants to finish this season.”
Last year was hard on him. My heart hurts thinking of the dark places his mind may go this time.
Dad nods, his expression softening, maybe misreading my guilt for empathy. “He might be able to get back on the ice if we make it to the playoffs.”
“We can cross our fingers.” I switch the subject. “Do you need me to tackle anything besides groceries and laundry while you’re away? And did you leave me a list?”
“The list is on the counter.”
“Should I pull out your spring wardrobe?”
“I know you’ve got a lot on your plate with school and everything else.”
“I don’t mind.” If I don’t rotate his wardrobe, his closet is a nightmare.
“Only if you have time. We still have some weeks with snow left. Before I forget, how’s that Jameson kid? You planning a second date?”
“I think we’re better off as friends.” Even though he’s the kind of guy my dad wants for me.
He kisses the top of my head. “That’s too bad, kiddo. You deserve the best. Don’t ever forget it.”
I hug my dad and wish him luck when the elevator stops at my floor. The apartment is empty when I come in. Rix will spend the night at Tristan’s. Unless they have early practice, it’s where she sleeps when he’s not traveling. It’s only a matter of time before she moves into his place.
I flip the latch and lock the door behind me, heading for my bedroom. Since I have the place to myself, I can make as much noise as I want. I strip out of my clothes, shivering as the cool air caresses my bare, overheated skin. I retrieve Batdick from my nightstand drawer and my bottle of lube—I doubt I’ll need the latter, but better to be prepared than fumbling around for it when I’m halfway to an orgasm. I also grab Hollis’s hoodie from my dresser and lay it over my pillow.
I’m a little obsessed.
I climb into bed and pull up one of the folders on my phone. It’s labeled STUDY MATERIALS. It’s actually full of pictures and video footage of Hollis from games. I made a video compilation of all my favorite Hollis moments a while back. In many, he’s squirting water into his mouth. I run my hand over my stomach as I settle in, then realize I still have my scrunchie on my wrist and free it.
As my video compilation plays, I run the soft fabric over my lips. The Hollis scent is slowly fading. As I watch him wipe sweat from his face and chew on his mouth guard—it should not be hot, but it is—I again wonder when he found the scrunchie and why he hadn’t given it back. Especially when he knew it was my favorite.
I pause my video, and before I can rethink it, I hold the scrunchie in front of my bare knees, take a picture, and send it to him.
Aurora
Why was this on your dresser?
I hold my breath as the humping dots appear.
Hollis
Why were you in my bedroom? Again.
Aurora
Kitty love.
I’m being intentionally suggestive. The dots appear and disappear a few times.
Hollis
I thought we agreed that my bed wasn’t your pleasure playground.
I bite my lip and press my knees together.
Aurora
I was referring to Postie and Malone. Good to know where your head is though.
I’ve been a good girl and only used your spare bedroom. And I never leave evidence.
Hollis
Untrue. You left your scrunchie, and the constant change of sheets tells me all the things you don’t, which is its own special brand of mindfuck.