Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Even without football, Van is a determined man. He seems to be able to do it all. It’s impressive. It’s also way too alluring. I’m quickly becoming one of his groupies. I only hide it better than the other girls at school. Really, it’s all his fault. The more he’s around me, the more I fall for his charm. I really do try to resist because I don’t want to get used to having him around. He’s too good to be true. And you know what they say about things being that way. It never lasts.
At every turn, all his actions are to take care of me. With all his efforts to being my fake boyfriend, I think it would be easier to actually get a real girlfriend. Like all things in his life, he excels at being the best bossy boyfriend. Who is also super supportive. He reads anything I write. At least the things he knows of.
The school paper already did an article on him. I sent Clare to do it. She’s on the cheer team, so it made sense. I hated every second of it. At first, he didn’t tell her anything. Then I asked him to and he answered a few of her questions. It was enough so she could write a small article, but he didn’t give her much. I was so annoyed, and I might have also been secretly happy that Clare’s ways didn’t work on him. She’s good at getting information out of people.
Where are you?
On my bed WORKING.
Send me a pic.
I glance down at the shirt I’m wearing. Van gave it to me a few days ago. It’s got his number and name on it. I told him I’d never wear it. Yet I’ve been sleeping in it every night since I got it. No way would I show myself wearing it. He would never let me live it down.
Go catch a football or something.
Sadie is coming to pick you up. Wear the shirt I got you.
Van! The deal was I play your girlfriend and you get me juicy gossip. You’ve given me nothing. I think maybe we should break up.
The last sentence hurts to write. Each time I push Van away, I ache, but when he pushes right back, it’s a rush. I’m not sure what game I’m playing but every time the stakes get higher for me.
She’s on her way.
At the same time I get the text, I hear something out the front door. I jump up from my bed to see. I barely make it to the hallway to see my mom’s boyfriend. She’s at work, so I’m not sure what he’s doing here.
“My mom isn’t here,” I blurt out, wondering how he got in. He gives me the creeps. I know I locked the door. I always do. Richard holds up a key, answering my unspoken question.
“She’ll be home soon.” He responds. His and my definition of “soon” must be very different because I know it’s at least another three hours before she’s off. “Are you hungry?” He walks closer. I want to step back but my feet are stuck in place. He hasn't done anything but my anxiety and fear shoot through the roof being here alone with him. My mind is screaming for me to get out but still I don’t move. I only shake my head no.
“I’m sure we can find something to do until your mother gets home.” He reaches out and tucks one of my curls behind my ear, his hand lingering by my face. Fear engulfs me. My body screams for me to move, but I don’t. I’m a deer caught in the headlights.
A knock sounds at the door, breaking whatever hold is over me. “I should get that.” I rush past him toward the front door. When I swing it open, I see Sadie standing there with her boyfriend slash personal bodyguard Dunc behind her. I’ve never been happier to see people in my life. Or more thankful that Van is so damn pushy and sent them here.
“Hey!” she chirps. “Van said you needed a ride.” I glance over my shoulder to Richard.
“Yeah, let me grab my things.”
Van has a way of always getting what he wants. This time I think he saved me in a way I don’t want to even begin to try to comprehend.
Chapter
Ten
VAN
“This isn’t our last game. It’s not a fierce rivalry. We’re expected to win. If any of these thoughts are swimming through your head right now, shake them off. That kind of mentality will lead to ugly surprises. Every game is difficult. Every play is one that could go wrong. Be sharp! Be mentally tough! Be a Trojan!” Coach Pelican raises his fist in the air, and the entire locker room erupts. We shout, “Be a Trojan! Be a Trojan!” faster and faster until only a chant of “Beat! Beat! Beat” can be heard through the tunnel. We race forward into the smoke and the sparklers, thumping our chests and knocking our helmets between our palms.