Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Between the small talk, there were periods of comfortable silence, the kind that reminded me we were childhood friends and knew how to be around each other without feeling tension—outside of the sexual kind, of course. I pointed out stuff to him on the way, like places he could get cheap stuff for his dorm or good food.
When we finally arrived at the small pizzeria called Angelo’s, Alex looked pleasantly surprised. Either that we’d made the trek without running into anyone we knew or that it was the kind of place we’d have enjoyed back home. Probably a little of both.
We grabbed a booth, ordered sodas, and checked out the menu before our server approached us again. I chuckled when Alex ordered a whole pie to himself instead of sharing one, using the excuse that it was thin crust so he could shovel in more.
When our feet brushed under the table, I noted the flush on his cheeks, which was so different from how he’d taken charge in that supply closet. Fucking hot. I suddenly wished we’d have more opportunities to explore each other. Would he want that? Should I even broach the topic or let it play out naturally?
I watched as he dipped a breadstick in olive oil, then chomped down on a mouthful. It was tough not to think of my cock stretching those pouty lips.
“What?” he asked around another hearty bite.
Busted. “I mean, can you blame me for staring at that mouth? You’ve apparently had some practice.”
“A bit.” Even the tips of his ears were red. “You?”
“Yeah, sure,” I admitted. “My fair share.”
“And no one…special?”
“Like I said, not something I’m looking for.”
“Shit can still sneak up on you even when you’re not looking. Take this, for example.” Alex motioned between us. “I never thought I’d get this opportunity with you again.”
“Same,” I replied, sliding my foot against his again under the table. “I’ve definitely thought about it way too many times over the past two years.”
He tried to cover his quiet gasp, and I realized I was becoming a bit addicted to his reaction to me.
He looked around. “Don’t get me started again.”
“You don’t play fair either,” I teased. “Eating bread like that.”
Alex laughed. “Who knew I’d get in trouble for stuffing carbs in my face.”
“Well, cut it out,” I replied with a wink and took a sip of my soda.
He got this faraway look in his eyes before he refocused on me. “I know how much your dad disappointed you. He disappointed both of you, but Bailey went down one path and you another.”
My heart thumped. “What do you mean?”
“He wants the dream, and you only see the nightmare.”
My gut churned at how close to the mark that was. “Damn, when you put it like that.”
“Well, am I wrong?”
I grimaced. “No, guess not.”
When our salads came, we dug right in, and it was as if he hadn’t just eaten a meal a couple of hours ago and practically an entire basket of bread right in front of my eyes. I could’ve given him shit, but I was shoveling it in too, completely famished.
Alex said, “Remember that time Bailey ate so much popcorn that he got a stomachache, puked his guts out, then ate some more?”
I made a funny face. “God, that was gross.”
“Right?” He smirked. “By the way, have you gotten home much lately?”
“I went to see Mom last weekend when you guys were out of town.”
“That’s cool. Bailey and I were talking about driving together this weekend since we don’t compete.”
Something strange sloshed in my stomach. Bailey never talked about that stuff with me anymore, even though it was our childhood home. How far we had fallen…
When the server brought our pizzas, I smiled as he dug in. “I still can’t believe you’re going to eat a whole pizza by yourself.”
He shrugged. “How can you be surprised? Do you know how many calories we burn in a day?”
“Yeah, I know.” I took a bite of my pepperoni slice. “It’s actually refreshing to be with somebody who doesn’t care.”
He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Doesn’t care how they look stuffing their face?”
“Yeah, you know what I mean. Like if you’re out with someone you just met or whatever and nerves get the best of them.”
“Well, it’s a good thing neither of us plans on dating. So let’s pig out.”
That was exactly what we did, but by my fourth slice, I was already full and asked for a to-go box while Alex kept eating. We talked about our childhoods and campus life, and eventually, the conversation returned to my art.
“That painting…” Alex’s voice was hesitant. “Is that supposed to be you?”
Without asking, I knew he was referring to the one with the guy crouched in the corner of a room that’d spilled from my gut late one evening.