Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 86199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I’m wondering where my best friend of thirteen years went.” She stabs a finger in my direction. “Who exactly is this fun-loving ho in her place?”
The edges of my lips tremble as a snort escapes from me. “I promise that I’m the same person who moved in with you last fall.”
She folds her arms across her ample chest. “Listen, girl, I’m all for you living your best life, you know that.”
“Why do I sense a but coming?”
“Because you know me well.”
I press my lips together and steel myself for the truth bomb she’s about to drop.
Holland settles on the bed beside me before searching my eyes for a long, silent moment. Her voice dips, becoming huskier. “The last thing I want to see is this situation blow up in your face. Or you getting hurt. That’s all.”
My chest expands with love. No matter what, she always has my best interests at heart. I’m lucky that she took a liking to me in the second grade.
It’s only because I trust her judgment implicitly that I realize she’s spot-on regarding the situation with Maverick.
It has disaster written all over it.
In black Sharpie.
It’s the reason my instincts were blaring at me from the very beginning to avoid him at all costs.
And I tried…
I really did.
But there’s something about Maverick McKinnon that I find irresistible.
“You need to tell him the truth before you get in any deeper.”
My shoulders collapse under the heavy weight of her words as guilt pricks at me.
Yeah… I think it might be a little too late for that.
Not only does he not know that River and I are related, but he has no idea that I was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. Most guys shy away when I share that info. The ones who don’t turn tail and run, treat me as if I’m fragile.
Even though I think he’ll be pissed when he finds out about the first issue, I’ve grown more concerned about the second one. Especially since his mother fought her own battle recently and he was so affected by it.
It wouldn’t surprise me if our diagnoses and subsequent treatment overlapped.
Ugh.
The thought makes my belly pinch with nerves.
If he doesn’t pull away and disappear from my life, I’m afraid he’ll treat me differently.
After what I’ve experienced at his skilled hands, that would be a deal breaker for me.
My mind tumbles back to the way he fucked me the other day. I’ve never even fantasized about a man touching me in that way.
Playing with my body like that.
It was…delicious.
Even though it’s been a few days, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
“Oh god…you’ve already fallen for him, haven’t you?” Her voice is tinged with a blend of disbelief and sadness.
I blink out of the memories trying to take hold, and stare at my bestie with wide eyes. My inclination is to shake my head.
No way!
Of course I haven’t!
But…
It’s a jolt to realize that Holland is right.
I’ve fallen for Maverick.
Or maybe I’m in the process of it.
What I do know is that I’ve never met anyone like him before. The scariest part is that I’m not sure if I ever will again.
As much as I don’t want to burst the little bubble I’m living in, I can’t continue lying to him.
Well, I haven’t exactly lied. Although, it’s doubtful Maverick will see it that way once I come clean.
I cringe, realizing exactly what needs to happen. The sooner, the better. Only then will my conscience be cleared and we can hopefully move forward with our relationship.
“I’ll tell him tonight,” I whisper.
My belly dips at the idea of sitting down with him and admitting all the secrets I’ve been keeping.
Holland worries her lower lip as her brow furrows. “I know it’s scary, but it’s the right thing to do.”
I draw in a lungful of fresh air and force myself to nod in agreement.
Deep down, I realize she’s right, but that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier.
Just as Holland opens her mouth to no doubt impart some wisdom, there’s a knock on the front door of our townhouse.
With a frown, she peers into the short hallway on the other side of my threshold before popping to her feet. “I swear if those creepy religious dudes are back again, I’m going to totally lose it.”
I didn’t think it was possible for anything to lighten the solemn mood that’s fallen over me, but that does the trick, and a snort breaks loose.
Without a backward glance, she stalks into the hallway before disappearing from sight. From within the townhouse, I cock my head, hoping to hear the tirade when she unloads on them.
The door opens and the muffle of voices barely reaches me.
As tempting as it is to follow her, I remain on my bed. It doesn’t take long for my mind to tumble back to Maverick. My teeth scrape across my lower lip as I consider alternative solutions.