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)
“And you couldn’t do that at East Town?”
With his constant hovering?
“We both know the answer to that.”
Our gazes stay locked as a silent dialogue takes place between us. It’s one of the benefits to being a twin. We don’t need to say a word to communicate our thoughts and feelings. When we were kids, it used to get us into trouble.
“Fine,” he grumbles. “We’ll drop the topic.” Then he tacks on, “For now.”
I glance at my watch. “You should probably finish up. My shift at the tutor lab starts in twenty minutes.”
As he picks up his fork, preparing to dig in, voices drift on the air and my skin prickles with awareness. I glance toward the entrance of the restaurant as the energy shifts and a bunch of hockey players walk in, jostling one another.
My belly spasms as a fresh burst of nerves explodes within me.
Maverick McKinnon.
A smile lights up his handsome face as he laughs with one of his teammates. The way his lips curve and the flash of white teeth hits me like a punch to the gut. Memories from the night we spent together roll through my brain like a slow-motion picture show.
The way he ran his strong hands over my body…
He hadn’t been hesitant or careful.
After slipping into the townhouse I share with Holland the next morning, I’d shed my clothing for a quick shower. Right before I’d stepped into the enclosed space, I’d caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. There’d been hickies and handprints all over my breasts and inner thighs.
It had been shocking.
But deliciously so.
Maverick had played my body like a fine instrument, making it come alive.
Even though it’s only been a handful of days since we slept together, I’ve relived the memory at least a thousand times.
When he glances around the restaurant, I squeak and duck my head.
Shit. I really hope he didn’t see me.
“Willow?” River frowns. “Are you all right?”
I flick a quick look at my brother as he shovels another forkful of rice and beans into his mouth. “I, um…don’t feel well.” I force a wince. “The tacos are hitting me hard.”
“Really?” His brows pinch. “We come here all the time and you’ve never had a problem before.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure what the issue is. My belly feels like it’s in shambles.”
He holds up a hand. “TMI.”
“Would you mind grabbing the check and paying this time? Holland dropped me off, so I’ll need a ride back to campus.” I chance another peek at the hot hockey player. I’m certainly not the only girl eye fucking him. He draws female attention like bees to honey. “I’ll wait in the SUV for you, okay?”
“Sure. No problem. Give me a few minutes.”
As soon as Maverick and his group are shown to a table, I dip my head and race for the exit. On the way out, my gaze collides with Hayes’s. That’s all it takes for a wide smile to light up his face as he shakes his head in amusement. When he points to Maverick, whose back is turned to him, and widens his eyes, looking like he’s going to tap him on the shoulder, I scowl and give him the finger.
That only makes him laugh harder.
One of these days, I’m going to strangle that guy.
It’s a relief when I shove through the glass door and into the chilled afternoon air.
The only problem?
My brother is still inside.
With my one-night stand.
12
Maverick
My senses heighten as I do a double take and slowly scan the restaurant. For just a second or two, I could have sworn I caught sight of the hot blonde from the other night.
As I study each face in the crowd, none are hers.
I’d recognize her heart-shaped face, pouty pink lips, bright blue eyes and golden hair anywhere.
My hand drifts to the delicate silver chain that hangs around my neck.
This isn’t the first time my mind has conjured her up and played tricks on me. It’s happened more than once on campus. From the corner of my eye, I’ll catch a flash of long blonde hair. When I pause to study my surroundings, there’s no one in sight.
Of course there isn’t.
She doesn’t attend Western.
She’s an East Town student. At least, that’s my assumption.
Other than what she likes in bed, I know nothing about her.
As loathe as I am to admit it—even privately to myself—that’s become a major issue.
All these sightings are starting to drive me a little crazy.
More than anything, I wish she’d turned out to be a forgettable lay.
Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth.
“Hey, man, it’s good to see you again. Twice in one week. How lucky is that?”
Knocked from the tangle of my thoughts, I lock gazes with River Thompson.
Great.
Just the asshole I didn’t want to see.
From what I understand, Hayes and River went to high school together and played on a couple of the same travel hockey teams while growing up.