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)
If I don’t get it up, my ass will get benched, and with playoffs right around the corner, that’s the last thing I can afford.
Sure, I’m here to get an education.
But even more importantly, I’m at Western to play hockey.
And if I can’t do that, what’s the fucking point?
2
Willow
“Exactly how did I let you talk me into this?” my bestie asks as we navigate the crowded corridor.
“Because you love me.” I flash an overly sweet smile in her direction.
With a scowl, she flattens her lips before grumbling, “Well, you got me there.”
Holland and I became fast friends back in elementary school. She’s my sister from another mister. The yin to my yang. Whenever I’ve needed her, she’s been there. I’d like to think that I’ve done the same, but at this point, she’s definitely put in more time.
She’s a true friend in every sense of the word.
And there’s nothing I wouldn’t do in return for her.
Holland gives off major don’t-fuck-with-me vibes. But beneath her hard, crunchy exterior lies a soft, nougat filling. Although, if you said that to her, she’d probably take a chunk out of your backside with her teeth.
But she can’t fool me. We’ve been friends long enough that every so often, she’ll drop the mask and allow her vulnerability to take center stage. I love that she’s comfortable enough to give me those rare and precious glimpses of the real Holland.
“Added bonus, you enjoy watching River play.”
A devilish smile lifts the corners of her lips. “Actually, what I enjoy is watching your brother knock grown men on their asses. There’s something immensely satisfying about it. Especially when he does it to one player in particular.” She glances at me. “Which is the real reason I agreed to this outing.”
I knock my thinner shoulder into hers. When she meets my eyes, I waggle my brows. “It wouldn’t be the worst start to a relationship.”
She snorts. “I’m sorry, have you totally lost your mind? I have zero interest in hockey players and even less in your brother.”
“Are you sure about that?”
Her tone turns steely. “One hundred percent.”
My brain tumbles back to our childhood. “You might not realize this, but I’ve always secretly hoped you two would fall in love and get married. Then we’d truly be sisters.”
“What are you talking about? That’s never been a secret. You used to leave sticky notes on my books with our names surrounded by little hearts.”
For years, I tried nudging them in each other’s direction with no luck. Neither seem interested in the other. River treats Holland like the sister he never wanted or asked for.
“Plus, your brother is a total bonehead.”
I loop my arm through hers and draw her curvy body closer before adding in a cajoling voice, “Just think, if you play your cards right, he could be your bonehead.”
“Hard pass. I’m focused on finishing up college and getting the hell out of here. In that order.” There’s a pause before she mutters, “And Marcus left a lasting impression. One that has been singed into my soul.”
It’s not often that my friend dredges up her ex.
“That was years ago,” I say carefully.
I hate that he hurt her so much. Holland has always been a master at keeping her emotions tightly contained. I can hardly blame her with the way she grew up. I’m just glad our house was something of a refuge for her.
She jerks her shoulders and brushes off the comment. “Once burned, twice shy and all that bullshit.”
“I’m just saying that you should be open to the idea of love if it presents itself. That’s all.”
“Maybe after college, once I’m a boss-ass bitch,” she concedes.
That reluctantly given admittance feels like a major victory.
When my phone vibrates in my pocket, I slip my hand inside and fish it out before glancing at the screen.
“Let me guess—it’s Becks.”
Even though I try not to let it affect me, everything inside me deflates. “Yup.”
“She wants to make sure you’ve taken all the necessary precautions this evening.”
“Right again.”
“You realize that woman would put you in a bubble if it were socially acceptable?”
“Don’t give her any ideas,” I grumble.
A smile trembles on her lips. “Oh, I’m pretty sure she’s already investigated it. Must not have been feasible.”
I hate to admit just how spot-on Holland is in her assessment of the situation.
“How hilarious would it be if you showed up in a biohazard suit?”
I glare. “She’d be thrilled.”
“Yeah, probably. The woman is a total nutjob.” She glances at me. “Sorry, but it’s true.”
“I’m aware,” I say with a reluctant sigh.
We follow the swiftly moving crowd until finding our seat section. Even though I’m a student at Western, the only time I attend their games is when my brother’s team is playing the Wildcats. My twin has been involved in the sport since kindergarten, so I grew up watching it. More times than not, Holland was dragged along to keep me company.