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)
Heat suffuses my cheeks as the memories once again push in at the edges before flooding my brain.
Another chuckle escapes from him, but this one is deep, husky, and knowing. The low scrape of it does funny things to my insides, making it impossible to hold on to rational thought.
His fingers drift across my cheek. “I’d strip you bare and take you right now if we had more time. But the one thing I refuse to do is rush when I’m making love to you. I enjoy drawing out your pleasure for as long as possible, until that sweet little pussy is sobbing for what only I can give you.”
Out of everything he just confided, two words echo throughout my head.
“Making love?” I repeat, surprised by the description.
Is that really what he considers it to be?
Maverick gives me a lopsided smile before pressing a kiss against my lips. “That’s what it was, don’t you think?”
“Yeah,” I admit. “I do.”
There was such a sense of closeness between us that isn’t easily found.
I’d laid myself bare and allowed him to touch me in ways I’ve never contemplated.
That kind of intense sexual exploration can only come from trust.
At least, the foundation of it.
“Then it would seem like we’re both on the same page.”
He straightens before pressing my back against the mattress and stretching out on top of me. His lips hover over mine as his tongue dances with my own, making me forget everything that needs to be cleared up between us.
Unable to help myself, my palms slip beneath the thick fabric of his sweatshirt until they’re sliding over the warm flesh beneath.
“Are you sure there’s not enough time?”
His lips quirk against mine as our breaths mingle. “Unfortunately, no.” He peppers kisses against my mouth. “I promise that after the game, we’ll have a repeat performance.”
My belly swoops as he pulls away and rises to his feet. His dark depths are filled with so much hunger and heat that it’s enough to scorch my skin and have me going up in flames.
It’s reluctantly that he jerks his head toward the door. “I should get moving.”
My confession slams back into me. “Can you give me a couple minutes? There’s something I need to tell you.”
He slips his hand into his pocket and pulls out his phone before glancing at the screen. “Sorry, sunshine, I can’t. If I don’t get to the arena pronto, Coach will rip me a new one. We’ll talk afterward, all right?”
Unsure what else to do, I jerk my head into a tight nod. “Sure, that’s fine.”
He flashes another grin before bridging the distance between us and lifting me to my feet. His mouth crashes into mine right before he nips at my lower lip, tugging it with sharp teeth before finally releasing it with a soft pop.
Already, my mouth feels swollen from his kisses.
“That was for good luck.” His gaze darkens as it drops to my lips. “Unlike the other game, I look forward to seeing you root for me in our section.”
And then he’s gone, disappearing into the hallway before I can gather my scattered thoughts.
Silence descends as regret blooms inside me.
A few minutes later, Holland pokes her head into the room.
Her narrowed gaze sweeps over my disheveled appearance. “I take it you didn’t tell him?”
It’s not a question.
We both know the answer.
My fingers rise to my lips. “I didn’t get a chance.”
“Looks like he gave you something to wear tonight.”
I glance down at the Wildcats jersey with his name and number stamped across the fabric. That’s all it takes for warmth to gather in my chest.
Other than my brother’s, I’ve never worn another player’s jersey.
Holland’s eyes turn somber. “You have to tell him, Will. There’s no way he won’t discover the truth. And then…” Her voice trails off as she jerks her shoulders. “I’m afraid of what will happen when he does.”
Everything inside me deflates like an overfilled balloon pricked by a pin.
“I’ll confess everything tonight.” I straighten my shoulders and attempt to put on a brave face. “And if he doesn’t understand, then it’s his loss.”
Even as I force out the last part, I’m none too sure if I believe it.
I can only hope that Maverick proves me wrong.
29
Willow
Hours later, Holland and I push our way through the crowded arena. Some of the more devoted fanatics have painted their faces orange and black. Just like weeks ago, people are decked out in Wildcat gear and sporting their favorite player jerseys. It would be hard not to notice just how many girls are wearing the same one I am.
When jealousy tries to rear its ugly head, I stomp it out before it can take root.
It’s not just university students who’ve shown up to support their hometown team. People come from all over the state to watch the Western Wildcats play. Especially now that we’re deep in the season and the playoffs are right around the corner. They have an amazing record, and everyone wants to watch them win and be part of their story.