Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 92422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92422 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 462(@200wpm)___ 370(@250wpm)___ 308(@300wpm)
“Nope, we’re just friends,” I tell him.
And maybe myself as well.
It seems like I need the reminder.
“Interesting.” Brayden’s expression turns thoughtful. It would be difficult not to notice how handsome he is. “I wasn’t aware that the baby-faced assassin had any friends of the female persuasion.”
Colby cranes his neck and glances toward the crowded table of football players. “Hey, looks like some guy is hitting on Sydney. You should probably run him off before he steals her from beneath your nose. I mean, it wouldn’t be that difficult to do.”
A snort escapes from Brayden as he glances over his shoulder, only to see that Colby is telling the truth. Some dude is talking with his girlfriend.
Brayden’s brows snap together. “Well, it was nice running into you, McNichols. Good luck with the season.”
After a quick clap on the shoulder, he takes off, cutting a direct path to the blonde before slipping his arm around her waist and hauling her close.
“Yeah, I was pretty sure that would do the trick,” Colby says with a laugh. “The guy is head over heels in love with his girlfriend. Can’t say I saw that one coming. You’ve heard of the Campus Heartthrob competition, right?”
I rack my brain. “Maybe.”
Colby nods toward Brayden. “He’s won the title three years and counting.”
I can’t help but stare as the handsome football player wraps his arms around the athletic-looking blonde and lays one on her in front of everyone. The entire table breaks out into loud applause and catcalls.
“Have you two been friends for a while?”
Even though the interaction had been brief, they had an easy camaraderie that only comes from knowing someone well.
“His father played in the NFL and was repped by the same agent as my dad. So, we’ve known each other since we were kids.”
“They make a cute couple.”
“Sydney plays soccer for Western’s women’s team. She’s probably the only girl on campus who could put that guy in his place.”
Even from here, it’s easy to see that the blonde is feisty.
After that, he steers us toward a table packed with both hockey players and their girlfriends.
Juliette perks up and waves when she catches sight of me. I can’t help but return the welcoming gesture. She’s such a sweetie. Next to her is Ryder McAdams. He’s big and blond with a fan club of groupies that he doesn’t seem to care about.
How could he when the guy can barely take his eyes off his girlfriend?
When we reach the table, Carina pops to her feet before pulling me in for a quick hug. “Are you eating lunch with us?”
I shouldn’t…
“Yup,” Colby cuts in before I can respond. “She decided to sit with the cool kids today.”
“How does that make sense when she’s here with you?”
Colby glares at the blonde dancer. “Hamilton, come get your girlfriend. She’s annoying me.”
“Then she’s doing her job,” Ford calls back.
Carina grins before glancing at me again with raised brows. “You and Colby? Now this is an interesting story I need to hear. And don’t leave out any of the juicy parts.”
The kiss we almost shared nudges its way into my brain before I shove it away.
Heat stings my cheeks when I glance around and realize how much attention we seem to be garnering.
Crap.
I should have listened to my intuition when alarm bells were going off in my head and declined his invitation.
Stella locks her fingers around my wrist and tugs me down beside her. “OMG, tell me the truth—did you sleep with Colby?”
“Of course not,” I gasp. “We ran into each other on the way over. We were together for about five minutes. That’s it.”
Colby squeezes in beside me before saying, “Are you seriously trying to downplay our relationship, firecracker? I picked you up and we went ice skating and then out to dinner last night. Pretty sure most people would consider that a date.”
“You’re not most people,” I snap as more of his friends and teammates turn and stare like we’re an exhibit at the zoo.
Viola’s eyes widen before she gives her head a little shake as if totally thrown off guard. “I’m sorry…did I just hear this correctly? You and Colby are dating?”
“What? Of course not!” I shoot a scowl at Colby, who’s laughing his ass off.
It’s so tempting to elbow him in the ribs.
Hard.
Except we’re packed in so tight there’s barely room to maneuver.
“Oh, girl…I have so many questions,” Fallyn adds with a smile.
I force out a steady breath and attempt to keep my cool.
It’s no easy feat.
Hayes and another teammate, Steele, return with loaded-down trays. There’s an array of items—soups, sandwiches, chips, and a few salads.
Hayes glances at Colby. “You wanted a roast beef and Swiss?”
“Yup.” He holds up his hands as Hayes tosses the wrapped sandwich to him along with a bag of chips. All the other items get passed out until a cup of soup and half a sandwich are placed in front of me.