Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 37217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 37217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 186(@200wpm)___ 149(@250wpm)___ 124(@300wpm)
“Are we good?” he asks.
“Not really.”
“Why are you so concerned about Carter Cole all of a sudden anyway?”
“I just don’t like seeing people get screwed by underhanded bullshit, Dad. What’s your infatuation with Ryder Simmons?”
“He’s the future of the franchise, Cami. And honestly, we haven’t had a winning season here in a while, and I’m afraid if we don’t right the ship quickly, ownership is going to decide it’s time to move on.”
My dad isn’t one who has ever worried about job security—he’s been a winner everywhere he’s gone. But I know he loves it here in the desert. He’s built a home here and hopes to finish out his career with Vegas. Hearing him suddenly sound insecure about his job status is new, and it hurts my heart for him. But that still doesn’t mean I’m willing to accept him turning a blind eye to something so underhanded happening on this team or allowing somebody to cheat to get ahead.
“I think Carter is your best bet to build a winner again,” I tell him. “He’s got the skills and the temperament. Ryder may have the skills, but he doesn’t have the maturity. Not yet.”
“I promise I’ll keep an eye on things,” he says with a gentle smile.
“Yeah. Okay.”
“Good girl. Now, I need to go run some drills.”
He walks off to join his players, leaving me here to stew in my frustration. I reported the situation, and realistically, I know I’ve done all I can do. I’ve got no power or authority to do anything. I hate feeling so helpless. So powerless. But more than anything, I hate that Carter is going to get screwed over by the younger guys and not be able to stop it. It's not fair.
I walk away, silently vowing to find some way to bring Ryder Simmons down. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’m going to expose him for what he is.
7
CARTER
Chewing on an onion ring, I watch the rain fall outside the small diner I’m sitting in.
I’ve always loved the rain and loud, violent storms. Thunder cracks like a cannon going and so much lightning flashes overhead. It’s almost like there’s a cosmic strobe light flashing in the sky. It’s definitely a strong storm rolling. Unfortunately, it hasn’t cooled off much, leaving the air outside humid and sweltering. That’s something I can do without.
“Of all the gin joints in all the world.”
I look up, surprised to see Cami standing beside my table, a smile on her face. I take in the way her breasts strain against her light tracksuit jacket and how the black cotton leggings hug her incredible ass. My cock twitches at the sight.
“So, you found your way to Mac’s,” she says.
“I wasn’t aware this was a destination.”
“Any local worth their salt knows and eats at Mac’s.”
“Is that so?”
“It is. Mac's is a mecca for milkshake aficionados. They make the best milkshakes in the entire country.”
A small grin curls the corners of my mouth, and I chuckle. “I noticed they had a pretty expansive milkshake menu.”
“That’s what they’re known for.”
“The onion rings are pretty good too,” I say, holding one up.
“You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
She slides into the booth across from me and looks out at the rain pounding down on the pavement outside. Mac’s is a fifties-style diner with black and white tile, red vinyl booths and cushions, a lunch counter, and lots of chrome everywhere. The waitresses all wear poodle skirts with white blouses and look like pinup girls.
“So, are you stalking me now?” I ask with a grin on my lips.
“Don’t flatter yourself. I told you, this is the place for a good meal and a milkshake. I usually drop in a couple of times a week.”
“You’re tiny. I find that hard to believe.”
“I work out a lot. Plus, I’m not much of a cook, so Mac’s is always a good option. It’s pretty much my go-to.”
“Well, the bacon cheeseburger was pretty damn good, I’ll give it that.”
“You should have had the steak sandwich. It's life-changing.”
“Well, maybe I’ll try that next time.”
Cami looks at my mostly empty plate and frowns, looking almost disappointed that I’m finishing up my meal. I can still taste her on my lips. Her womanly scent fills my nose and the sound of her moans and whimpers rings in my ears. With that assault on my memory and my senses, I feel myself getting stiff. Thank Christ there’s a table covering me.
I’m trying to push the images out of my mind, but all I can think about is tasting her again. All I want right now is to feel that narrow mouth of hers on me and my rigid staff sinking deep into that sweet, wet little slit between her thighs. Her cheeks are flushed, and she’s squirming in her seat. I see the hunger in her eyes and wonder if she’s having similar thoughts.