Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“What?” My feet grind to a halt as my mouth dries, turning cottony. I’m barely aware of the blades of straw poking my feet through the leather sandals. “But you said—”
Her expression hardens, transforming into one of impatience. “Even if he is here, the chances of you running into him are slim.” She waves an arm toward the massive group of students who have gathered to mourn the end of summer by drinking themselves into a stupor. “Look around. Half the university is here. There’s no way you’re going to see him, Skye, so stop worrying about it and live a little.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip before I suck the fullness into my mouth. No matter what Lanie says, I’m going to worry.
When I remain silent, my best friend plants her hands on her hips and glares. Here comes Lanie’s version of tough love.
“Would you rather sit home by yourself on a Saturday night because you’re too chickenshit to show your face? Afraid that you might run into Hunter Price?”
I’m sorry, is that really a question?
From the annoyed expression that flickers across Lanie’s face, I decide to keep those thoughts to myself.
“Skye Elizabeth Sinclair!”
I wince as my full name cracks through the air. It brings an unpleasant image of my mother to mind. This is what I get for living with someone who isn’t afraid to call me out on my bullshit. Maybe I should have taken Dad up on the offer to live with him.
I decide to go with something close to the truth. “I was hoping to avoid him for a while,” I mutter. “That’s all.”
And when I say a while, what I really mean is forever.
Is that really too much to ask?
Lanie sighs as her expression softens. Marginally. “I know, but you’re going to run into him on campus or at a party eventually. It’s inevitable. Accept it and move on.”
I snort.
Easy for her to say. Lanie doesn’t have any ghosts from her past that are ready to jump out and scare her.
I have a carefully constructed plan in place for the year. It involves lying low and flying under the radar, so Hunter doesn’t even know I’m here. “Yeah, I guess…”
Unwilling to let me backslide, Lanie loops her arm through mine and pulls me toward the growing group of partiers. “It’ll be fine. I promise.”
Unfortunately, my bestie isn’t in a position to guarantee me anything, and we both know it.
The closer we get to the party, the more my anxiety ratchets up. At least night has fallen. The only light emanates from the bonfire that flickers in the distance and the stars that twinkle across the dark velvety sky.
For the time being, I’ll remain vigilant. There’s really nothing more I can do.
I inhale a deep breath before carefully blowing it out.
Maybe Lanie’s right, and I’m making a big deal out of nothing. It’s been three years since we’ve seen each other, and a lot has happened since then. We’ve both moved on with our lives. I’m sure he’s forgotten all about me. As those thoughts circle through my head, my shoulders loosen from around my ears, and my heart stops thumping a painful beat.
The moment we reach the outer ring of people, Lanie is swept off her booted feet and spun around in a tight circle like a rag doll. Her short floral dress flies around her thighs. Laughter rings throughout the air as her arms slip around her boyfriend’s neck.
Jaxon Conway has a typical football player’s physique. He’s a mountain of a man—tall, broad in the shoulders, and muscular. He looks like he could easily bench press Lanie’s VW Bug. I would be intimidated by him, but he’s quick to laugh and has warm brown eyes. He’s like a teddy bear—big and gruff on the outside but tender and mushy on the inside.
“Missed you, babe,” he growls.
“It’s only been a couple of hours since we saw each other!”
“Doesn’t matter,” Jax complains. “I still missed the hell out of you.”
“Aww.” Lanie’s voice softens, becoming dreamy. “I love you so much.”
“I love you more,” he responds with enough heat to melt the panties off Lanie’s body.
Ugh.
Make it stop.
These two are so sickeningly sweet that I get a toothache every time I’m around them. Although, if anyone deserves a good guy, it’s Lanie. Like most girls in their early twenties, she’s dated her fair share of assholes. Jaxon is almost too good to be true. Kind of like a mythical unicorn that sprang to life. He’s an athlete who isn’t interested in screwing as many girls as he can get his hands on.
Ever since I rolled into town a few days ago, Jaxon and Lanie have been glued together at the hip. I get the feeling he’ll be our unofficial third roommate for the year.
Know what’s been getting a lot of use?