Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
“You came,” I say when Dunc and I are alone in the room.
“The first chance I’ve been able to get you alone.”
“You’ve been trying to get me alone?”
“Stay down.” Dunc puts his hand on my chest. I hadn’t realized I was trying to sit up again. Slowly, I scoot over to make room for him.
“Get in.”
“I’m not getting in the bed with you.”
“Why not?”
“You’re hurt, and the doctor will be back in a second,” he answers as though my request is completely ridiculous.
“Please,” I beg. A smirk pulls at his lips. He’s so dang handsome. Why’s he gotta be an asshole?
“A handsome asshole?”
“Did I say that out loud?”
“I think I like you on pain meds. It’s the most you’ve talked to me in weeks.” I roll my eyes at him.
“Whatever. You’ve been avoiding me!” I hiss. “Not that I care. I also don’t care about how I have to listen to Rose talk about you nonstop when I’m in Creative Writing.” Dunc’s smirk turns to a full-on smile. I want to smack myself in my own mouth to stop myself from talking, but he has one of my hands, and the other is out of commission at the moment.
“Jealous?”
“No.” I slowly scoot back over. “Never mind about sharing my bed.” I ignore him.
“I’d like it if you were.” I peek over at him. “Not that you need to be, but you’d get a taste of my fuckin’ life.”
“What does that mean?”
“Seriously?”
“What?”
“Van.”
“What about him? He's texting you?” I look for Dunc’s phone.
“Never mind.”
I don’t get a chance to push. The doctor comes. Dunc holds my hand while he examines my shoulder again. I only feel a small tug. The meds are doing their thing. He places my arm in a sling to keep me from moving it too much. By the time he’s done, my dad has shown up, giving us an update that Mom is out of surgery but they are keeping her for a few days.
The parents sent us home. Cooper is staying with Mom while Dad goes to get my medication. The car ride home is quiet. Dunc sits in the back with me while Van drives.
For once, we’re all working as a family. That’s what I wanted. For everyone to get along. That only makes Dunc and me impossible.
CHAPTER 11
DUNCAN
“You’re with me today.” I fling Sadie’s backpack over my shoulder and gently nudge her toward the door. I’m careful with her not just because her arm’s in a sling but because Fischl’s and Uncle Coop’s eyes are on us. I’m not sure what they think I’m going to do with her, but they don’t trust me. Probably for good reason. If I had my way, Sadie would be naked and in my bed every night.
“What about Van?” She twists to peer over her shoulder as if her brother will jump out at any moment.
“Didn’t you hear?” I respond with real cheerfulness. “The star wide receiver’s dad got a job transfer to Dubai for mega bucks and is moving the entire family there, so the team needs a new wide receiver. Coach heard Van played at your old high school and recruited him.” Which means he’ll be gone in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. I almost rub my hands together like a cartoon villain. It worked out so perfectly for me.
“Oh no.” Sadie’s mouth turns down at the corners. She puts the brakes on and ducks out from under my arm. “Did you know about this?” She confronts Fischl.
Her mom nods slowly, curling her hands around the mug of coffee on the table like it will ward off Sadie’s frown. “Yes, he asked me the other day.”
“The other day? You guys have been keeping this from me for days?”
“He knew you’d be upset.”
“That coward! Of course, I’m upset. Why aren’t you upset, too? I can’t believe you agreed to this.” Sadie’s small hands are fisted at her side, and her face is turning red.
“I know, but Van really wanted this. I couldn’t say no.” Fischl gives her daughter a sad smile.
“What about you?” Sadie swings toward Uncle Coop.
He raises his hands. “It was Van’s decision.”
“You’re his dad, aren’t you?”
“Sadie, that’s enough.” Fischl rises to her feet. “There are a lot of changes happening in our family, and we need to be gentle with each other.”
Sadie clamps her lips together as if trying to keep herself from saying something she’ll regret. I step forward and angle my big body between her and her mom. Gazing down at Sadie’s frustrated face, I give her a small chin nod toward the door. “Let’s go. You can vent in the truck,” I say quietly.
Outside, she releases a small shout of irritation before climbing into the passenger seat. Silently she fumes next to me. When I’m mad, I don’t want anyone talking to me, so I don't bother her with a bunch of questions. We’re almost to school before she starts talking.