Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 122(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
I winked at her and smiled when she blushed. “I’m holding on to you with everything I’ve got.”
Dinner was relaxed, full of banter, laughter, and amazing food. I appreciated that Rory’s dad or mom stepped in when their sons seemed like they might start in on me again. Not that I couldn’t handle it, but it obviously bothered Rory, and I wasn’t willing to put up with that.
After the meal, I stood and picked up a few dishes, then took them to the kitchen. On my way back to the dining room, I was yanked into the hallway, where I found myself alone with Russell and Ridley. They stared at me with their feet braced apart and their arms crossed over their chests. I was willing to bet they had scared away plenty of Rory’s potential dates. Something I very much appreciated.
“If you’re going to try to threaten me away or talk me out of pursuing Rory, you might as well save your breath,” I stated before they could speak. I figured it was better to lay that out ahead of time.
“Believe it or not, Ledger, despite being a thickheaded football player,” Russell started. “I can see how much you care for my sister.”
“Nothing is more important to me than Rory.”
They searched my features in silence for a minute. Then Russell asked, “More important than your career?”
“Absolutely.” I didn’t even hesitate.
“You love her,” Ridley surmised.
I nodded. I’d acknowledged it to myself, but there was no way I was going to say it out loud to anyone before Rory.
Ridley dipped his chin and scowled at me. “I believe you. Just know that if you hurt her, you’ll be watching your team win from a hospital bed once we break every fucking bone in your body.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
We stared at each other for a few more seconds, then as if coming to a silent agreement, we turned to re-enter the kitchen. Just before I stepped over the threshold, a hand grabbed my arm and stopped me. I glanced around to find Russell standing close, his eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.
“One last thing, Ledger. If you knock up my sister before she has a ring on her finger, I don’t care how much you love her. I will beat the shit out of you.”
I slowly turned around, and due to our proximity, I was pretty much right up in his face. “I respect you, Russell. As well as Ridley and Brad. I have no problem with you protecting Rory against harm, especially if it was caused by me.”
My tone was made of steel, and my eyes bored into him when I said, “But when Rory and I choose to get married, start a family, or any other choice that couples make based on what’s best for them, that is none of your business. Do I make myself clear?”
Russell’s expression was blank, then he broke out into a smile and clapped me on the back. “You just might come somewhere in the stratosphere of deserving her one day.”
“I doubt it, but I’ll never stop trying.”
7
RORY
Flying in a chartered jet was different from the private planes the team used for away games. I wasn’t certain about how small it was, but Gage didn’t seem worried. And it was awesome to be able to travel back to New York with him.
“Are you nervous, nerd?” he asked, his hand sliding down to my thigh and squeezing gently.
“We’re in public,” I hissed, pushing his hand away.
“That’s a stretch.” He laughed and shook his head. “We’re on a private plane. Just the two of us.”
“Plus the pilots. And the flight attendants. Especially the pretty blonde who I swear winked at you.”
The grin broadened on his handsome face. “Is that jealousy I hear?”
“What? No. Maybe.” I sighed, leaning back into the plush seat, way better than any plane seat I’d ever been in. Even the one I’d flown here on.
His palm slid down the front of my leggings, his fingers brushing over my clothed mound. “You know you’re mine, right?”
I let out a small breath, focusing on his fingers as they crept away from the spot that ached for his touch.
He unbuckled his seat belt with one hand and slid from the seat until he kneeled in front of me with a wicked smile.
“What are you doing?” I managed to gulp.
“Showing you how much you’re mine,” he growled, pulling down my leggings until they were at my ankles.
“Gage,” I gasped, looking behind me for one of the flight attendants to come rushing forward and reprimand us.
He laughed, the sound vibrating against my thighs. When I looked back down, he peppered kisses along my sensitive skin.
“It might only be chartered, but this is a private plane for now, baby. They’re not coming unless I call for them. Which I’m sure as fuck not gonna do when I have you spread out for me.”