Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“What about me? I need to try these cookies if they have you two fighting over them.” Joey laughs.
“I’ll share with you,” I tell her. I’m pretty sure there isn’t much that I wouldn’t give her.
“My mouth is watering.” Caleb chuckles. “Joey, you have no idea how good these cookies are. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth peanut-buttery goodness.”
“Well, I picked up some cupcakes for dessert. I don’t know if it can hold up to Brock’s mom’s peanut butter cookies, but they’ll satisfy your sweet tooth.”
“I’m not going to turn away cupcakes either.” Caleb stands and moves to place his plate in the dishwasher. “Thanks for this, Joey,” he says, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s nice having you here.”
“You’re welcome.” She tilts her head back and smiles up at him.
“And we still need to have that talk.” Caleb points at her.
“I know.” Her face grows somber. “We will. I promise.” Caleb nods, grabs two cupcakes, flashes us a grin, and takes off up the stairs.
“This was delicious. Thank you,” I say, standing and rinsing off my plate before placing it into the dishwasher as well.
“Good game today.”
“Thanks.” I flash her a smile. “I’m glad you were there.”
“So, next week, are you sure it’s okay if I sit with your family?”
“Definitely. In fact, why don’t you bring Taylor? It will just be my mom and dad, and I’ve got four tickets. That way, you won’t feel awkward.”
“Are you sure?”
“Call her,” I say, sliding her phone across the island where she’s still sitting. “I’ll clean up while you make plans.”
“I don’t know if she can get off work.”
“Call her, Joey,” I urge. “All expenses paid. My treat. In fact, I’ll call and get you a room where the team is staying.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s done.” I pull my phone out of my pocket and send a message to Miller, my agent. He’ll take care of it. I’m not a diva client, and I never ask for much, so he’ll know with just this request that it means something. That she means something. Well, he’ll think that one of them means something to me.
“Hey, Taylor.” I hear her say into the phone.
“Go.” I wave her off. “I’ll clean up here. Go catch up with your friend.”
“Hold on, Tay.” She moves the phone away from her mouth. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I reach out and run my index finger down the side of her cheek. “Go. I’ve got this.”
With a soft smile, she stands and presses her lips against my cheek. “Thank you, Brock.” With that, she places the phone back to her ear and disappears up the stairs.
I place my hand where her lips were and relish the feeling while simultaneously kicking my own ass for sending her away. I was hoping to get to spend some time with her tonight, but the smile on her face at the thought of a weekend with her friend was worth it.
Once the kitchen is cleaned, and the leftovers are put away, I turn off the light and make my way to my room. As soon as I step inside, I can smell her, and my eyes scan the room. That’s when I see it—the small, folded piece of paper on my pillow. My feet carry me as fast as they can to the paper as I sit down on my bed and open it.
Princess Joey antagonized over which jersey to wear. She wanted to support her brother and the most handsome football player in the land. In the end, Princess Joey wore her brother’s number on her back but supported both on her cheek. You see, Princess Joey has all these feelings that she’s not sure she should be feeling about the handsome football player. Just being around him makes her heart race and her palms sweaty. She’s worried that even though the handsome football player wanted her to wear his jersey, he might not feel the same way.
To be continued…
Folding the letter, I slip it into the nightstand and stand from the bed. I make my way to the hallway and listen for Caleb. The house is quiet, so I slip quietly into Joey’s room. She’s still on the phone talking softly with, I assume, Taylor.
She gasps when she sees me. “Hey, Tay, I need to call you right back. Yeah, everything is fine. I just have to pee. I’ll call you back,” she says, ending the call.
It takes four long strides for me to get to her. She’s lying back on her mound of pillows, her hair spread out, and at this moment, I need her. Leaning in close, I place my hand against her cheek as our eyes lock. “I feel it, Joey. I feel it deep in my soul. I want you. I want whatever you’re willing to give me, beautiful.” And with that, I press my lips to hers.