Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 109176 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 546(@200wpm)___ 437(@250wpm)___ 364(@300wpm)
“Oh, look, you’re touching me in public.” She scoffs.
This is what I was worried about.
My behavior on the plane was uncalled for, but seeing as Robert had just stepped into the bathroom, I wasn’t sure when he’d be coming out or what he could hear in there.
Better safe than sorry, so I pushed her away, but the moment I did, I realized my mistake.
I hurt her, and I feel awful about it, which is why I understand her anger right now. She has every reason to be pissed at me.
The thing she doesn’t understand is that it’s not any easier on me than it is on her not being able to be openly affectionate, but with the season happening, the team can’t risk any turmoil.
It would certainly be turmoil if the coach learned I engaged in a relationship with his daughter. After what I read, it’s obvious that this relationship is new, and they’re still trying to figure it out. Coach Robert seems more willing, and Josephine seems more reluctant, but again, it’s not my place to put any extra stress on them.
“What floor, Hellfire?”
“The roof,” she answers, and my back goes ramrod straight. The roof is where the pool is. There is no way that Josephine, in her current state, should be allowed anywhere near a pool.
A knot in my stomach forms, and I can’t help the way my mind races with what-if scenarios of all the things that could go wrong if a drunk Josephine swims alone.
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Who are you, my dad?” She pushes my hands off her and moves to the other side of the elevator. Now, with her arms crossed at her chest, she levels me with a stare. “You might as well be. I’ve known you just as long.” This is the first time that Josephine is openly talking about her struggles with her father. And while I know I should shut it down because she needs to be put to bed, I don’t have the heart to stop her.
She uncrosses her arms, reaches for the button, and presses the top floor. I guess I won’t be going to sleep after all. There’s no way I’m letting her go up there alone. I need to be with her to make sure she’s okay—not just physically but also emotionally.
The ride is relatively silent, except for a few audible sighs of annoyance coming from her. When we finally come to a stop, she doesn’t wait to see if anyone is standing on the other side of the doors before she flies out of the small space.
The pool is empty. A sign on the wall says the pool has been closed for the past two hours.
I wonder if security will come up.
You never can tell. Sometimes, they turn a blind eye to the team’s antics. I’m actually surprised Hudson isn’t up here in the hot tub. But last I heard, he was busy with some local girl he met in the lobby. Didn’t take him long to find his flavor for the night.
Before I can stop her, the little hellfire lifts her dress over her head and runs toward the pool.
Fuck.
Just what I need.
This is a disaster.
A part of me knows that I should be pissed about the way she’s acting—that she’s drunk or the fact that when we get caught up here, the ensuing drama will not be worth the view. But I can’t be because I’m too damn concerned about her well-being to even care if anyone finds us here.
My heart pounds heavily in my chest. “Josephine.”
She doesn’t answer. Instead, she chooses to dive back into the water.
My left hand lifts, and I run it through my hair. What am I going to do with this girl?
She pops up for a second.
“Please don’t make me come in and get you.”
“Yeah, okay. I’m sure you’re going to do that,” she slurs.
“I will.” I’d do anything to protect her. How can she not see that? Because you’re an asshole half the time, that’s why.
“No way you’re going to ruin your fancy shirt.”
Lies. I’d burn this shirt if it made her smile.
“Watch me.”
Not waiting for another second, I walk to the edge of the shallow end, where she is now, and lower myself into the water.
I feel weighted down by the liquid clinging to the fibers of my clothes, but I keep trudging in her direction.
“Hellfire.”
“Grump,” she counters.
“Get over here,” I growl. This woman tests my patience. My sanity, too. With each second I’m in this damn pool, the chances of her drowning grow greater.
This needs to end now. I need to get her out of here and make sure she doesn’t hurt herself. But on the other side of the shallow end, Hellfire is having a grand old time, splashing around and doing what appears to be underwater cartwheels. She resurfaces with a giant smirk on her face. “Come and get me.”