Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
His eyes dropped down to my mouth momentarily. “How much did you drink?”
“Does it matter?”
“It does to me.”
I groaned. “What, you don’t hook up with drunk girls?”
“Not unless I’m also drunk,” he said, searching my eyes. “And you’re not just a girl to me.”
Ugh. Why did he say things like that?
“I’m only a little drunk. Your temper tantrum sobered me up some,” I said, feeling myself smile. His gaze softened. Our eyes remained locked as he cupped my face with his large hands. He got closer. My pulse raced in anticipation. He set his forehead on mine and shook his head.
“I can’t,” he breathed.
“Why?” I brought my hands up and wrapped them around his wrists.
He groaned a sound that vibrated through me. “You’re making this really difficult.”
Just as I opened my mouth to respond, to tell him to just fucking do it, two very drunk girls cut in, bumping into us and telling us they needed to use the restroom. Lachlan quickly moved out of the way to allow me to step out. One of the girls walked up to him and ran her finger against the side of his right arm. She took a few steps and paused by the bathroom door, eye fucking him. I really wanted to punch her. Lach kept his eyes on mine the entire time, which didn’t completely redeem him from the Mandy thing, but it helped. The girl huffed and made an annoyed face as she walked into the bathroom and shut the door loudly.
“I hate that they treat you like they have any right to touch you,” I said.
His eyes were sparkling, and the corner of his mouth twitched.
“What?” I asked, knowing I shouldn’t have disclosed that.
He leaned down again and brushed his cheek against mine until his mouth reached my ear. “I don’t bore you.”
I couldn’t confirm or deny it, so I said nothing. I cared too much. That was the problem.
CHAPTER 11
LYLA
I secretly wished last night’s joy would last, but it was gone by sunrise, when I saw the picture of Luke and my mom and remembered the things I wanted to be left buried. Parties were happening every night, including tonight. Marissa had already told me about it, and the only question on my mind was whether or not Lachlan would be there. Not that I’d ask her or go either way, but morbid curiosity begged for an answer. He didn’t kiss me last night, but he remained glued to my side the rest of the night. His hand on my lower back as we spoke to his teammates. His fingers brushing against mine as Marissa very loudly told a story about the time I locked myself out of my car in high school. His arm flush against my side when we were standing around. His wide stance caging me when he sat on the edge of the couch, and I remained standing. It felt like a warning to every other guy at that party. And I freaking liked it. Loved it. After all the shit I’d talked about the stupid dibs thing, there I was, wanting him to claim me. This had never happened to me before. Even when I was carefree Lyla, I’d never met anyone who made me feel like he did, and that was a real problem. I needed to remember what happened to Luke. I hadn’t even known Lachlan for a long time and the mere thought of losing him made me want to throw up.
“You sure you don’t want to come out tonight?”
I blinked. “I can’t believe you want to go out tonight after the way last night ended.”
“Oh, stop. I wasn’t that bad.”
“Marissa! You threw up three times before Lachlan dropped us off.”
“Oh God, I didn’t throw up in his car, did I?”
“No. I would have killed you!”
She laughed and raised an eyebrow. “You realize everyone is talking about you two, right? My sorority group chat has been lighting up all day about it.”
“What are they saying?” I bit my lip and looked at the floor, bracing myself.
“That they can’t believe someone managed to tame him.”
I laughed. “I’m not even with him. How would I tame him?”
“Lyla.” She shot me a droll look.
“What?”
“He practically declared his love for you in front of everyone.”
“No, he didn’t.”
“He totally freaking did.” She laughed, shaking her head. “Just let it play out. You know you want to.”
“Of course, I want to, Marissa,” I snapped. “But I can’t. You, of all people, know I can’t.”
“I hate it, but you’re right.” She smiled sadly and nodded her head slowly. “Why don’t you see him in private until we leave?”
“I don’t understand why he’s so adamant about me.” I threw my head back and closed my eyes. “I’m broken. Why would he want me?”
“Hey. No, don’t say that.” She sat next to me and threw an arm around me. “You’re not broken, and he wants you because you’re a fucking catch.”