Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90257 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Sawyer leans close in order to be heard over the rock music blasting through the speakers. “I spoke to Ryder for a little bit at your mom’s party. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve seen him.”
I rip my attention away from the ice long enough to meet his eyes and force a smile. “Oh, yeah?”
He nods, his gaze flicking to the action in the arena before slicing back to me. “Is there anything going on between you two?”
“Of course not,” I lie. “He’s always been more Mav’s friend than mine.”
With an easy smile, he drapes a muscular arm around the back of my chair. “Yeah, that’s what I thought but wanted to make sure.”
We continue to chat, talking about stuff from our childhood and then his job, until the first period ends. It’s almost a surprise to realize how quickly time is flying by. In all honesty, I was dreading tonight’s game. Dreading having to sit here and watch Ryder on the ice. Sawyer has been the perfect distraction.
I glance at the scoreboard and realize that the Wildcats are in the lead by a solitary goal. It’ll be a nailbiter. Already the crowd is going crazy, jeering at the refs for bad calls.
“Your mom mentioned that you’re in the process of applying to med school.”
I drag my attention away from the Zamboni as it resurfaces the ice to meet Sawyer’s inquisitive stare. “So far, I’ve applied to three colleges. Hopefully, I’ll get accepted to at least one.” Even thinking about it makes the muscles in my belly spasm with nerves. It’s what I’ve spent all these years working toward. Until I know the outcome, I’m in limbo, and that’s a difficult place to be.
“Oh, yeah? Which ones?”
“John Hopkins, Duke, and the University of Chicago.”
He whistles. “That’s a pretty impressive list.”
I force out a laugh. If there’s one thing I hate talking about, it’s my accomplishments. “I haven’t been accepted yet. So, it might not be that impressive at all. We’ll see.”
He nudges my shoulder with his larger one. “Please, your mom was telling me that you have a near four point oh and that you’ll graduate Magna Cum Laude. That’s a real achievement. You should be proud. I only made Summa Cum Laude.” He flashes a lopsided smile. “So, you beat me out. My parents always said you’d do amazing things, and here you are.”
With a groan, I bury my face in my hands. “Oh my god, how embarrassing.”
My mortification makes him chuckle. “What’s wrong with that? She’s proud of you.” He glances at the ice. “Of both you and Maverick.”
My heart softens. Neither of my parents have ever held back their praise. They’d shout it from the rooftops if they could. And I love them for it. They’ve always been our biggest cheerleaders and champions.
“I know.”
When the crowd erupts into whistles and applause, I glance around and realize with a start that people have swiveled in their seats and are openly staring at us.
Sawyer points to the jumbotron perched high above the ice.
“We’re on the Kiss Cam,” he says with a laugh.
What?
My eyes widen as I see our faces on the giant screen. Sawyer’s arm is wrapped around my shoulders as he grins at the camera. More whistling and cheers erupt.
“Come on, you two,” Carina says. “Don’t disappoint the crowd!”
“Yeah,” Stella shouts. “Lay a wet one on her, Sawyer.”
Embarrassment claws at my cheeks. It feels like everyone in the arena is staring, encouraging us to kiss. Even my own family and friends. When I glance at him, he arches a brow in silent askance and I give him a helpless look in response, unsure what to do.
Maybe I’m making a bigger deal out of this than is necessary.
It’s just a peck on the lips.
“Well, what’s it going to be?” he asks softly as if he understands that I’m uncomfortable with all the attention.
I suck in a harsh breath before jerking my head into a tight nod and closing the distance between us. It’s gently that his lips brush over mine. Unlike Aaron, they don’t feel dry and papery. But it’s nothing like when Ryder kissed me either.
There’s absolutely no spark.
It’s…pleasant.
Could it be more than that if another guy’s kisses weren’t so fresh in my mind?
Maybe.
The crowd explodes into cheers and whistles as Sawyer pulls away and searches my eyes before staring at the camera and waving.
Air rushes from my lungs. I have no idea if I’m relieved or disappointed that I didn’t feel more of a connection with him.
I blink away those thoughts and refocus my attention on the ice, only to find Ryder glaring at me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he looked pissed.
But that can’t be.
Can it?
CHAPTER 26
RYDER
What the actual fuck was that?
Did she seriously just kiss that guy?
Even though my head should be in the game, it’s not. My attention is locked on Juliette and the Wolf of Wall Street wannabe sitting next to her.