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)
“It’s never too early for that. And make no mistake, it’s not a threat. More like a promise of retribution.”
I hold up my hands in a gesture of surrender. The last thing I want is for her to get ramped up. “I’ll do everything in my power not to hurt her, all right?”
She pokes me a second time, but it lacks the previous aggression. “Better not. Now get out of my way, I need to use the bathroom.”
I quickly step aside and extend my arm. It’s tempting to tell her that I’m not the one who initiated this convo, but I’m afraid she’ll drill her finger into me for a third time. I have a feeling that what she already did will leave a mark.
With one last glower, she closes the door behind her. I shake my head and slip back inside the bedroom. My gaze immediately falls to Juliette.
And her naked breasts.
So fucking delectable.
Already my mouth is watering for a taste of her.
All of her.
She’s seriously sweet all over.
As I beeline toward the queen-sized bed, my gaze flickers to the nightstand. When a folded-up piece of paper catches my eye, I pivot at the last moment. I know exactly what it is. There’s a screenshot on my phone.
And to think…
That list is what sparked everything between us.
Seems crazy.
Even though I have the damn thing memorized, I reach out and pick up the paper before carefully unfolding the sheet and staring at the list. My gaze slides over each number.
Bucket List for College
1. Make out at the library
2. Skinny dip
3. Karaoke
4. Get drunk at a party
5. Romantic date
My heart swells when I see that she crossed off the romantic date. Honestly, I hadn’t been thinking about it when I took her to the outdoor rink. I’d just wanted to spend a little time alone with her.
6. Orgasm
7. Dance at a club
8. sex in a public place
9. Skip class
And then it stutters painfully when I see the very last item has been ticked off, even though we agreed to remove it from the list.
10. Fall in love
My wide gaze flies to her. She’s still snoring softly and sleeping soundly.
Does that mean she actually…
Loves me?
I didn’t think that was possible.
I mean, sure…I have those feelings for her. Even though they were buried deep down inside where I couldn’t dwell on them, I’ve loved this girl for as long as I can remember.
“Juliette?” Her name comes out sounding hoarse, as if it’s being choked from my body.
With a lazy stretch, her eyelids flutter open. A soft smile tugs at the corners of her lips when her sleepy gaze locks on mine.
“Morning,” she says, voice all low and husky. It only twists my insides up more.
My gaze stays fastened to her as I hold up the list. “Everything’s been ticked off?”
She blinks. I can almost see her trying to play mental catchup and the exact moment it hits her. When she props herself up on her elbows, the sheet slides even further down her torso until it crumples around her waist.
All that creamy flesh on display isn’t nearly enough to distract me from discovering the truth.
Her expression turns cautious. “Yes.”
It feels as if my throat is closing up as I push out the question. My heart thuds a painful staccato against my ribcage until it echoes in my ears. Any moment, it’s going to bust free and flop around on the carpet at my feet. “You love me?”
A deafening silence falls over us before she straightens her shoulders and lifts her chin an inch or so as a steeliness enters her voice. “Yes, I do.”
Every muscle weakens until it feels like my knees will turn to jelly. “I love you too.”
Her eyes widen and her mouth pops open. “You do?”
Shock colors her expression as I carefully fold up the list and set it on the nightstand before slipping beneath the covers and gathering her up into my arms.
“Honestly? I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love you.”
“I…don’t know what to say.”
I press a kiss against the tip of her nose before pulling her closer. “You don’t need to say anything.”
And then I do what I’ve been aching to since I woke up twenty minutes ago and make love to her.
CHAPTER 31
RYDER
I rap my knuckles against the frosted glass door before poking my head inside the cramped space. The muscles in my gut constrict. It’s almost comical that there was ever a time when sauntering into this office and plunking down on a chair felt normal.
Enjoyable, even.
Now?
It’s anything but.
I fucking hate getting called in here. If it were possible to avoid Reed Philips for the remainder of the season, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I clear my throat. “You wanted to see me, Coach?”
He glances up from the computer before waving me in. “Yeah.” Then he points to the chair parked in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”