Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
With each passing moment of practice, my resolve weakens. I no longer want to keep things casual with him. I want more. I want everything he has to offer and then some. The thought both exhilarates and terrifies me.
King skates by once again, catching my eye and sending a smile my way. Butterflies flutter in my stomach, and I feel more certain than ever that I’m ready to take a chance on him and our budding relationship.
CHAPTER 17
King
As I park down the block from Brienne Norcross’s mansion, I join the line of luxury vehicles already on the street. The frigid air seeps through my coat, nipping at my skin as I quickly get out and circle around to Willa’s side. I open the door for her, and she steps out like a vision in a sleek, dark green dress that hugs her curves with a sophisticated black coat that I helped her into earlier. Her hair is elegantly pulled back, showcasing her graceful neck and delicate earrings that glint in the soft light.
Our hands interlaced, we make our way toward the opulent Norcross home, our breaths visible in the crisp night air. Willa’s hand feels warm and comforting in mine, and I give it a gentle squeeze. “You look absolutely stunning tonight,” I tell her with a sincere smile.
“Thank you,” she replies, a small grin playing on her lips. “And you clean up pretty nicely yourself.”
I took way too much time on my appearance tonight, making sure not a single hair was out of place, breaking down and shaving despite the years it takes off my face, and fretting over the best cologne. I rifled through my closet for fifteen minutes, comparing all of my suits to try to figure out what would look best. Christ, I might have turned into a girl but for some reason, I want to impress Willa tonight. I want her to see me as sophisticated, a side she hasn’t really seen yet. Through my years in the league, I’ve rocked a formal event a time or two.
As we approach the towering house, she admits, “I’m a little anxious, though.”
I stop and turn to face her, concern etched on my features. “Anxious? Why?”
She hesitates before meeting my gaze. “I guess because this is really stepping all the way into your world.”
I frown, not understanding. “But you’ve been to a game, seen a practice, met my mates and their women.”
“Yes, but this is an official, mandatory player get-together and everyone will be here. And you’re bringing me, and I know you guys don’t just bring casual dates to events like this.”
“Who says?” I tease.
“Kiera told me, plus… I know you, King. You’d never bring a casual date to a private dinner with the team’s owner and that means this isn’t casual. My agreeing to come means that I can’t keep this casual and it scares me a little.”
Her admission fills me with joy even as it causes her angst, so I keep it light. “Oh, so you’re saying all my nefarious tricks are working?”
She blushes but laughs, giving me a playful nudge. “Maybe. But let’s take it slow and see how things go.”
“Absolutely,” I assure her, lifting her hand to my lips and pressing a tender kiss to it. “We’ll take things at your pace.”
Together, we reach the double doors up a wide portico and are welcomed in by a staff person. My eyes are immediately drawn to the massive chandelier above the foyer, its sparkling lights illuminating the entire space that oozes opulence and luxury. Every detail in this place seems meticulously crafted, from the inlaid marble floors to the hand-carved moldings, adding to the grandeur of the moment. It’s my first time here and I have to work not to let my jaw sag in astonishment. I see Willa’s eyes are just as wide as mine.
The house is filled with the buzz of lively chatter and laughter. We shed our coats and walk around, greeting teammates with drinks in hand and checking out the various rooms. There’s a large formal room filled with antique furniture and heavy oil paintings, a den with wide masculine leather couches and a roaring fire, a library with rolling ladders to reach the books, and off to the left is a huge ballroom that’s empty except for guests standing about.
Rafferty greets me with a hearty pat on the back and turns to Willa with a smile. “Even better to see you.” He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles. I want to punch him but don’t, knowing he’s probably doing it to push my buttons. It’s forgiven when he turns to me and says, “You’re a lucky guy.”
“Don’t I know it,” I reply, slipping my arm around Willa’s waist.
We mingle with other guests before making our way to the impressive buffet. Rows of tables are adorned with high-end gourmet dishes, including dainty appetizers, juicy beef tenderloins, perfectly cooked scallops and an assortment of artisanal cheeses. We fill our plates and look for a spot to sit.