Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
He'd been at the show and told me he’d walked by, witnessing a fraction of what we thought was a hidden kiss.
“You have to give us something,” Sophia begged.
I couldn't stop myself from smiling. I guess it wasn't against the contract terms to talk about things that a boyfriend and girlfriend would do.
“We kissed,” I said. And it felt good to tell some truth.
Sophia and Maple shared excited little squeals before silently urging me to continue.
I took a sip of my drink, drawing out the anticipation just because I knew it would drive them nuts. When Sophia looked like she was ready to throttle me, I continued.
“It was as hot as he looks in those suits he wears.”
I was met with another round of squeals, followed by several high fives across the table.
The normality of sharing sassy tidbits among trusted confidants filled me with excitement.
But as our food arrived, I caught Jesse looking discreetly at me.
And because I knew him so well, I knew that he was worried.
Because he knew the truth.
He knew this was all a ruse.
Pretending to be somebody's girlfriend was one thing, but kissing them and actually enjoying it? Kissing Crossland and craving it more than I craved my next iced coffee? Well, that was another thing entirely.
CHAPTER 8
Crossland
It was a rare thing when our monthly poker game and a Calgary versus Reaper game ended up in the same weekend.
And it was even rarer for everyone, including spouses and girlfriends, to have the time off to attend both.
The fact that I had my entire chosen family in one hotel suite was the only thing that took the sting out of losing to Asher’s team.
It was a close game, one that I spent half of my time watching Aspen enjoy more than I did watching my players. I couldn't help it; it was sexy as hell to watch her cheering on my team from the owner’s box that Asher and I shared that night.
She had no qualms about rubbing it in Asher's face every time we scored, but in the end, the Reapers had pulled out a win. Aspen had been supportive through the loss, taking my hand in a comforting squeeze once the clock ran out.
Asher had been doing his fair share of gloating during dinner, or as much of gloating as Asher allowed himself to do, but now we were all back in the villa I'd rented for all of us, and we were gathered in the living room for after-dinner drinks.
I lingered behind the marble kitchen island, playing bartender and mixing up several requested gin and tonics for Aspen, Daisy, Alexandra, and Brynn. Then I poured whiskeys for myself, Asher, Ethan, Weston, and Gareth.
“Are you sure you don't want a drink?” I asked Serenity, who had been left with a few security details that we’d demanded remain outside the villa. Her father, Doyle, was unfortunately included because of the poker game, but he’d gone out for the night. And thank fuck for that. I didn't want that asshole mucking up an already losing night.
“No, thank you,” Serenity said, her voice so soft it was almost like she never spoke up or she’d been reprimanded enough about being loud that she'd trained herself not to. And from what I'd seen of the interactions with her asshole of a father, I was betting on the latter.
Sympathy pricked me as I noted her gazing longingly at my friends that had gathered with their drinks among the plush sofas and armchairs in the center of the living room that connected to the kitchen.
I hated that she likely felt separate when it came to our little group, although she’d become a staple part of it since Doyle won a seat in our monthly game. The man rarely traveled anywhere without her, but treated her like this prized commodity that wasn’t worth respect or affection. And that was just what he showed us.
“How about a mocktail?” I asked her. “I make a mean cranberry and soda with lime.” I smiled at her, reaching for another crystal tumbler.
Serenity's eyes lit up, and she nodded eagerly.
I quickly mixed the ingredients before passing her the glass and motioning for her to join us in the living room.
“I haven't played that game since college,” Gareth grumbled as we joined the group.
Serenity split off from me, electing to sit on the floor near where Gareth sat in an armchair. It almost looked comical, the sweet and innocent-looking Serenity folding her legs beneath her near the grumpy, fierce-faced Gareth. Maybe she gravitated toward him because he’d spoken on her behalf when Doyle berated her, but I always thought there was something more there, even when Gareth constantly assured me there couldn't be.
“What are we playing?” I asked, taking a seat next to Aspen where she sat on the love seat.