Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86321 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
“Can you play? I can teach you.”
I shake my head. “Grandpa taught Elle and I, a long time ago. He says when we turn twenty-one he’s taking us to Vegas so we can run the table. Something about twins at a table makes people nervous.”
“I believe it.”
“So what brings you by?”
Kyle runs his hand through his hair. “I mean, I guess I could say I was in the neighborhood, but you’d know it’s a lie. It takes me an hour to get here from the gym and that’s without traffic.” He shrugs and stands up, making his way over to where I am and stopping in front of me. “Peyton, I was thinking we could go on a date, something real?”
I step, putting some space between us. “Kyle…”
“Is it Ben?” he asks as he steps further away. “I mean the guy is always whispering in your ear, but I thought he was a friend.”
“Not Ben. Ben actually has turned out to be one of my best friends, surprisingly. He’s in love with Elle.”
“Really? But she’s never around.”
“I know. He comes over because our dad likes him, and he’s been around for a long time.”
“So if it’s not Ben… It’s Westbury isn’t it?”
I honestly don’t know how to answer his question. It is, and isn’t. “I haven’t been completely honest about Noah. I’m in love with him, but he’s with Dessie and--”
“And you’re not ready?”
I shake my head and expect him to leave, but he steps forward and pulls me into his arms. “Friend-zoned. I can dig it.”
“The only other better place is the end zone.”
“Watch out people, Peyton’s on fire.”
I hug him back, thankful he’s understanding, at least he’s acting that way. With my direction and guidance, Kyle loads his arms up with junk food and sets it out on the table. I challenge him to a game of Madden, which he happily accepts.
“I hope you’re ready to lose,” I tell him as I get situated. I have residual pain in my right side and my reflexes are a bit slow, but I can still video game with the best of them.
“I’ve never lost to a chick before and I’m not about to today.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“Remind me, how is it you’re so well versed in football? I’ve met your dad and brother, they don’t seem like the type.”
I turn slightly to face him. “Remember when I told you my dad died when I was five?”
He nods.
“Big time football guy. Football gave me a way to stay connected to him. My uncle Liam filled the gap left behind and I went to all of Noah’s practices and games.”
“Do you ever get star struck when it comes to your family?”
I start laughing. “No, why? Because my dad and uncles have a band?”
“Well, yeah! And your brother is a pretty good musician. You’re… whatever with Westbury. It’s like Beaumont-bred stardom.”
I roll my eyes at him and turn my attention toward the television. It’s time to pick teams. Kyle picks the Bears, earning an odd look from me. I pick the Patriots, because why not. Brady is the best.
“My dad and Quinn are from here.”
“Which makes the majority of you from Beaumont.”
I’ve never thought of it that way before. To me, everyone is family. It doesn’t matter what we do for a living or who we’re surrounded by. Kyle is famous in his own right as well.
Within seconds of the game starting, I’m up by two touchdowns. Normally, I’d get up and do a little dance, but it’d take me too long and I’m rather comfortable. I easily win the first and second games, but now Kyle has switched his team to Denver and is giving me a run for my money.
“You can try to beat her, but it’ll never happen.”
I hit pause on the game and look toward the sliding glass door. Noah is standing there, staring at the television. “How’d you get in?”
“Ben gave me his code.” My eyebrows shoot up and Noah shrugs.
“Is he supposed to be here?” Kyle asks.
“More than you are, I’m sure. Harrison and Katelyn won’t care I’m here.” Noah pushes off the doorframe and saunters into the living room. He stares at the TV for a minute before turning his attention to me. “I need to speak with you, Peyton. In private.”
“I have company,” I state the obvious.
Noah pushes his hands into his pockets and nods. “It’s urgent. Maybe we can go outside and talk? Or to your room?”
Definitely not my room.
“Do you want to talk to him, babe?” I look at Kyle oddly. Why would he call me babe? He leans forward and kisses me. It’s chaste, but still, it’s a kiss. “I’ll call you after my appointment. Maybe stop by later?” He speaks low, but I know Noah can hear him.
Kyle gets up from the couch, leaving me stunned. Once the door slams, I slowly turn my attention to Noah, who is still standing in the same spot.