Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98023 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 490(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“Thanks, but no. Neuroscience isn’t my specialty.”
The dismissal is swift, easy, and painless—at least for me. I don’t feel bad or war with my decision, and I don’t have any trouble being the stalwart girl I’ve always known myself to be.
And isn’t that an interesting tidbit of research?
As it turns out, Blake Boden is the only guy I can’t turn down.
Blake
Zip’s Diner is packed to the brim, Scottie’s surprise birthday party in full swing now that the guest of honor has arrived, and the noise and activity are teeming with sensory input.
But my eyes have only a singular direction of focus—to the darkest corner by the back booth, where Lexi stands talking to some douchebag I’ve never seen before for the sixth consecutive minute.
I try to distract myself, heading over to where Finn and Ace stand to greet Finn and let them redirect my thoughts so I don’t do something stupid like walk right over there and tell that guy to take a fucking hike. But my mind is so fucking one-track, instead of joining their ongoing conversation about pulling off Scottie’s big surprise, I start a new one of my own—topic: motherfucker in the back corner with my girl.
“Who’s that guy?” I ask, and Finn shakes his head in confusion.
“What guy?”
“Seriously? The one talking to Lexi.” Frustration finds its way into my veins, but Ace, the asshole, laughs.
“You’re fucking intense right now, Boden.”
“I don’t care.” I look at Finn. “I need to know who he is.”
“He works at the Hodge Clinic, dude,” Finn finally explains. “He came because he’s been working a lot with Scottie. Just wanted to give her his support.”
I nod. Okay, okay. That’s not as bad as I thought. Though, I still don’t like the way he’s smiling at Lexi and watching her with fucking awe in his eyes as she talks.
Say hello and move on, fucker.
Finn’s hearty laugh fills my ears. “You know you sound a lot like a jealous boyfriend right now, right? For a girl who won’t give you the time of day.”
His words ricochet inside my chest, striking me first with pain, and then following up with audacity. A girl who won’t give me the time of day? Ha. If only they knew that most nights, that beautiful, perfect, intriguing-as-fuck girl is in my arms, my mouth, and my hands.
Too bad you can’t tell them that. Can’t tell anyone that, in fact.
I brush off the thought and choose to focus on the positive—behind closed doors, Lexi Winslow is my girl. Every part of her.
Both Ace and Finn are looking at me curiously, and I just lift one nonchalant shoulder. “We must not allow other people’s limited perceptions to define us, Finnley,” I comment through a secret but knowing smile. “There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.”
“The fuck did you just say?” Ace asks, and Finn cracks up.
I shake my head. “Never mind. I’m going in.”
“You’re going in? What does that mean?” Ace tosses back, but it’s too late. I’m already on the move, striding across the restaurant and heading straight for Lexi.
I may have intimate knowledge of all the ways Lexi Winslow is already mine, and I may be secure in that—but I’ll be damned if I’m going to let that fucker have ten more minutes of unfettered access to the brilliant recesses of her mind. I want to hear her theories and musings and data for myself.
“You’re incredibly intelligent,” the douchebag says to her, Lexi-inspired stars in his stupid eyes, as I approach. He’s in deep—the admiration for her genius sinking in one nugget of information at a time—and it won’t be long before he’s groveling for more. I know, because that’s exactly what happens to me anytime I’m around her.
“Lexi Winslow is the smartest girl you’ll ever meet in your life,” I correct as I join their conversation uninvited, startling both Lexi’s attention and beautiful blue eyes. I purposely but calmly position myself between her and the physical therapist as I smile down at her. “Hi, Lex.”
I don’t wrap an arm around the small of her back, and I don’t place a kiss to the soft skin behind her ear—I know she wouldn’t approve. But my presence is commanding, my intention clear. Just like on the field, I’m unrattled and in control, even if I can’t run the plays I want.
“Hi…” She tilts her head to the side, and her eyebrows crease in the center as a warning. I smile, knowing confidence is the best and only approach in situations like these.
“Who’s your new friend?” I ask, and she blinks a few times, searching my steady gaze for insecurities I won’t bare.
“Blake, this is Adam Houth,” Lex introduces us. “He’s one of Scottie’s physical therapists at the Hodge Clinic.”
I nod and glance briefly at Adam to offer a half smile, holding out a strong hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Blake Boden.” Lexi’s fucking boyfriend. I clear my throat. “Glad to have you here to celebrate Scottie.”