Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
It’s almost a relief when a young girl who looks like she’s probably still in high school stops by our table. She’s wearing a pale pink retro waitress uniform that clings to her curves.
One glance at the guy seated across from me has her upping the wattage of her smile until it’s blinding. “Hey, Wolf! Haven’t seen you around for a couple of weeks. How’s the season going? We’ve all been rooting for you.”
His expression becomes inscrutable as he leans back against the booth. “Thanks, appreciate it.”
“Always!” She holds his gaze for another second or two before turning to me. “Hi, what can I get for you?”
I glance down at the menu. “I’ll have a burger loaded with the works, minus the onions. Along with an order of cheese fries and a chocolate milkshake.” Another wave of nostalgia crashes over me.
The waitress stares at me for a beat longer than necessary before her attention returns to Wolf. “I suppose you’ll have your usual?”
The slow smile that spreads across his face, making his eyes crinkle at the corners, is like a punch to the gut and nearly steals my breath away. It seems to have a similar effect on our server.
“You guessed it.”
“I’ll be back in a minute with two glasses of water.” She glances around the brightly lit space before dropping her voice. “Even though it’s crowded, I’ll put a rush on the order.” She gives him a wink before taking off.
“Looks like you have a real fan,” I say lightly, not wanting to admit, especially to myself, that a kernel of jealousy is burning a hole at the bottom of my belly.
Wolf is a hot guy with his buzzed hair, green eyes, and chiseled muscles. Even beneath his clothing, the cut of his body is obvious. Add in the colorful tattoos that peek from the collar of his black sweatshirt, and he’s catnip for the female species. I haven’t even gotten to the part about him being the starting goaltender for the Western Wildcats and no doubt bound for the pros.
As much as I’ve tried to ignore his larger-than-life presence since arriving on campus freshman year, that would be impossible. He’s always been there, lurking in the shadows of my mind.
Even as I sit across from him, I’m hyperaware of the handsome man he’s grown into.
I get the feeling that he notices everything.
Every shift of my body.
Every unsteady breath that fills my lungs.
Nothing escapes his attention.
Our proximity is disconcerting.
It’s impossible to believe that there was a time when I was drawn to him, couldn’t get close enough, wanted to bask in his presence 24/7.
Now the opposite is true.
Or maybe I only wish that were the case.
The lines I’d thought were so clearly drawn now feel blurred. Both my thoughts and feelings are a chaotic, confused mess.
He shrugs.
The gesture is casual, but the way he watches me is anything but. It feels predatory in nature.
Possessive.
I shift and blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, only wanting to break the escalating tension before we choke on it. “Thanks for the lesson.”
“It wasn’t a problem. I would have taught you years ago if you’d asked.”
“I wasn’t ready at that point,” I admit. I’m not even sure I’m ready now. But what choice is there? I won’t allow my parents to sell Miles’ Porsche. He loved it way too much.
So, I’ll learn.
Even if that means spending time alone with Wolf.
With a nod, his expression softens. It’s as if he can read my thoughts as they pop into my brain, and I hate it. Hate that keeping secrets from him is impossible.
We shouldn’t be so finely attuned to one another after all these years of separation.
Before he can continue the conversation, the perky blonde waitress arrives with our plates. Another girl trails behind her with milkshakes. She stares at Wolf with a worshipful look in her eyes. Color scorches her cheeks the moment she sets the ice cream drinks down in front of us.
He flashes a charming smile that’s capable of melting the panties off a nun. “Thanks.”
She sucks in a harsh breath before saying in a rush, “You’re welcome, Wolf Westerville.”
“Enjoy,” the blonde says, cutting off the younger girl before she can word vomit just how much she loves him.
Because it’s written all over her adoring face. If I squinted hard enough, I’d find little pink and red hearts dancing above her head.
Instead of rolling my eyes, I focus on my plate. The burger is massive, with all the toppings and fries are piled high next to it. My mouth waters. Only now do I realize how hungry I am. I haven’t eaten anything except for a protein bar before running out the door this morning.
I glance at Wolf, wondering what his usual is. A jolt slides through me when I realize we have the exact same thing down to the chocolate milkshakes.