Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
I swivel on the chair and hold the cell away so he can’t grab it again. “Don’t you dare.”
My phone chimes immediately.
Mom
OMG!!! You’re dating someone?? Why didn’t you tell me? THIS IS INCREDIBLE! I need details! SEND PICS ASAP!!
I don’t realize that Bridger has walked around the table and is now standing behind me, reading over my shoulder until his warm breath stirs my hair. “She seems super excited at the prospect of meeting me.”
“Shut up.” I elbow him, but he doesn’t move away. “Now she’s going to be impossible, and I’ll never hear the end of it. You have no idea the can of worms you’ve just opened.”
“Can of worms? Really? Should I grab you a rocking chair and some hard candy, gam-gam?”
I press my lips together until they feel bloodless. This situation is spiraling out of control, and there doesn’t seem to be anything I can do to stop it.
Another text appears.
Mom
Is he hot? Please tell me he’s hot.
“Obviously, you should answer yes.” He makes a swipe for the phone. “Here, just give it to me. I’ll field that question.”
With a groan, I shove him away. “You better sleep with one eye open from now on, Sanderson. Because I’m going to murder you.”
His smile intensifies. “Ahhh, there’s the threat of bodily harm again.” He waggles his brows in the most ridiculous way. “If I recall correctly, that’s one of your love languages.”
“It’ll be a pleasure to take you out. I can put both of us out of our misery.”
“I’m starting to understand that you jest because you love.” Somehow he manages to pluck the phone from my hands again. “I think we both know you’d miss me way too much if you did that.”
“What are you—” I catch a glimpse of what he’s typing and try to snatch the cell away. “Don’t you dare tell her that!”
When he lifts it just out of my reach, I pop to my feet and make a last-ditch effort to take it from him. He uses his free hand to keep me at bay. I slip beneath his arm and redouble my efforts, but he thwarts me by lifting the cell above his head. I’m tall, but not that tall. The way he grins down at me is maddening.
“Bridger.” My voice comes out sounding ridiculously breathy. “Give me my phone.”
His eyes darken as we stare at each other, neither of us daring to move a muscle.
It’s only when my phone chimes that the moment is shattered.
I jerk his bicep down and grab my cell before swinging away to read the message.
Mom
He sounds dreamy!! I can’t wait to meet him. Although, Hammer will be disappointed. I really talked you up.
“Well, would you look at that?” His voice is rougher than usual. “Guess I’m meeting Mama Tate after all.”
I throw an irritated glance over my shoulder, trying to ignore how scattered his proximity makes me. “This is going to be a disaster.”
“Nah.” When he steps closer, it becomes necessary to tilt my chin upward to meet his gaze. “Added bonus, you won’t be going on a blind date with some guy named Hammer.”
“Hmm. It almost sounds like you’re worried about me, Sanderson.”
He shrugs. “Just looking out for my fake girlfriend.” But there’s an edge to his voice that makes my pulse skip. “Can’t have you getting dismembered during playoffs. It would be a bad look for the team.”
“That is so thoughtful of you. I didn’t know you cared so much.”
“Hey, what can I say? I’m a giver.” He flashes a grin. “I think you found that out for yourself the other morning.”
The memory of him grinding against me until I orgasmed rushes in, and heat explodes in my core. I’ve been thinking about that moment way more than I should. And it’s not like I packed my trusty vibe with me to take care of business.
Although, who knew I’d need it?
“Penny for your thoughts, Tate.” He cocks his head. “Actually, I’d be willing to pay a lot more than that.”
I’m not a girl who blushes easily, but I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks.
Before I can wrap my lips around a response, he says, “And don’t tell me nothing.” There’s a pause. “Or maybe you’re just chickenshit? Cause I didn’t take you for that either.”
Well, hell.
Now I’m trapped.
He’s right. I’ve never been scared to voice my opinions or tell someone exactly how I feel. And I don’t want to start now.
My gaze stays locked on his as I lift my chin. “I was just thinking about how good that morning felt.”
His eyes darken, turning gunmetal in hue, as he steps closer until the broad expanse of his chest presses against the steady rise and fall of my breasts. The delicious contact is enough to have my nipples peaking. The way his pupils dilate, the black swallowing up the varying shades of gray, tells me that he feels them.