Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
“If you don’t like this music, I can change the station for you, Riley.” His deep baritone jolted her out her deep concentration.
“I, uh, no. The music is fine.” She was eager for the car ride to end and dreaded it at the same time. She’d never been in such close proximity to Ethan, at least not by herself.
“So, have you decided on a major yet? My parents say you’ve taken an interest in numbers.”
Riley was surprised that he was interested in anything about her other than her relationship with his sister. She shrugged. “It’s something I’m good at, I guess.” She squeezed closer to her door so that his scent wouldn’t continue to intoxicate her. Her house was only ten more minutes away and this ordeal would be over.
“So what made you decide to attend school locally? I thought you’d go the same route as Meg and go out of state.”
She shrugged. “In state tuition is cheaper.”
“Megan is always saying how much she misses you and wishes you were there with her.”
“I miss her too.” She supposed he was only trying to make small talk to alleviate the awkwardness of the car ride but Riley was having trouble breathing in his presence. Her pulse raced and it was getting harder to sit still.
What happened next, she could have never expected. Ethan turned off the main highway and parked at a side road. Riley glanced in his direction for the first time that night. “Why did you stop?”
“Riley, do you have a problem with me?”
His question nearly shocked her to silence. “Excuse me?”
He furrowed his dark brows. “I’m positive you heard me. What’s going on? Whenever I come around you treat me like I have leprosy.”
Was he kidding? “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ethan. I don’t have a problem with you. You didn’t have to pull over to ask me that. Can you please take me home now?”
He stared at her for what seemed like minutes before he finally answered. “Do you realize in the time we’ve known each other that’s the most you’ve ever said to me.”
She was confused as hell. Riley still couldn’t figure what he was getting at. “I’m sorry?” she said for lack of better thing to say.
“You should be. Do you know what it’s like for a man my age in my position to have a crush on a nineteen-year-old? You make me feel like a dirty old man.”
Riley’s mouth fell open. If he had told her it was raining fire she wouldn’t have been more surprised. “I…I don’t know what to say.” Sure she’d dreamed about this moment but Riley had never thought it would ever be more than that. A dream.
“Tell me I’m not making a complete fool of myself here. When we first met, I got the impression you might have some interest in me from the way you stared. But since that first meeting, you avoid eye contact and barely say anything to me. And if I ask a question you use as few words as possible to answer me. It’s starting to give me a complex.”
Riley was still trying to process his confession. Ethan liked her!
“Fuck! What the hell am I doing? This is insanity hitting on a nineteen year old. You’re too damn young for me.” He cranked up his car again and Riley realized if she ever had a chance to tell him how she felt, this was it. She wouldn’t get another.
She placed her hand over his. “Ethan. I didn’t realize I was being standoffish. I was trying not to do something embarrassing around you.”
He raised a brow. “Why, Riley?”
“Because I like you too. But I was too scared to act on my feelings. I’m your little sister’s best friend. I didn’t think you’d see me in any other capacity.”
“God, I wish it were that simple but you’ve somehow managed to wiggle under my skin. When I first saw you, big brown eyes, beautiful skin, great smile and the body of a goddess, I must admit I was quite smitten. But like you said, you’re my kid sister’s friend. What kind of depraved man would you think I was if I’d acted on how I felt then? I’ve even resorted to stalking.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve been having dinner with my parents a lot lately because my mom let slip that you visit them occasionally. I was hoping to see you. It almost seemed like some kind of divine intervention when your car wouldn’t start. Regardless of my lapse in judgment, you’re still too young. I should be beaten for the inappropriate thoughts I’ve had of you lately.” He raked his fingers through his hair in apparent frustration.
She licked her lips feeling bold by his confession. “What kind of thoughts?”
“Riley…” he groaned, “you’re playing with fire. Don’t you know what happens when you pull a tiger by the tail?”