Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83760 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 419(@200wpm)___ 335(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
ALEXANDREA
“You know how to play pool?” Brett looks back at me as we enter a swanky billiards room. It’s completely in red: the walls, carpet, tables, even the ceiling.
“Yeah, I had one in the basement growing up,” I say, distracted by all the TVs that seem to be everywhere, playing sporting events from around the world.
“Really?” He arches a dark brow at me, and I give up, just accepting the way my heart leaps and my stomach flutters when I look at him.
Even in his dress slacks and wrinkled, untucked dress shirt, with his hair standing up, he’s hot. God, he might actually look better like this.
“Pick a table that has the Ohio State game on.” He motions to the row of TVs. “I’m gonna order us some food.” My gaze follows him as he weaves his way to the bar, where there are no seats available. It’s all one line of people on barstools, drinking and watching a game.
I take a breath and slowly head toward the back, which is actually full. A bunch of guys are at one table, an older man has another, and a couple of women sit over on the other side, not playing pool but drinking as their kids play on their iPads.
Taking a seat at an empty high-top table, I wait for Brett. I look down at my shoes. The fabric almost sparkles when the light catches it the right way.
“God.” I’m cringing. I mean, what happened? It was like a gremlin took over my brain. Poor Raven will probably never be able to go back to Jimmy Choo, and with the way Jett looked at me, I’m assuming I’ll never see her again. I rub my forehead. It’s like I’m spiraling. I should have stayed home and finished my English paper. Clearly, I can’t be trusted to go outside. The only person who accepts me and thinks it’s funny is apparently Brett, but he’s the reason I’m in this situation. I never in a million years thought to shoplift for fun before. Jesus, what if they had arrested us? Jett looked mad enough earlier; he might have lost it completely.
“Alex.” Brett’s voice prompts me to look up. He sets two drinks and a round beeper thing down.
“You need to let this go, okay?” His fingers go under my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his.
“I feel really guilty about Raven. She’s probably never going to be able to shop at Jimmy Choo again.”
“Raven is fine. Trust me, she has enough shoes, and my brother has enough money. She can do whatever she wants. She’s the last person you need to feel bad about,” he says as his thumb caresses my lips.
“Okay?”
“’Kay.” I nod.
“Here. Drink.” He puts the straw to my mouth, and I take a sip.
“Another.” His voice sounds deep, intimate.
I take another sip, the citrus from the lime and slight sweet flavor of the gin making my whole mouth feel refreshed.
“Now, let’s see what you’ve got.” He leans down to brush his lips against mine.
I smile and whisper, “Not gonna lie, I’m good. I played pool every night with my brother in the winter.”
“Not gonna lie.” He grins as he leans forward and bites my lower lip. “I see the whole table as a mathematical equation of lines and angles. Bring it.”
And there goes my stomach again. Does he have any idea how intoxicating he is? Of course, he does, but whatever. I’m here with him. I do plan on kicking his ass, though.
He sets the drink down and cages me in with both arms. “Is that your brother?”
God, that dimple. Wait, what?
“My brother?” I lean back and look over his arm.
“The TV, babe. Remember? We’re watching the game.”
I blink at him, then start laughing. It’s either that or cry, because this day…
“You scared me,” I huff. “That would be a disaster.” I glance up at the TV.
“What? You don’t think your brother would like me?” He tosses the straw out of his glass to bring the drink to his lips.
“No.” I laugh, then stop because he frowns. “I mean, he would not approve because you’re my… you know…” I mouth, “Professor,” as my eyes dart around the loud room. Thankfully, no one is paying us any attention.
Brett turns and leans his elbows on the table. “Does he know about us?”
“Of course not. I mean, he knows I’m seeing someone, that I… like someone.” What is with me today? At this point, I’m thinking I shouldn’t have gotten out of bed. I grab my drink.
Brett watches me, then looks up at the screen. And there’s Jude’s handsome face. He nods as he listens to his coach, and my heart aches because I forgot to text him this morning to say good luck.
“You guys are close?”
“Very. He’s my best friend.”
I turn, our faces inches apart. His eyes caress my face, and it’s there. This wild, uncontrollable connection. He has to feel it, right? He must hear the way my heart pounds just being near him. God, I’m so in love with him, it hurts.