Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119680 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
“Same here.”
Quinn jumps into his truck, and BJ inclines his head. “Should we get you unpacked and then get naked?”
“Can we reverse the order?”
“I love that we’re on the same wavelength.”
26 THE OTHER SIDE
Winter
Two hours, several orgasms, and zero unpacking later, our group chat starts blowing up. The girls want to swim. While BJ grabs swim trunks from his place, I dump my duffle in search of a bathing suit.
Quinn’s already returned from teaching—he coaches a special-needs boys’ hockey team. River’s working until close this evening, so he probably won’t be home until sometime after ten, but he’s aware a few people are coming over.
When they say a few friends, I assume they’re being literal. But by eight thirty, there must be twenty people in the backyard, and more keep trickling in. Most of them appear to be friends with Quinn, and based on their T-shirts, they play for the school team.
Along with the slew of hot guys, which Rose is super excited about, comes an equal number of girls in swimsuit coverups and bikinis. Everyone is drinking from red plastic cups or travel mugs. There’s a huge sign on the fence by the gate that reads NO GLASS BY THE POOL. There’s also a sign on the hot tub cover that reads CLOSED BECAUSE SOMEONE PEED IN HERE. In addition, padlocks keep it securely closed. Clearly they have some experience with backyard parties.
BJ is on the other side of the pool, talking to a group of people. No less than five girls have stopped to hug him. It’s annoying.
“How often does this happen?” I motion to all the people in bathing suits milling around.
“Maverick used to throw parties all the time.” Lovey twists her hair around her finger. “But mostly at the beginning of the year, before they shut the pool down and hockey season was in full swing.”
“Although, he’d still throw the occasional midsemester party,” Lacey adds. “Except last year. After the first month or so, he was all business. I can’t believe none of us realized what was going on.”
“You mean the part where he was trying to get Lavender and Kody to deal with their feelings or the fact that he was secretly dating his professor?” Lovey asks.
“I still can’t believe Clover was his professor. Or that Maverick is only twenty-two. Or that she’s eight years older than him,” I mutter.
“They fit, though,” Rose says.
“Agree.” I sip my drink. It’s some extra-sugary cooler that’s bound to give me a headache. “What’s this about Kody and Lavender, though?”
“That is a long, angsty story. But at the beginning of last year, Lavender and Kody were not on the best terms,” Lovey says.
“Mostly because Kody thought he was bad for her,” Lacey adds.
“But really, they’ve been meant for each other since Kody could say her name. They were adorable with each other as kids. He was in love with her right from the start.” Lovey sighs and then smiles. “Anyway, Mav knew they needed a push, so he helped force them to deal with their shit. And now they’re totally in love. It’s the sweetest.”
“Except for the duct-tape thing, that’s not sweet.” BJ appears out of nowhere. He’s shirtless, wearing a pair of blue board shorts and slides. I let my gaze travel over all that ink. Despite having sex all over my new bedroom, I’m already thinking about the end of the night and how much I’m looking forward to another beard ride. It’s grown back over the past few weeks, and his hair is longer again, pulled back with a baby blue spiral tie.
“What duct-tape thing?” Rose asks.
“Huh?” BJ turns to me. “How’s your drink? You need a refill?”
I pull the lid off and check the contents. “I’m still good, but thanks.”
“What about the rest of you? Need anything?”
“We’re good for now,” Lovey and Lacey say in tandem.
“Same, same.” Rose gives him a thumbs-up.
He grabs the armrests of the lounge chair and leans down to kiss me. “I can’t wait to get you back into bed.”
“Give the PDA a break, BJ.” Rose beans him on the side of the head with an ice cube.
He fires the bird in her direction. “Let me know if you need me for anything.”
“I’m good, but thanks.” I push on his chest, and he joins Quinn and a group of guys.
A minute later, a pair of definitely-not-sober girls flounce over. They look polished and color-coordinated. And like maybe their outfits intentionally match.
“Quinn said this is your house now. We were like, so sad that Mav wasn’t coming back this year because he threw the best parties. But like, this is so great.”
“So great,” her friend echoes. “Are you guys like, identical twins?”
Lovey and Lacey nod in unison. I imagine that question must get old, and annoying. It’s pretty fucking obvious they’re identical twins.