Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23126 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Tate is in the class with me now, so that helps. Mrs. Porter is kind of a bitch, but it doesn’t give her husband an excuse to cheat on her. Even worse with my own damn mother. I thought this was going to be a reset for both of us, but nothing has changed except living in a nice home.
“See you at the game?” Tate says when we exit our last class.
“I’ll be there.”
Tate leans down, and I close my eyes, knowing what’s coming. All day, he’s given me quick kisses, and I love each of them. This time is different as his fingers slip into my hair and he tilts my head back. The possessive hold makes my body heat, and then his tongue sweeps across the seam of my lips. Before I respond, he pulls back, making me remember we’re in the hallway.
“You better be. I’ll be looking for you.”
I stand there watching him go to the locker rooms, but I’m in no rush to get home. In fact, my goal is to miss my mother altogether. Deciding to get a little practice in, I peek into the theater and see it’s empty. Perfect. I can kill an hour and let off some anxiety, and hopefully my mother should be gone by then.
It’s some time later and I’m so lost in the music that when I hear someone call my name, I jerk up in surprise.
“Ms. Lane.”
I take my hands off the keys as a teacher I recognize comes toward me. I’ve seen her around, but I’m not sure how she knows my name.
“I’m sorry.” Oh no, I’m in trouble.
“Don’t be.” She smiles, shaking her head. “I only want to know why you aren't in our school's orchestra.”
“I was told it was full. I asked when I enrolled, but they said there wasn’t room.”
She scoffs a laugh. “Honey, I’ll make room. I’m Ms. Haze.” She holds her hand out, and I take it.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure has been mine. Can you swing by my room on Monday? I’m 207.”
“Of course,” I rush to say.
“I really hope to see you then,” she says before leaving me alone with the piano.
Am I dreaming? I grab my bag to find my phone because I want to text Tate. I want to ask him about Ms. Haze, but I stop myself. He’s got to focus on other things right now, so I’ll ask him after the game.
“Crap!” I rush out of the theater when I notice the time. I’ve been playing for hours and didn’t realize how late it was. I don’t bother going home, and instead, I go straight for the football field to get a good seat. The game doesn’t start for an hour, and the stands are already filling up.
I see the players on the field warming up, and it’s not hard to spot Tate. I take a seat off to the side but near the front. I think for a moment it’s going to be awkward to sit alone until a woman takes the seat next to me. She’s got a small dog with her, and I recognize him instantly.
“Walter?” Tate wasn’t lying. He really does wear his number.
“My son talks more about Walter than his own mother.” I can tell from her tone she’s teasing, and the giant smile on her face helps. “You must be Rosie.”
So this is Tate’s mom Abby. It should freak me out that she knows me, but with the way he’s talked about her and the expression on her face, I’m totally at ease.
Now I’m wondering how much Tate has told her about me.
Chapter Ten
TATE
“I told you!” Shaun says after we enter the locker room. “State championship, here we come!”
“Let’s focus on next week before you get carried away.” I laugh as he jumps on top of the benches and gets everyone riled up. Not only did we win tonight but we played incredibly. It was like everything was in sync, and now that it’s all over, there’s an excitement for the rest of the season.
“Hey.” I look up and see Jack walking toward me, holding out his hand. “Great game tonight.”
“You too,” I say, bumping his fist.
“Seriously.” He leans in and then takes the seat on the bench next to me. “You were the right man for the job and I’m sorry I wasn’t better about you taking over as captain.”
His confession surprises me. Jack isn’t one to apologize or admit that he’s not better at something. I’m so stunned I’m not sure what to say.
“I know I’m an asshole, but I’m being for real. All I want is for the team to win, and if that means you as captain then so be it.” He pats me on the back before he stands and then smiles down at me. “Come by my house tonight. All the guys are over to celebrate, and the captain should be there.”