Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 541(@200wpm)___ 432(@250wpm)___ 360(@300wpm)
She wrapped things up with her mother and hung up before she noticed me. “Oh…hey.”
“Hey,” I said, stirring some sugar into my coffee. “I can watch Alex if you need me to.”
Presley looked surprised as she picked out a mug for herself. “Oh. I wouldn’t have thought to bother you.”
I arched my brow. “Why?”
“I guess I just assumed you might have plans.”
“I’m free tonight, if you need me.”
She paused. “Actually, that would be great.”
I used this as an opportunity. “Where are you headed?”
She looked over her shoulder and whispered, “I’m having drinks with Coach Jeremy, actually.”
Shocker. “I should’ve known after he pulled you aside yesterday. I was wondering if he was going in for the kill.”
“You make it sound so…aggressive,” she said as she poured her coffee.
“Isn’t it, though? Making a move on one of your camp kids’ mothers?”
“I didn’t realize there was a rule against that. Did you make it up?” Her tone was sarcastic.
“I hope you see now that his offer to help you was officially bullshit.”
“He can be both helpful and want to take me out. That doesn’t make him a bad person.”
“Alright. I didn’t take you for gullible.” I took a long sip of coffee that nearly burned my throat.
“Gullible? Because I choose not to see the worst in everyone?” She set her mug down hard on the table. “Anyway, let’s suppose he was simply making a play for me when he offered help—who really cares? It’s not a crime.”
“I’m sure Alex will care.”
“Why is that?”
“You’re dating his coach. The other kids will give him shit for that when they find out.”
“First of all, I’m not dating him. Second, Alex won’t know where I’m going tonight. I’m telling him I’m meeting a friend.”
“Well, don’t worry. Your dirty little secret is safe with me.”
“Dirty?”
“There’s nothing clean about his intentions. I hope you know that.”
“I still don’t understand how you’re so sure of that.”
“I’m a guy. I know how we look at women we want to bang. That’s exactly how he was looking at you yesterday.”
“Well, luckily, this is none of your concern. So you can stay out of it.”
“My nephew is, though.”
Fuck. I’d been completely inappropriate playing the Alex card. I’d gone too far, but it was too late to take it back. She looked at me with daggers in her eyes and decided to hit me where it hurt.
“Since when do you take responsibility for your nephew? You never came to visit him once in New York, even when you played there, and suddenly he’s your concern?”
“I’m trying to change.”
“Look, I’ll have you know… Jeremy Brickson could have all of these bad intentions you’re warning me about. But I bet I’d still be safer with him than I ever was with your brother.”
She’s probably right. I sighed. “I’m not saying my brother was the right man for you, either. You probably dodged a bullet there.” My tone softened. “Listen, I’m sorry. Alright? I’m just…stressed about a few things today. I shouldn’t be giving you shit. Go have a good time.”
Presley sighed. “Well, I appreciate you offering to watch Alex. I think he’ll be excited about that.”
I sucked it up. “What time are you leaving?”
“Jeremy told me to let him know. But I’m flexible. You tell me what works for you.”
“Anytime is fine.”
“Okay, I’m gonna tell him five. That way it’s early enough that if I’m not feeling it, we don’t have to do dinner. I can make up a story that I have to prepare something for Alex.”
“And if it’s working, you’re gonna stay out late?”
“I don’t know. I guess it depends.”
I swallowed. “Okay, well…I have all night anyway.”
“Thank you. Again, I really appreciate it.”
Presley put her cup in the dishwasher and walked out of the room. My eyes might have lingered a little too long on her tight, round backend.
What is wrong with me?
“Sucks, doesn’t it?”
For a second, I thought my damn conscience was talking to me.
But it wasn’t. It was Fern.
I blinked. “What?”
“Watching her pretty ass go out with someone,” she clarified. “It sucks.”
Apparently, she’d been listening to our conversation.
“What are you getting at?” I snapped.
“Presley and you. Don’t think I don’t see that y’all secretly want to…explore each other. Why else would you be buttin’ heads all the time? Two attractive people don’t get that heated with each other on the regular unless they be wantin’ something more.”
My face heated as I dismissed her. “You’re nuts, old woman.”
“Am I, now?” She cackled. “Why are you so invested in her going out with a decent man? Not like her son’s coach is some guy she picked up in a bar. You’re manipulatin’ her by pushin’ guilt cuz you know you want a piece yourself.”
This woman is going to drive me crazy.
“Fern, who the hell made you the expert on what’s going on inside my head?”