Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
As much as I don’t want to sit down with Garret, maybe it’s better to get it over with. Even if Bridger weren’t in the picture, I don’t see Garret as anything more than a friend.
And that’s not going to change.
Against my better judgment, I nod. “Fine. Lead the way.”
His lips lift into a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Let’s take my car.”
Western University Chat App
FragileLikeABomb
Quick poll: Are pineapple toppings on pizza a culinary masterpiece or an abomination?
ColdAsIce17
Bold of you to assume there’s even a debate. Abomination, obviously.
FragileLikeABomb
Wrong answer. Pineapple on pizza is elite.
ColdAsIce17
That explains your gummy bear habits.
FragileLikeABomb
And your peanut butter habits explain your terrible taste.
ColdAsIce17
It’s official. We’re at war.
FragileLikeABomb
Bring it, Cold
31
Bridger
The quad buzzes with activity as students hurry between classes. Their laughter and chatter blends with the faint strains of music carried on the brisk spring breeze. I lean against a bench near Holland’s building, the coffee in my hand starting to lose its warmth. I scan the steady stream of people spilling out the doors, searching for a familiar flash of auburn hair.
I want Holland to understand that what I feel for her is genuine. I meant what I said about regretting the way I ghosted her two years ago. After last night, I don’t want to do anything that makes her think I’m pulling away.
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of unexpected shifts. Fake dating has morphed into late-night talks, quiet confessions, and moments I can’t bring myself to overanalyze.
Moments that feel disarmingly real.
Like last night, curled up in my bed, Holland’s sharp edges softened as we talked about everything and nothing. It’s enough to make me think we’re both moving in the same direction.
Most times in life, you don’t get a do-over. There isn’t a chance to go back and correct a mistake.
But I’m really hoping that’s what’s happening between us now.
An opportunity to undo the choice I made out of fear.
“Dude, your behavior is really starting to freak me out. Maybe the guys are right and you need an intervention.” Steele’s voice breaks into the chaotic whirl of my thoughts.
It’s not like I don’t get where he’s coming from. This entire thing with Holland started out as a way to keep her close so I could watch her every move until she either fucked up or came clean.
Instead, I’m the one who’s done a complete one-eighty.
My fingers tighten around the coffee as I glance over my shoulder to meet his eyes. “You can hold off on the intervention for the time being. I haven’t started scrolling through the Humane Society’s adoption pages yet.”
“You sure about that?” he asks, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Just curious why you’re hanging around, looking for your fake girlfriend like a lovesick puppy.” He glances at the cup. “Don’t tell me that’s for her.”
“Yeah, it is.” I pull it out of his reach when he makes a grab for it. “And, no, you can’t have it.”
His brows shoot up. “Why do I get the feeling this relationship is no longer fake?”
I roll my eyes as heat floods my cheeks. “It’s coffee,” I grumble. “Don’t make a bigger deal out of it than it is.”
He leans against the bench beside me, his concern fading into something more thoughtful. “You actually believe her?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to lie.
At the last moment, I decide against it. “Yeah, I do. And if I hadn’t been such a chickenshit two years ago, we wouldn’t be in this place now. I wouldn’t have spent all this time wondering if we could have been something more.” My shoulders loosen. “I don’t want to continue wondering.”
I brace for an argument.
For my cousin to lose his shit and make a last-ditch effort to talk some sense into me.
But that’s not what happens.
He presses his lips together and is silent for a long stretch of moments. “Okay.”
I blink. “Okay?”
He shrugs. “Yeah. If you truly believe she’s not the one behind the messages, then I’ll support you. Hell, dude, I’ll even root for you two crazy kids. If that’s what you want.”
I snort out a laugh as my muscles lose their rigidity. “I appreciate it.”
“That’s what cousins are for, right? I’ll always be on your side and want what’s best for you. If anyone deserves it, it’s you. Seriously.”
His words hit me hard. Steele has always been more like a brother to me, and I have no idea what I’d do without him.
Thank fuck, I’ll never have to find out.
“One last question.”
I almost groan. I should have realized that he capitulated way too easily. “Shoot.”
“Do you trust her?” There’s a pause. “I mean really trust her?”
I don’t even have to think about it. “Yeah, I do.”
“Okay,” he drawls, his tone loaded. “Then explain why she’s deep in conversation with Garret Akeman.”
My head whips around so fast that the coffee cup nearly slips from my hand.