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)
Ones I never asked to know.
Ones that have made my relationship with Bridger even more complicated than before.
“I have some news.” Willow’s voice breaks through the turmoil of my thoughts. “Maverick asked me to move in with him next year.”
I stumble and nearly trip over my own feet. If I was looking for a distraction to pull me out of my head, that bomb does the trick. “You’re kidding.”
Her grin widens as a touch of nervousness flashes in her eyes. “Nope. He brought it up last night. Since you’ll be graduating in the summer, I think I’m going to do it.”
“Wow.” I blink, still trying to process this new phase of their relationship. “Things are really moving quickly between you two.”
She glances at me. “Too quickly?”
I shake my head and give her a small smile. “For most people? Maybe. But you two have this thing… like you’ve known each other forever. Maybe I was skeptical of your hotshot hockey player at first, but Maverick has proven himself. He’s solid. He gets my official stamp of approval.”
The tension in her shoulders eases and her smile turns softer. “I love him.”
“I know you do,” I say, looping my arm through hers and pulling her close. “It’s written all over your face when you’re together. After everything you’ve been through, you deserve all the happiness he can offer. And, hey, even Becks has backed off. I didn’t think that was going to happen during our lifetime.”
“Speaking of Mom, she stopped over the other day to do a surprise deep clean and opened all the windows to get a little fresh air in the townhouse now that the weather has turned warmer.”
“Damn, I’m sorry I missed her.”
She smirks. “I’m sure you are.”
“Did you break the big news?”
“No, I’m going to need a little more time to ease her into that situation.” Willow gives me a bit of side-eye. “Not to mention River. I’m not sure who will flip out more.”
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like to be there when you share the good news. Because if I know your brother, he’s gonna lose his proverbial shit.” When a mixture of anxiety and fear flares across her expression, I bump her shoulder with my own. “I’m just kidding. Your twin will be fine. I thought he and Mav hashed out most of their shit.”
“They did,” she says. “Sort of.”
“At the end of the day, they both want the best for you. That’s all that matters.”
Willow nods, but her silence on the subject says she’s still mulling it over. “You and Bridger seem to be going strong.”
“Yeah.” I force a smile, not wanting to dwell on our conversation last night.
“I still can’t believe you two are an item.”
“Same,” I mutter.
She gives me a sidelong glance. “But you like him, right?”
“Yeah, I do,” I admit. I actually like him a lot. The worst part is, I have no idea how everything will shake out. There might be too much standing between us.
Too many secrets.
Too many lies.
Too much baggage.
And then there are the trust issues that plague both of us.
It’s a relief when she doesn’t press for more. My life feels complicated enough without trying to explain it to someone else.
“Holland.”
I glance up only to find Steele Sanderson approaching. His attention stays locked on me.
“Hey, Steele,” Willow greets. “I saw Lilah in the tutoring lab the other day. We’re going to get together later this week for coffee.”
His expression softens when he glances at her. I’d think there was something wrong with him if it didn’t. Willow is the sweetest, kindest person on the face of the planet. I’m lucky she befriended me way back in elementary school and that we’ve stayed close ever since.
“Oh yeah? Make sure she orders decaf. Otherwise, she’ll be a total squirrel,” he replies before turning back to me. “Got a minute, Holland?”
I hesitate before glancing at my bestie. She gives me a questioning look. “Go ahead,” I say quietly. “I’ll catch up with you later.”
Willow takes off, but not before throwing a curious glance over her shoulder.
When Steele gestures toward a patch of grass just off the walkway, I follow.
Even though I have a sneaking suspicion, I ask once we’re clear of the crowd, “What’s this about?”
Steele crosses his arms against his chest as his eyes narrow. “You might have Bridger fooled, but not me.” The warmth filling his tone when he’d been talking to Willow is long gone. “I know you’re involved with those messages.”
I reel back, as if slapped. “You’re wrong. I don’t have anything to do with them.”
“Bullshit,” he snaps. “You’re hiding something.” I open my mouth to deny the accusation, but Steele cuts me off. “I think you and Garret orchestrated all of it. I saw you two together yesterday.”
“It’s not what you think,” I say quietly as guilt constricts my chest. “I care about Bridger, and I’d never want to hurt him. That might not have always been true, but it is now.”