Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 112884 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112884 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“We are,” he confirms, “and I would die for her.”
“She’s an amazing human.”
“She is,” he agrees with a smile, “and she got the brunt of what that asshole did. She tries to pretend she’s okay and that nothing bothers her, but it’s a front. She’s never let anyone in for them to see how amazing she truly is. She’s afraid, and I hate that for her.” I suddenly feel so sorry for Kylie, and I make a mental note to open up to her more, hoping that maybe in some small way I can help her move forward.
“So I heard about your ex-girlfriend today.” I snicker at him and he groans. “Angela was her name.”
“My nightmare.” He shakes his head. “She was the complete opposite of you. She was a horrible human, a mean girl through and through.”
“Why did you date her, then?” I ask him, not sure I really want to be sitting here talking about his past girlfriend.
“Fuck if I know.” He runs his hand through his hair and he laughs. “I was young and stupid.”
“It was last year.” I laugh at him.
“Was I not younger then?” he points out. “I like this,” he says softly, “talking to you after the game while I wind down.”
“I like it too,” I admit to him, “but I’m going to let you go so you can get some sleep.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you soon, Lexi.” He looks into the camera and into my eyes, as if he’s looking into my soul, sucking the air out of my lungs. “Sweet dreams.”
twenty-six
Kirby
“I’m home,” I say into the phone as soon as I get into my car. “The eagle has landed.”
“Wow,” Kylie says, “you really think highly of yourself.”
“What?” I ask as I make my way to my house. The last five days have been excruciating and long, so fucking long, it felt like two weeks and I’m happy to be fucking home.
“The eagle is a very well-respected bird—” she starts to say, half laughing. “I can’t even say it with a straight face. Welcome home, Mr. President.”
“I’m going to be home in fifteen minutes. Want to have a late lunch with me?”
“I guess since I’m working from home I can come over. Just don’t tell my boss,” she whispers. “I’ll get food.” She disconnects and I have the urge to call Lexi and tell her to join us, but I’m not going to pressure her. I also haven’t spoken to her since she called me Saturday night. I thought she would text me the next day, but the only thing I saw was Kylie’s social media post with a picture of the two of them at some exercise class and then having coffee at an outdoor café. Her smile was so big on her face, her eyes so light and free, the picture was everything.
I pull into the gated driveway and press the button for the garage, driving in and then shutting the door. Grabbing my luggage from the trunk, I make my way into the house. “Honey, I’m home!” I shout to the almost empty house.
Walking to the staircase, I take the steps two at a time until I’m in my bedroom. The shades are half open, so I dump my bag before pressing the button and having the shades open wide. The minute there is more light in the room, I hear Jefferson’s little bell coming closer and closer. “Well, hello there.” I look over my shoulder and see her sitting at the entry to the bedroom. She sits as her eyes get used to the bright sunlight that is now coming into my bedroom. She blinks a couple of times, her look staring at me like I deserted her. “I’m sorry, I had to go work.” I sit on the bed, kicking off my dress shoes and then the jacket. “Trust me, I didn’t want to go either.”
She comes in gingerly, taking two steps before stopping and stretching out her two front paws and joining me on the bed. Her soft meow I’m sure calling me an asshole. I pet her head and expect her to come and sit beside me, or at least that is what I would like, but instead she turns around, gives me her back, and then goes to lie at the edge of the bed in the sun. Like she’s a Grecian goddess. “I’m happy I’m home too.” I get up and walk into my closet with my suitcase, emptying it before I slip into a pair of jogging pants and a T-shirt.
I’m walking down the steps when the front door opens and closes. “Hello, eagle!” Kylie shouts and I join her in the kitchen. “I’ve also just landed.” She looks at me and snorts, pulling out one of the stools and sitting down.
“I got us some salad with grilled chicken,” she says, while I pull out my own stool and sit down. “This is yours since it is the full size.” She hands me the container before taking out hers, which is half the size.