Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 68308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68308 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
“Why can’t you spend the night?” I hate it, but I know her parents won’t notice. Plus, she’s eighteen now. She can do as she pleases.
“Because that’s not—”
“Proper?” Is that the word she’s searching for?
“I suppose.” Her lips turn down. Fuck, she’s likely piecing together that her parents wouldn’t notice. “I don’t know.” Kinsley’s eyes stay downcast. I can’t stay away from her now. I move toward her, lifting her chin with my finger.
“I don’t know if whoever was there tonight in the warehouse saw you. The uniform stands out, and it’s safest here.” It’s part of the reason I want her here, but the other part is darker, pulling me under.
I’m understanding why it was a good thing to have kept my distance from her before, because now that I’m close, I’ll never back away, no matter what I have to do to keep my hold on her. It’s fucked up, but I don’t care.
“I don’t have any clothes to sleep in or any of my stuff.” It’s a good sign that she didn’t say no. It means she’s considering it.
“I can give you something to wear, or I’m sure my mom, sister, or cousin has something for you if you prefer something other than my stuff.”
“You have an answer for everything.”
I flash her my dimple to soften her some more. “When it comes to keeping you safe, I am going to have an answer for everything.”
“You really think this person might come after me? Us?”
“They probably couldn’t place me because they only got a glimpse, but you, they’ll know,” I tell her. I’d changed after practice into jeans and a shirt. I could be anyone off the street.
“Stupid uniform,” she mutters, but it’s not only the uniform. Does she really not know how much she stands out? It’s not only her height but also her hair.
“Stay here tonight. I’ll throw your uniform into the washer so it’s clean for tomorrow.”
“Okay.” I puff out a small breath. “But I do need to check in with Mary.” Fuck yes. That was easier than I thought it would be, but maybe she is freaked out by what happened. I myself keep playing it over in my head, trying to search for more information, but I know for now it’s a waiting game.
“Let me grab you clothes.” I step back, heading into my closet. I grab one of my football shirts that has my name across the back and a pair of boxers. She might have to roll them at the top a few times, but it will do for now.
When I step back out of the closet, Kinsley is digging through her bag. Her head lifts when she hears me.
“Can I?” She nods toward the bathroom.
“You don’t need to ask.” I hand her the clothes. “You have free rein here.” I want to see her moving around my space, making it hers too. Showcasing that she is mine. I hope she starts to leave stuff all around.
“I’m going to change so you can toss these in the washer.” She pauses, a small smirk forming. “Do you know how to wash clothes?”
“Bunny, I know how to cook and clean. I’ll iron them if you want.” Yeah, there was no way my mom was going to let us get away with not knowing how to cook, even if we do have a chef who comes a few times a week and does meal prep. Mom’s talents aren’t in the kitchen, but she made sure we learned at least the basics.
“I think the dryer will suffice.” I watch her head into the bathroom. I expect her to open the door and be wearing my clothes, but she’s not.
My mouth goes dry when she reveals herself in nothing but a towel wrapped around her. I swear I’ve fantasized about this moment a million times in my head.
“I want to shower before I get dressed if that’s okay.” I nod, swallowing hard as I take the pile of clothes from her.
“I’ll be right back. Stay put.” My words come out hoarse, and I have to clear my throat.
“I’m not going to go roaming the hallways without you.” I raise my brows at her. “Not while everyone is awake at least.” I let out a chuckle.
“That’s my girl.”
“Jax.” Kinsley’s tongue comes out, wetting her bottom lip. “That’s fast for you to be calling me your girl.”
“Not really. I’ve been doing it in my head for three years.” A smile pulls at her lips; she’s fighting it but not winning. “Now shut the bathroom door before I kiss you again and that towel doesn’t make it.” Kinsley’s cheeks pinken. She steps back, closing the door, but I catch it right before it completely shuts. “Don’t lock it.”
“It wouldn't matter if I did.” I can’t argue with that. “But I won’t, okay.”