Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Rafferty takes a big bite and chews while smiling slyly at me. When he swallows, he says, “Maybe I wanted to see things for myself. Make sure you took good care of him.”
“I took excellent care of him.” I sniff, resting against the counter and taking a sip of my coffee.
“She was the best nurse I could have hoped for,” North says, giving me a tender look that makes my heart flippity-flop, and I hate the traitorous bastard of a blood pumping muscle for being so weak.
“Coach said you’re coming back to practice tomorrow,” Rafferty says. “You up to it?”
“Damn right, I am,” North says.
There’s no doubt he’s recovered. He had no problem just now banging my brains out and barely broke a sweat.
North flips two hotcakes onto a plate and hands them to me.
“Thank you,” I murmur and before I can even freaking help myself, I go to my tiptoes and kiss his cheek.
I see the flare of shock in his eyes that I would do something so non-sexual and I can’t help but chuckle.
When I turn to the table, I see Rafferty watching me with amusement. “What?” I snap at him, taking a seat at the table to his right.
“Nothing,” he says, gaze dropping to his plate where he spears another forkful. When he looks back up, he teases, “It’s just nice seeing you all sweet and domesticated.”
“Will you shut the fuck up?” North grumbles, but it’s in good nature. “You want her to run from me?”
“I’m going to bet she won’t,” Rafferty says, wearing a shit-eating grin.
“I’d rather you not bet on such things,” North says, sitting on the other side of my brother. “I’ve got my own methods of trying to win her over and you forcing things isn’t the way.”
“What exactly is your game plan?” Raff asks.
“Well—”
“Um, excuse me,” I interject, waving my fork between the two of them. “Stop talking about me as if I’m not here.”
Rafferty guffaws and pushes my shoulder lightly. “Just getting your goat, little sis. Trust me, I’m happy to stay out of it.”
I glance at North and his eyes are twinkling, making it perfectly clear he was playing along with my shit of a brother. I roll my eyes at both of them and tuck into my food, which is freaking delicious.
“Actually,” Rafferty says, garnering my attention. “Foster said that Mazzy might have a bead on a nice bar that’s hiring. High end, big tippers.”
“She sing there?” I ask.
“Sometimes,” Rafferty replies. “But she’s not doing that too much because of Bowie Jane. Want me to give you her phone number?”
“I’ve got it,” I reply, shoving another bite in my mouth. It truly is time for me to get off my ass and find a job because I do need to pay Rafferty some rent if I’m going to stay there.
I could stay here rent-free with North, but that’s not something that’s a serious consideration for me just yet. Still reeks too much of commitment, despite his attempts to spin it as roommates.
“Please call her,” Rafferty says. “You really need a job.”
“I know,” I grumble, not liking the reminder I’m being useless. But damn, it’s been hard getting motivated to find that type of work again. I don’t do it because I love it. I do it because I have no other appreciable skills. “Can I catch a ride home with you? I need to get some laundry done.”
I wait for North to tell me I can do my clothes here, but he remains quiet.
“Sure,” Rafferty says.
“Let me grab a quick shower. I can be ready in half an hour.”
I head into the master bedroom, pulling out my last set of clean clothes, and when I turn toward the bathroom, I see North standing there. “Are you okay?” he asks.
“Yeah… why?”
“It’s just… you don’t seem all that anxious about the bartending job, and well, you’ve been kind of spinning your wheels. I know you could find a dozen jobs tomorrow if you wanted.”
I huff out a sigh of frustration. “I know. I guess I got a little lazy.”
North shakes his head. “That’s not it. You’re not a lazy person.”
“Fine,” I admit. “I don’t particularly like bartending. Happy you got me to admit that?”
North blinks in surprise. “Am I the only person you’ve ever admitted that to?”
“Yes,” I say. “Now, excuse me… I need to shower.”
North lets me go but he does look thoughtful, as if this conversation isn’t over yet.
Fine by me. It’s no secret I’m aimless and haven’t found my calling in life.
CHAPTER 20
North
The café is small and tucked into the corner of a bustling street a few blocks from the arena. Sunlight filters through large windows, highlighting the polished wood tables and scattering golden patterns across the floor. The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of toasted bread, and the quiet hum of conversation creates a relaxed atmosphere. I eat here at least once a week, usually after a workout, such as is the case now.