Jersey Girl (Sticks & Hearts #1) Read Online Free Page B
Author: Rhonda James
of red.
"And here I thought you were all sweet and innocent." His lip quirks as he eyes me warily. "So, you and Fairfax? I'm assuming you two..."
"Yes," I answer his unspoken question. "For nearly two years. See, I'm not sweet and innocent anymore."
"You'll always be my little sister, Cassie. I don't like thinking about some guy putting his hands on you."
"I know, Scotty, and I love you for that. But you have to know there are going to be other guys, regardless if you're ready to accept it or not."
"I suppose," he replies, giving me a half-hearted shrug.
"So tell me more about Brantley." His eyes narrow, and instantly I can tell he assumes I'm interested. Even though I am interested, I'm asking more out of curiosity. I want to know more about the sexy man who boldly stared into my eyes while touching himself. I have a feeling that image will remain frozen in my brain for months to come. "And before you ask, I'm not after him. I'm just curious to know more about the guy you call your best friend."
His shoulders visibly relax as he leans back, spreading his arms wide across the back of the booth. "For the most part, we're complete opposites. He's a planner, whereas I tend to jump right in without thinking. I'm a sucker for love, and he can't run away from it fast enough. But on the ice we're both driven and really fucking good at our job. He's just always been there for me. All of the guys are like that, but I know no matter what, Cage will have my back. He's the one friend I trust to be loyal until the end. There are not many people you come across who you can say that about, you know?"
As I listen, I find myself remembering the look on Brantley's face when he learned who I was, and now I understand. What scares me is the way his kisses left me longing for more. But what terrifies me even more is the fact that given all Scotty just told me, I'm fairly certain it won't stop me from wanting him. In fact, I think it makes me want him even more.
CHAPTER FOUR
BRANTLEY
After Rivers leaves for breakfast, I pack a bag and head over to the frat house, where my buddy, John, has a futon I'll crash on for the next few days. There's no way in hell I'm putting myself back in that position. I mean, it's no surprise her brother will pummel my ass if he finds out what went down. But it's not just that. I hate to admit it, but I'm attracted to her. She's pretty, but at the same time, she's nothing like the girls I normally hook up with. Not that I hook up with a lot of girls. At least, I don't think I do.
So, for two days I divide my time between the frat house and the weight room, avoiding Scott like the plague. He texted yesterday, asking where the hell I'd gone. All I said was I didn't want to kick his kid sister to the couch. Little did I know he would see it as another noble gesture on my part. When he started praising me for being such a great friend, it was all I could do not to come clean. We've never kept secrets. We've never had to. Our whole group is like that. We're great as individuals, but even stronger as a team, which makes us a powerhouse on the ice.
"Cage, get in here and sit down," Coach calls out as I'm passing his office after a hard morning of practice. The first two weeks after summer are always an adjustment. Coach keeps us on a strict training schedule during the off-season. But coming back after being apart and trying to mesh with the new recruits always seems to take some getting used to. I mean, you've got the seasoned players who've already established their place on the team, then you bring in new guys who are itching to make their mark. Let's just say the trainers go through a lot of ice due to guys pushing too hard during those first few weeks.
I step into the room, and he motions for me to take a seat across from his desk. "How you doing, son? You looked good out there today."
"Thanks, Coach. It's good to be back."
Kevin Bishop's job involves much more than coaching this team of NHL
"And here I thought you were all sweet and innocent." His lip quirks as he eyes me warily. "So, you and Fairfax? I'm assuming you two..."
"Yes," I answer his unspoken question. "For nearly two years. See, I'm not sweet and innocent anymore."
"You'll always be my little sister, Cassie. I don't like thinking about some guy putting his hands on you."
"I know, Scotty, and I love you for that. But you have to know there are going to be other guys, regardless if you're ready to accept it or not."
"I suppose," he replies, giving me a half-hearted shrug.
"So tell me more about Brantley." His eyes narrow, and instantly I can tell he assumes I'm interested. Even though I am interested, I'm asking more out of curiosity. I want to know more about the sexy man who boldly stared into my eyes while touching himself. I have a feeling that image will remain frozen in my brain for months to come. "And before you ask, I'm not after him. I'm just curious to know more about the guy you call your best friend."
His shoulders visibly relax as he leans back, spreading his arms wide across the back of the booth. "For the most part, we're complete opposites. He's a planner, whereas I tend to jump right in without thinking. I'm a sucker for love, and he can't run away from it fast enough. But on the ice we're both driven and really fucking good at our job. He's just always been there for me. All of the guys are like that, but I know no matter what, Cage will have my back. He's the one friend I trust to be loyal until the end. There are not many people you come across who you can say that about, you know?"
As I listen, I find myself remembering the look on Brantley's face when he learned who I was, and now I understand. What scares me is the way his kisses left me longing for more. But what terrifies me even more is the fact that given all Scotty just told me, I'm fairly certain it won't stop me from wanting him. In fact, I think it makes me want him even more.
CHAPTER FOUR
BRANTLEY
After Rivers leaves for breakfast, I pack a bag and head over to the frat house, where my buddy, John, has a futon I'll crash on for the next few days. There's no way in hell I'm putting myself back in that position. I mean, it's no surprise her brother will pummel my ass if he finds out what went down. But it's not just that. I hate to admit it, but I'm attracted to her. She's pretty, but at the same time, she's nothing like the girls I normally hook up with. Not that I hook up with a lot of girls. At least, I don't think I do.
So, for two days I divide my time between the frat house and the weight room, avoiding Scott like the plague. He texted yesterday, asking where the hell I'd gone. All I said was I didn't want to kick his kid sister to the couch. Little did I know he would see it as another noble gesture on my part. When he started praising me for being such a great friend, it was all I could do not to come clean. We've never kept secrets. We've never had to. Our whole group is like that. We're great as individuals, but even stronger as a team, which makes us a powerhouse on the ice.
"Cage, get in here and sit down," Coach calls out as I'm passing his office after a hard morning of practice. The first two weeks after summer are always an adjustment. Coach keeps us on a strict training schedule during the off-season. But coming back after being apart and trying to mesh with the new recruits always seems to take some getting used to. I mean, you've got the seasoned players who've already established their place on the team, then you bring in new guys who are itching to make their mark. Let's just say the trainers go through a lot of ice due to guys pushing too hard during those first few weeks.
I step into the room, and he motions for me to take a seat across from his desk. "How you doing, son? You looked good out there today."
"Thanks, Coach. It's good to be back."
Kevin Bishop's job involves much more than coaching this team of NHL
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