Page 136 of Waiting Game

I close my eyes. “I can see that now, but I was panicking. It was the craziest thing. This bar’s worthless aside from the ground it stands on. I don’t know why it’s got such a pull on us?—”

“That’s what a legacy does. It gets its hooks into you, digs ‘em in deep, and won’t let go until you’ll do the whackiest shit to keep it going.”

My eyes pop open. “Sounds like the voice of someone who’s been there, done that.”

He hitches a shoulder. “I told you my family owns a ranch back home. My brother’s… well, he’s like you—would pull crazy stunts to save it.”

Though his tone lacks judgment, I bow my head in shame. “I understand if you don’t want to see me again.”

“That’s the thing, Mia. I can’t stop seeing you. I tried over the summer.” He rubs the back of his neck. “And failed because here I am, standing in front of you, with a bunch of stolen shit from my team because I want to help you.”

“Even though I hurt Gracie?”

“Even though you hurt Gracie.”

Desperately, I try not to allow the hope unfurling deep inside me to inflate. He could still pop it like a water balloon. “Why?”

He stares at me for so long that I’m not sure if he’s going to answer, then he rumbles, “Confession time.”

That has me frowning. “What do you have to confess?”

His grin is more of a grimace. “Plenty.”

CHAPTER 26

COLE

Love Me Again - John Newman

I knowthat I can keep my mouth shut.

I don’t have to say dick.

But like I told her, there’s no such thing as reading too many romance novels and of the tens of thousands I’ve devoured over the years, shit like this is what breaks people up.

It always comes out.

Usually at the worst moment.

That’s why I do it.

That’s why I tear off the Band-Aid though I could totally have seduced her tonight.

“I’m GretzkyWannabe42.”

She blinks at me.

Then blinks again.

“AlsoCalKor, but that’s my brother’s fault.”

Another blink.

“I went home, walked in on my brother jacking off as he watched you?—”

Finally, we have some movement—she gasps.

“—and when I recognized you, I kind of lost my shit.”

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