Page 98 of Any Second Now
“My mom?” I snort. I’ve talked to my mom multiple times about this. She’s been firm with Jacob, not encouraging.
She’s even started a spreadsheet for him to try to push him to get his life together so he’ll leave me alone.
My phone starts buzzing with a call, but I ignore it in my pocket. Then it buzzes a few short beats. Text messages. I sigh and pull it out.
Mom
Raleigh, I think Jacob is on his way to see you. I’m so sorry, I’ve been trying to talk sense into him, but he sent me a text this morning that makes me think he’s in Colorado.
I groan.
“Everything okay?”
I ignore Jacob and tap out a text.
Me
Thanks. He’s here
The three little dots dance around with her response, but I put my phone away.
“That was my mom, warning me you might be showing up.”
“Was this the wrong thing to do, Raleigh?”
“Yeah, it was.” I squint my eyes shut. I have to get through to Jacob that he needs to live his own life without me.
And then my eyes fly open at the sound of a Jeep Wrangler on the gravel drive of the campsite.
CHAPTER 20
Unexpected but Inevitable
ATTICUS
an hour earlier
The Aussie is sobbing in the penalty box.
“For fuck’s sake,” Barrett says, paused next to me on the ice, staring at Lachlan.
For once, I agree with the sentiments from the young hotshot. I don’t even mind that he’s standing next to me, matching my posture with crossed arms and helmet tucked in an armpit.
“I don’t think he’s ever been dumped before.” I shake my head. Iknowhe hasn’t. He’s got a slightly stronger dating history then I do, but not by much. I suspect Lachlan’s a giant softie inside and just pretends to be a player to protect himself.
Whereas I’m an asshole, through and through.
“This is why dating is a bad idea.” Barrett scoffs. “Giving women that kind of control? Falling inlove? The fucking worst. Just punch me if I ever try to do that.”
“What, are we fucking friends now?” I turn to look at Barrett.
“Why not?” He smirks and shrugs.
“Because you fucked up my fucking groin, dipshit.” I shove him in the arm, notnotaggressively.
“Ow!” He rubs his shoulder, looking hurt. Emotionally.
I’d rather have punched him. He’s like the incredibly annoying pain-in-the-ass little brother I’m thankful I never had.
