The Trade (Coastal Rivals, #1)

by Ki Stephens

For all the people out there who were led to believe they’re not enough.

Spending time with this girl—with her quirky, little rituals and her penchant for calling me on my bullshit—well, I have to admit, it’s like a breath of fresh fucking air.

“Jade, you’re cool and funny and smart. Not to mention your body is—” His gaze drops down to my hips, lingering there before slowly raking up my legs and then back to my eyes. “Well, you’re really fucking hot.”

“It is amazing,” he says, an intensity in his eyes that I can’t quite place. “And I owe it all to you, Jade. I’m so fucking happy right now I could kiss you.”

“The Trade’s off the fucking table, as in, I’m not trading Jade. She’s officially off-limits,” I say, my tone brooking no argument. “And you can repeat that to anyone who might give a shit.”

“Are you just gonna veto everyone?” He glares at me, his jaw firmly set. “Yes, Jade. If anyone’s gonna get you off, it’s gonna be me.”

“You want to . . .” “Fuck yeah, I want to.”

What I should have said is this: “No, Jade, you don’t need a fuck buddy. I like you. I want you. I’ll fuck you so good that you won’t even remember your own name.”

No, wait. I want our friendship. I want to make her laugh, make her smile, make her call me by those goofy fucking nicknames. I want to spend time with her. I want to keep figuring out what makes her tick. I also want to kiss her and then take her to my bed. Actually . . . I just want Jade in any form I can get her.

I want to be her first choice and not just because she thinks I can scratch her itch. I want her to see me, to want me, as a man who’s developing real feelings for her and not just some athlete who can show her a good time.

We just . . . inadvertently had phone sex. And it was the best damn thing I’d ever experienced.

“It’s Theo,” he mutters, the soft rumble of his voice betraying a hint of frustration.

IM CRYING HES SO SOFT FOR HER

But here’s the real kicker: her body isn’t even the most attractive part about her. Not for me. And not by a long shot.

Jade— Our coffee deal was only fair play. And so is this—I'm not giving up on us, no matter what it takes. I'd do anything to earn your forgiveness. To show you how much I've changed since we first met. Let's start with something I should have done a long time ago. —Theo

My lips curve into a full-out grin as I recite my daily mantra: “My name’s Theo, and I’m smart as hell.”