My Return to the Walter Boys (My Life with the Walter Boys, #2)

by Ali Novak

Cole leaned in, and his lips brushed my ear. “A kiss from you,” he said, his voice low in a way that made my stomach swoop.

When I glanced at him over my shoulder, Cole leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine.

“Sweet dreams,” he replied, his tone saccharine and mocking. “Screw you.” “Isn’t that Cole’s job?”

“I could help you.” He launched himself off the bed, took my hands in his, and kneeled at my feet. “On the days that are hard. I want to help, Jackie. You just need to let me.”

“Jesus, let me outta here,” Lee demanded before the Buick was even in park. “All this sexual tension is suffocating. Can’t you two bang it out already? It’s getting old.”

“I can keep you warm.” Cole’s voice was barely a whisper in my ear, but it was enough to make me jump. Heart racing, I turned to face him with a half-hearted glare. “You should ask Isaac what happens to people who startle me, Cole. Next time, my instincts might kick in, and I won’t be held responsible for any damage done to your pretty face.” He smirked at this. “You think I’m pretty?” I rolled my eyes. “You think you’re pretty.” “I think you’re pretty.”

“How could I stay away when my name’s on your back?” he asked, reaching over and tugging at the collar of the crewneck he’d lent to me.

“You could always join the coaches, Jackie. I’m sure Cole could make some room for you on his lap,” Isaac said with an evil smirk. “Wouldn’t be the first time, would it?”

“Twenty bucks Cole gets himself kicked out for undressing Jackie with his eyes from across the field,” Isaac joked. “It’s a little inappropriate for a kids’ game, don’t you think?”

“You should go to the dance,” he said, his voice low and gravelly. The sound made my stomach flip. “I don’t have someone to go with.” Eyes flashing, he stepped into my personal space and grasped my upper arm, but his grip was gentle. “That’s bullshit, and you know it.” Goose bumps swept across my skin, emanating from his touch. “Is that… I mean, are you asking me?” “That depends,” he said carefully. “Are you saying yes?” We were standing so close, I could feel the warmth of his breath on my face. “I—yeah,” I whispered. “I think I am.” “Then I’ll be your someone, Jackie.”

“You might be unsure, but you still have options. I feel like I’ve got nothing. Well, that’s not true. I have you,” he told me. “You’re the best thing I have going for me right now.”