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

by Ali Novak

“I spent the majority of it working and not nearly enough time talking to you.” “I’m sorry, Cole. I know—”

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.

“What’s so funny?” “Nothing,” he said, mouth quirking up as he shook his head. “It’s just…you’re like Cinderella—always running away from me.”

right now. I’m going to bed.” “Sweet dreams,” he replied, his tone saccharine and mocking. “Screw you.” “Isn’t that Cole’s job?”

What happened in his car last night was more than enough proof that my brain would take a vacation if Cole put his hands on me.

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.”

His warmth made me feel limitless at times, like I could do anything and be anyone I wanted. But if I wasn’t careful, the spiteful side of his personality he so often wielded like a weapon had the power to cause lasting damage.

Until then, focus on you, but don’t let him make you feel bad for putting yourself first.”

“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.

“You think I’m pretty?” I rolled my eyes. “You think you’re pretty.” “I think you’re pretty.”

“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 have a judge on your payroll?” Cole whistled. “That’s an impressive operation you’re running, New York.”

“Hey, if you wanna give up what you have with Cole because you’re afraid something bad might happen, then do you,” Isaac said, letting go of my hand and giving it a patronizing little pat. “Just know that I think you’re being a massive idiot.”

Reaching across the table, I whacked him over the head. “I’ve listened to a lot of stupid stuff come out of your mouth before,” I replied as calmly as I could, “but that was the most privileged, ignorant bullshit I’ve ever heard. My parents are dead. Don’t tell me I’m lucky.”

That’s why you felt like the only good thing in my life.

Please don’t worry about me. I’m going to focus on fixing myself and figuring out my future, whatever that looks like. Maybe when I do, the timing will finally be perfect.

was having a terrible day, and for some ridiculous reason, you thought it would cheer me up to jump into the hay, but I wasn’t having it.”

“Okay, just so we’re clear—are you saying that we broke up because you like my family more than me?” The playful note in his voice sent a jolt of hope through my body. “I’ve been through my fair share of breakups, but I’ve never heard that excuse before