More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
“You have my attention.” Riley looks up at me. “Maybe the wrong people have been trying to make you come.”
“It’s been… cathartic. As cathartic as good food and good company can be. Between this and hanging out with the boys… I needed it, if that makes sense.”
“We’ll call it Riley’s Life List.”
“I want to ride on the back of Ethan’s motorcycle,” he starts, and I hurry to jot it down. “I want to go on a roller coaster and scream until my throat is sore. Skinny dipping in the Potomac sounds like a death sentence with the river current, but skinny dipping in general sounds like a fucking blast. I want to… eat food that’s so spicy, it’ll make me cry. I want to get another tattoo and… fuck. I don’t know. What else? Don’t make fun of me, but I’d like to have a kiss with someone that’s so mind-blowing I can’t think straight.”
“I want to overpay for one of those carnival games at a fair.
I want to skate again. Not just a lap around the rink. I want to skate until my legs—leg—gives out. I want to feel the burn I used to feel when I pushed my body to the brink of exhaustion in a game.”
“I don’t know. Being kissed until I can’t think straight sounds nice. I’ve never been kissed like that before.” “I feel like you need to add good orgasms to your list. You’re missing out on a world of fun, Lex.”
I
“Even if they don’t want to be helped, we have to keep showing up for them.”
Men come and go. Love is fleeting, and I don’t believe in romantic soulmates. I believe in platonic ones though, and these girls are mine.
“To incredible women. To friendships. To a special love no man will ever give us.”
“Take care of yourself, Riley. There’s a reason you pulled through that night. Your purpose is so much bigger than you think it is.”
“Not every day can be sunshine and rainbows. A lot of days suck, but you got out of bed today. That’s a win,”
“Always. Tell Brody he’s an asshole.” “With pleasure.”
“It calms me in a way nothing else does. I don’t even need to be out there and it offers me comfort years of therapy can’t bring me.”
“Is it crazy to say it smells like home?” I ask. “If home had a smell.” “No.” Coach snorts. “That’s what I think too.”
“I’ve been skipping my rehab sessions.” “I know you have. It’s hysterical hearing the excuses Lexi come up with to cover for your ass.”
“What would you tell your younger self if you found out you got a second chance at life?”
“I’d tell myself to get the fuck over it. Respectfully,” I finally mumble after a stretch of silence that feels like years. “The only way I can go is forward, so I might as well enjoy what I have.”
I couldn’t play, but I could coach. And coaching meant stability. A paycheck to support my family and still being around the sport I loved.
“If it weren’t for Olivia, I’m not sure how my life would’ve turned out. It’s not always easy. You can’t magically become undepressed, but you have to find something that makes you feel good.”
“Nah. I think I want to make it into a shirt: It’s not what’s under your clothes but what’s inside that counts.”
“I told Lamar I’m a work in progress.” “You are. We all are. You’re not alone.”
“Thank you for being patient with me.” “Patience is something I’m working on,” I say. “And showing up is something I’m working on.”
“Let me, ah, put on some different clothes.” “Really? But the view is so good,”
“You’re a goddamn flirt, Armstrong,”
“You like it,”
“You look so young. And cute. What happened?” “Watch your mouth, Lexi,” he says, and the deep timbre sends a shiver down my spine.
“Basketball makes sense because you played in high school.” “You remember that?” “Of course I do. We talked about it a few weeks ago, and my memory isn’t that shitty. It’s an important part of your life, and it’s worth remembering.”
“I like that you’re holding me accountable.” Riley grins, and it’s fucking beautiful. Carefree, light. Brilliantly bright. I’d love to make him smile like that again.
“I’m going to be the best damn patient you’ve ever had.” “Good luck, Mitchell. It takes a lot to impress me.” “Guess I have my work cut out for me.” A cocky smirk is tossed my way. “It’s a good thing being the best has always come naturally.”
“I didn’t know this was going to turn into a compliment train,” I say. “Flirt with me a little more, Sully.”
“Thinking about me in your free time, Lex?” I ask, testing the waters. Lexi smirks and takes a step closer to me.
“Sounds like you might be thinking about me,” she says. “Looking up the exercise I teach? Keeping your word about showing up? I’m going to pretend it’s because you missed me.” I did miss her.
“You’re staring,” he tells me. “No, I’m not.” I pull off my hoodie and slide out of my shoes. “And mind your fucking business, Hayes.” “Deny it all you want, Mitchy. But I see everything, and your subtlety is shit.”
“Is it okay if I touch you?” Screaming out fuck, yes, anywhere you want is probably too aggressive, so I nod.
“That’s so good, Riley.” Fuck me.
No, I’m in hell. I’m picturing you naked, and I want to die. Do you have any other secret tattoos besides the one on your hip I want to see? What about piercings? Would you like it if I tied your wrists together, or would that freak you out?
“I’ve seen more of Hudson’s ass over the last five years than I’ve seen women naked. I’ve probably seen it more than my own ass, if we’re being honest. I think we’re all set on bonding.”
“Regularly. I have a spectacular ass.”
There’s nothing I love more than kicking men’s asses and watching them cry.
“Speaking of cute as hell, I saw Riley eyeing you during our class.” “That wasn’t a subtle segue at all.”
“He was eye fucking you.”
“Nothing like some torture exercises to bring people closer together.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I don’t want to—” “I wasn’t asking, Lexi. Arms up, please,” he says,
“And watching you freeze to death is hard for me. We both can’t be winners tonight, and I don’t like to lose. Keep
“I wasn’t sure Maverick had any. I stopped at the store on the way over.” “You—” I blink. It feels like I’m missing the punchline of a joke. “I’m confused.” “You mentioned you liked limes in your drink. Didn’t know if that only applied to cocktails or all forms of fluid.”
“When did I mention that?” “June,”
“The lime preference. Is it in all drinks? Cocktails only?” “You really want to know?” “Mhm.”
“I really do. Won’t be able to sleep tonight until you tell me, actually.” “We wouldn’t want that.”
