Jersey Girl (Sticks & Hearts #1) by Rhonda James Page B

answer, the waitress comes over and places our food before us. Two steaming plates, heaped with food, and smelling delicious. We sit back and pick up our silverware. I watch as she rearranges the food on her plate, moving the bacon to one side, and pushing the sausage patty to the far right corner. She ordered the French toast, and it has already been doused with powdered sugar, but she liberally applies a bunch more. When she catches me staring she only smiles and takes a huge bite.
    "So, you started to tell me something earlier," I prompt, eager to hear what it is she was about to share. I've never had this kind of conversation with someone I barely know. I find talking with her to be easy, and effortless. I don't know why, but I like it and want to keep her talking.
    She swirls a bite of bread around in the syrup before popping it in her dainty mouth. I watch, captivated as she wraps her lips around the tines and pulls the syrupy goodness inside. Her eyes close as she savors the moment, and the moan that follows doesn't go unnoticed. I swear to god, it's hot as hell.
    "One of the reasons I moved here was to be closer to Scotty." She finishes chewing and pushes her plate away. I find myself hoping she isn't through eating. I'm enjoying watching her eat more than I'm enjoying my own food. "I thought by us being at the same school we would rekindle our relationship. Sadly, that hasn't happened. We used to be so close before he left for school. Now the only things he has time for are hockey, Ashley, and school. I've tried reaching out. I even drop by the house. But he usually isn't there, or says he doesn't have time to hang out."
    I can see by the pain on her face this is probably the reason for her emotional breakdown. And I know what she's talking about, so I can sympathize with her. Rivers has Ashley crammed so far up his ass he hasn't had time for anything else. But I'm just his friend. I can handle it. Cassie is his sister, and she shouldn't have to try and win his affection. My anger toward him only increases when I see her eyes start to water again, and if he were here right now I'd probably punch him in the throat.
     
     
     

CHAPTER TWELVE
    CASSIE
     
     
    "You know what? I think right now we could both use a good friend. So, what do you say to you and me being that for each other?"
    I'll be honest, his offer catches me off-guard. I mean, a few weeks ago he went from looking at me as if he wanted to devour me to looking at me as if I had suddenly sprouted two heads. Studying him now, the attention he's giving me registers somewhere between the two. He's smiling, so that leaves me feeling fairly hopeful this could go well. I'd like nothing more than to be his friend. He's easy to talk to. He has this way about him that leaves me feeling warm and peaceful. And it doesn't hurt he's easy on the eyes. I could stare at him all day and never grow tired of the view.
    "You think you can handle being friends with Scott's little sister?" I tease him. "I wouldn't want you to jeopardize your vows of brotherhood or anything tragic like that."
    "Ha ha, very funny." He reaches his fork over and steals the uneaten sausage patty off my plate. He takes a bite, chews for a few moments, then smacks his lips. "As long as you can keep your hands off me, I think I can handle it." He flashes me a flirty wink, and I stick out my tongue at him. "Now, now, none of that Miss Rivers. If we're going to be hanging out together, there will have to be some rules."
    "Oh, do tell," I fold my arms across my chest.
    "Okay, let's see. I think the most obvious rule is no sex."
    "Well, duh. That's a no brainer. Next."
    He chews on his lip for a moment, pretending to be deep in thought. While he thinks, I stare at his mouth and remember what it felt like to kiss him.
    Stop it! I scold myself, very aware this may be harder than I'd originally bargained for. Clearly, I hadn't thought this out very well.
    "Ummm, how about no naked study sessions?" He smiles