More Than A Game (The Kings of Kroydon Hills Book 2) by Bella Matthews (the best electronic book reader .TXT) 📗

She tilts her head to the side, considering what she’s going to say next. “Imagine the nastiest game you've ever played in.”

I nod my head. It's not a far stretch to imagine yesterday.

“Sabrina's mom is going to be worse today.”

I don't bother telling her that's not possible. I appreciate that she's got Brina's back on this. “You're not telling me anything I don't already know, Chloe.”

“It's going to be rough. That's all I'm trying to say. Don't let your anger at what she says get the better of you, Murph.” Still staring at me, she waits until I finally stop and give her my full attention. “I’ve known Mrs. Cabot for twelve years. Trust me, she knows how to push every button Sabrina has. She’s a master manipulator, and it sounds like she thinks you’re a bug that needs squashing.”

I start to let that sink in. I don’t think Sabrina can be as easily manipulated as Chloe thinks. She’s not giving her enough credit.

Chloe hops down. “You're a protector. You always have been. You've just hidden it with laughter. Don't lash out when Mrs. Cabot pisses you off. Because, trust me, she will.”

“Gotcha.” I grab the salsa and cheese out of the fridge and then hunt down a few bowls.

“And don’t let Sabrina push you away, like she’s probably going to try to do. She’s not good at accepting help. She never has been.” Chloe looks at me, assessing. “Has anyone told you that we all knew this was happening?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You and Brina. We all knew it was a matter of when, not if. I'm glad you guys finally figured it out. You're such a good guy, Murph. She deserves you.” Chloe takes the bowls out of my hands, puts them on the counter, and then wraps her arms around my waist.

“What? No threat that I better treat her right?” I smile at this wild girl I've known my entire life. She's practically as much of a sister to me as Carys is, and I love her like one. I'm glad I've got her in my corner and even more grateful Sabrina does too.

“No, Murph. I know you'll treat her right. You guys are like yin and yang. She makes you more serious, and you make her loosen up. Make sure she has some fun. Remind her to enjoy herself. I don’t think Sabrina does that enough.”

That I can do.

45

Sabrina

Murphy insisted on bringing me to my dorm and waiting for me while I got ready. I think he was worried I’d try to back out of this impending disaster we keep referring to as dinner with my parents. Not that the thought hasn’t crossed my mind a few hundred times today. I’d rather stand naked in front of Congress than have to listen to my mother defend herself tonight, and I know, without a doubt, that’s what’s in store for us.

Truth be told, last weekend was the first time I’ve ever stood up to my mother.

It was a gut reaction.

Instinct.

I think the only reason I had the nerve to do it then was because she was threatening the incredible man currently sitting on my big purple chair, laughing at something on his phone. The bathroom door is open as I finish my hair and makeup, allowing me to see him through the reflection in the mirror. He looks as handsome today in a charcoal grey sweater and dark-washed jeans as he did yesterday in the custom suit he was wearing after the game. The smile on his face is the carefree one I’ve seen most of my life, not the heavy look of grief he’s carried most of the week.

“What’s so funny over there?” I ask through the reflection.

“Coop. He got his phone and computer back Friday night, and he hasn’t stopped texting since. He’s like an alcoholic who just fell off the wagon and can’t help himself, so he drinks every drop of liquor in the store. He’s on a quest to find every new meme that’s been created in the last two months.”

I continue messing with my hair. “Will you tell him I said hi, and congratulations?”

Murphy’s fingers fly across his phone, and he laughs again.

“Do I even want to know what he said?”

“Probably not.” His eyes twinkle with mischief.

He tucks his phone in his pocket and crosses to the bathroom door, his hands stretching to reach the frame above his head and his eyes meeting mine in the mirror. “Quit stalling, Princess. You look gorgeous. It’s time to go.”

Pushing out my bottom lip, I pout.

What the hell?

Since when do I pout?

Unplugging the curling iron, I begrudgingly admit, “You know, it’s annoying when you’re right.”

Murphy steps forward into my tiny bathroom, his presence sucking all the oxygen out of the space as his big body crowds mine against the sink. Strong fingers caress my neck and play with the ribbon tied in a bow at the back of my sweater. “I like this sweater. You look like a present waiting to be unwrapped. Completely covered up, but the promise of what’s under the wrapping is going to taunt me all night.”

I tried to dress conservatively tonight in an attempt to satisfy my mother. My black boatneck sweater is demure, with bell sleeves and a small ribbon tied in a pretty bow above my shoulder blades. A cute grey and black checkered wool skirt, black tights, and black knee-high boots with a square heel complete the outfit I put way too much thought into. I stare at the mirror. No doubt my mother will find some flaw in what I’m wearing, but I did make an effort.

“You’re zoning out on me, Princess.” Murphy leans down, kissing the sensitive spot on my neck.

His gaze roams my body, heating me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head before I turn in his arms. “We better leave now, or we aren’t making it to your parent’s house.”

“I’d be okay skipping.” I