Finding Me by Stephanie Rose Read Free Book Online Page B

Bella. Nice to put a face with the name.” Andy greeted me with a small smile and waved at us before strolling away.
    “Nice game, OT!” Richie’s voice boomed from behind as he jogged toward us. “I thought I saw you in the stands, Bella. Nice to see you again.” There went the familiar skin crawl from the first time I was in his presence.
    Owen pulled me forward by the hand and nodded. “You too. That was a nice save.”
    “Maybe Bella should come more often. She seemed to be our good luck charm tonight.” Richie winked at me and I didn’t know how to react. This was more than good-natured flirting. His leering gaze made me want to take a hot shower and scrub most of my skin off. The obvious way he ogled me right in front of Owen spoke volumes about the kind of slimy jerk he was.
    “You mean my good luck charm because she’s my girl. Cut the shit, Richie,” Owen huffed as he yanked me away.
    “I don’t know him very well, but he’s kind of a . . .” My voice trailed off trying to think of the right word.
    “Douche.” Owen added for me. “Yeah, more so than usual lately.” His jaw ticked as he spoke.
    The tension in the air was thick. “So,” I whispered in Owen’s ear. “I’m your girl? Since when?” He stopped walking and shrugged.
    “Since a long time ago. You’ve just been trying to fight it so badly you didn’t notice.”
    “Excuse me?” I scoffed, even as I fought a smile. “Maybe you should ask me before you assume?” I folded my arms and tapped my foot. Owen lowered his head and shook it, but I spied the corners of his lips twitch. He grabbed my hand and laid my palm flat over his heart. His chest was warm through his thin shirt; the quick thump of his heartbeat echoed mine. My hand went quivery. He covered it with his palm, which was slightly damp. Was he nervous?
    “Where in the world are my manners? After being up north for so long I forgot.” Owen cleared his throat. “Isabella, I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you. You’re smart, sexy, and I want you all to myself. So much that the thought of you with anyone else makes me crazy. Please do me the honor,” Owen picked up my hand and kissed the top of my wrist, “and say you’ll be my girl.” He reached for my other hand and kissed my knuckles one by one. “Better?”
    My insides melted, but no words came out. I was stunned, thrilled, shocked, but speechless as my dry mouth tried to say something—anything.
    The smile faded from Owen’s face as he squeezed my hand. “You’re my City. I can’t share you. I need you to be mine—and no one else’s.”
    “You . . .” I left the rest unsaid, grabbed the back of his neck, and pressed my mouth to his.
    Owen murmured against my lips, “I’ll take that as a yes.” He dropped the gear bag off his back and wrapped his arms around me. “That kiss before the game was too quick.”
    My brows pulled together as I pulled back. “Too quick? We had an audience in case you forgot.”
    A smirk tickled the side of his mouth. “In the future.” The husky dip in his voice made my toes curl. “This is the kiss I want from you before every game.” He brought his mouth back to mine and flicked my bottom lip with his tongue. My lips parted on a moan as he pulled me into a deep kiss. I didn’t care where we were, or who gaped at us as they walked by.
    Maybe the only one holding me back was me . For the first time in I didn’t know how long, I wasn’t aware of a black cloud over my head, and instead of the darkness I kept myself in, I saw light, happiness, and possibility. Instead of being afraid of the good things, I was grabbing them with both hands—and it felt pretty damn good.

Owen
    “TELL ME AGAIN HOW RICHIE has the time to be in a frat?” Andy huffed and shook his head. “And why? I can’t stand those Omega douchebags.” He pulled on his leather vest, still cursing under his breath. Andy was the first friend I made at Culver, and a good guy—even if his