Page 47 of Trust Me Always

“You just said you like me!”

“I like you but I don’t trust you!”

“Let me prove to you that you can.”

“Stop.”

“Please, Cameron.”

“I said, stop,” I hiss, noticing a few eyes pretending not to look this way now.

“Just tell me you’ll give me a chance. Go on a date with me. A real date and I’ll show you?—”

“I swear to god.”

“—that I’m not that guy. I can be what you need?—”

“I have what I need!” I shout as I shoot to my feet.

And then I freeze.

“Is there a problem back there?” Professor Gilroy calls out, standing from where he’s helping another pair.

My face is turning red, from anger and embarrassment and straight-up frustration. I swiftly shove my shit in my bag and take off down the steps, vaguely aware of Alister telling the teacher everything is fine as I push out the double doors and into the hall.I run to the end, barging out into the afternoon sun, and then tip my head back with a growl.

My god, why is he so damn…I don’t even know!

I groan again, gripping the straps of my bag, and hustle toward the café. I need some caffeine. And sugar. Maybe some carbs.

Yes. Coffee and a cookie and then to the cafeteria I go. I’m aware I could get coffee there, but I’d rather not have the stuff that tastes like my dad made it at five in the morning and reheated it five hours later.

I don’t bother preordering my drink, since I left class with about ten minutes to spare, and as soon as I have my goods in hand, I stomp on over to the dining hall. It doesn’t open for dinner for another two hours, but hopefully there’s still some items on the grab-and-go wall.

“Cameron!”

My head whips around, and I glare, quickening my steps toward the building. I’m so close I can taste the processed cheese from here.

“Cameron, wait, damn it!” Alister yells, yet again gaining the attention of those around us.

I can tell he’s jogging by the sound of his voice and use my long-ass legs to my advantage, speed-walking like a motherfucker.

“I’m going to catch you! No reason to avoid me.”

People snicker, and I feel my face heat.

I’m almost there, my hand shooting out to grip the railing and use it like a catapult, but just as my palm closes around the painted metal, I catch something out of the corner of my eye to my left.

There’s no time to think it through, no time to second-guess.

I cut to the right, and I’m only about four feet from them when they notice me.

Mason smiles, but I’m pretty sure a frown begins to form just as fast. I can’t say for sure though because I’m already launching myself at his best friend, one of my best friends, and the man doesn’t let me down—not that I thought for a moment he would.

Not that I had a second to think this through much at all if we’re being real.

Instantly and without hesitation, Brady catches me under my thighs. My legs lace around him like I’m a spider monkey, and his chin lifts just a bit, so he can meet my eyes, a hint of worry working its way into his own.

“Sorry,” I manage to mumble as my hands weave their way around his neck, and then I crush my lips to his. I kiss him, and I don’t stop, putting on a good and believable show. And Brady doesn’t disappoint, simply trusting me in the moment and following my lead.

---