Page 57 of Crazy Pucking Love
“Ha-ha.”
Beckett leaned against one of the videogame machines, arms crossed, his expression deadly serious now. “I’m around these guys, Megan. I hear them talking about girls, and I see them with girls—alotof girls. They’re not long-term type guys.Daneis not a long-term guy.”
“Neither were you until you met Lyla.” I held up my hand before he could jump all over me for bringing that into the argument. “Not that you have to worry about me going for a hockey player. More than anything, I want you to know I can take care of myself. Being here has been really good for me. A year ago I hit a low, and it’s taken a while to get back on my feet, but I’ve learned how to cope, and I’m stronger than I used to be. I’m good, I promise.”
Beckett pressed his lips together. “Okay. But know that I’m here if you need me.”
“I appreciate that.”
As we walked toward the rest of the group, he added, “And if you start dating some jackass, I’ll also be there to threaten him, whether you want me to or not.”
I rolled my eyes, exaggerating the gesture so he understood how annoying he was when it came to my dating life, while hoping he never found out what—or who—it involved right now.
…
Dane:I have to cancel tomorrow.
I stared at the text and told myself to be cool, even as disappointment filled me. After all, I’d seen him mere hours ago, something I hadn’t even planned on. But we only snuck in a few too-brief kisses, and I was looking forward to studying at the diner and then hitting the town. The Skywalk Observatory was next on my list of Boston hot spots. Since Dane and I were usually awake while the rest of the world slept, I thought we could stand above the city, point out the lights, and guess whether they were automatic, or if the people in that building were awake, too.
Good thing I didn’t over-romanticize everything or anything.
I really hope he’s not cancelling because we spent time together tonight and he worries I’ll get clingy if he sees me too much.
Even if I’m also worried that’ll happen.I’d take that secret to the grave, though. I placed my phone on my nightstand, lay back down in my bed, and closed my eyes. Within a minute, they popped open again. No use pretending I could sleep now. I grabbed my phone and double-checked it was on silent mode for Vanessa’s sake, even though she slept through much noisier things than theclick,clickof my phone’s keyboard.
Me:Is everything okay?
Dane:Yeah. Something else just came up. Sorry.
Two seconds later…
Dane:Rain check on the studying & Boston adventure?
Me:Of course. LMK if you need anything, even if it’s just to talk.
I hoped for another text, but I supposed that qualified as a complete conversation. Especially if you were only having casual fun with the girl on the other end.
No thinking like that.
My stupid list caught my eye when I looked up, though. In the dim light, I couldn’t actually read it, but I’d memorized it, and even though I’d changed number five, the new version wasn’t what rose to mind.
Dane likes me for me.
Not enough that he wants to tell me what’s going on, or to make me his girlfriend, but that’s the no-pressure agreement we made so I could at least have a part of him.
Besides, his life is busy.
Just like every other person in college.
“Grr.” I flopped back on my bed.
My phone vibrated in my hand and I whipped it up.
Dane:The truth is, things aren’t really okay. Everything’s a mess, and I need to take care of some stuff. It’s a long story, and I don’t have the time or energy to get into it. Just know that I’d rather be with you.
My emotions gave another whiplash-inducing tug, but at least they were back to the happy, optimistic side.
Me:Until then, here’s a few kisses. XXXX
