Page 26 of Don't Leave
“We’re talking childhood friends,” she adds as if I haven’t grasped the gravity of the situation.
Instead of taking her back to the dorms, we’re sitting at a diner located a few streets over from campus. Cassidy just described how she was ambushed by Cole Mathews’ crazy ex-girlfriend. The very same ex who has moved back home to attend Western. Apparently, they dated for two years and were best friends for most of their lives before she proceeded to shit all over him by hooking up with another dude at college and getting knocked up.
Now that’s one hell of a mess.
Unfortunately, Cassidy is caught smack in the middle of all this crazy drama. I’m well aware that she loves him. Hell, she’sbeen more than upfront about her feelings with me. Obviously, this new development is a potential game changer.
It’s not out of the realm of possibility that Cole could break up with his new girlfriend and get back together with his ex. They do—as Cassidy pointed out—have a long history.
What sucks is how this situation is affecting Cassidy. I can barely stand all the pain and uncertainty swimming around in her beautiful blue eyes. This is one girl who deserves a man who will worship the very ground she walks on.
Clearly that guy isn’t Cole.
I, on the other hand, would treat her like a queen. If she’d give me a chance, I’d be more than happy to prove it to her.
If he’s boneheaded enough to take up with his ex, then I’ll be right here at Cassidy’s side, ready to help her pick up the pieces and move on.
The fact that Cole and I are teammates makes this situation more complicated, but that doesn’t matter to me. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no bro code involved. I met Cassidy last year and haven’t been able to get her out of my mind since that night. She’s been like a specter haunting me.
I still can’t believe that she’s here, attending Western.
What are the fucking odds?
I shake my head.
It’s like fate or some bullshit like that.
More proof that we belong together.
It’s not like I’m going to break them up. As much as I want her, this is about the long game, and I can be patient. When I realized she was dating Cole, I figured it might take a few months for their relationship to fizzle out. Maybe even a little longer. Imagine my surprise when I caught sight of Cole walking upstairs with that slutty nurse panting after him. And Cassidy watching the entire thing with a heartsick expression on her face.
All I’d wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and shield her from the hurt that was being inflicted.
Cole doesn’t deserve her.
He can have his trashy ex.
You know what I like about Cassidy?
That she didn’t use Halloween as an excuse to dress up in a barely-there costume. It’s not like I can’t appreciate the skimpy costumes some of these chicks wear. Hey, if they want to show off their tits and ass, I’m more than happy to look.
I blink back to our conversation when she falls silent. “What are you going to do?”
Her misery-filled eyes fasten onto mine. It takes every ounce of self-control not to yank her into my arms and soothe away all the hurt pumping through her veins.
Although, I’m smart enough to know that if I make one move toward her, she’ll bolt. Cassidy reminds me of a frightened animal who spooks easily. She’s someone you have to take your time with. And I’m more than willing to do that. At the end of the day, I know she’s well worth the effort.
She chews her lower lip, looking conflicted. “I don’t know.”
Like I said before—I’m not looking to break them up. That’s not the way I want us getting together. Whatever she has with Cole needs to run its course before she’ll be able to move on with me.
“Just because she wants to get back together with him doesn’t mean he’s interested.”
Her mouth lifts fractionally as she silently considers my words. Trust me, I’d like nothing better than to tell her to dump his stupid ass, but that’s not the way to handle this situation.
“I know. It’s just that…” Her words trail off as her eyes drop to the untouched coffee sitting in front of her.
When she doesn’t finish her thought, I prompt softly, “It’s justwhat?”
