Page 27 of Don't Leave
Her eyes are luminous as they lift to mine. Sometimes it feels like I could drown in their deep depths. “I wish I could hate her for wanting him, but I can’t. I totally get it.”
That’s not what I was expecting her to say.
I almost snort.
This girl is seriously killing me. She’s way too kindhearted.
Again, I want to tug her into my arms and hold her close. “Of course, you can hate her. It would be easy to do.” My lips lift into a smile. “She’s totally hate-able.”
The edges of her mouth slowly curls into something that almost resembles a smile and my heart actually constricts. “No, I can’t. She made a mistake.” Her gaze holds mine. “Maybe a lot of them. Just like me. I threw away all my hopes and dreams last year and so did she. When you think about it, we’re really not all that different.”
The fact that she’s even comparing their situations is ridiculous. Cassidy and this girl couldn’t be more different. I might not know Cassidy well, but she would never disrespect someone she supposedly loved by cheating on them. That’s not the kind of person she is. The mistakes she made were different.
I see that even if she can’t.
“You were overwhelmed by the stress and pressure of playing hockey at a Division I college while taking a rigorous course load. That girl decided to fuck around on her boyfriend of two years because she was bored and fell,” I use air quotes to drive home the point, “in lovewith some other dude. That’s hardly the same thing. Don’t even put yourself in her category.”
The fact that she’s doing it actually pisses me off.
I wish she could see herself the way everyone around her does. Cassidy might have stumbled last year, but her core is still the same.
When she jerks her shoulders, I realize that she doesn’t believe me.
Unable to help myself, I reach out and tentatively cover her fingers with mine as her wide gaze flies to mine. I’m aware of how Cassidy feels about being touched and I understand the reason behind it. After all, I was there the night she was almost raped by those three douche bags. I would have fucking killed each one of them with my bare hands, but it was more important to get her out of the situation than beat the shit out of them.
That’s not to say I didn’t give each one what they deserved at a later date. You bet your damn ass I did. I didn’t want any of them getting away with what they had been intent on doing. After a week or so, it became obvious that Cassidy never filed a police report since nothing happened to those little pricks.
So, I mete out my own brand of justice and you know what?
It felt pretty damn good bloodying my knuckles against their faces.
“Cassidy,” I say quietly, “you and this girl have absolutely nothing in common and you don’t have to hate her or feel bad for her either. She made her own choices. I think you and Cole need to talk about the fact that his ex-girlfriend is here and figure out what it means. Which honestly, could be nothing.”
With her smaller hand still ensconced in mine, she smiles softly, looking almost relieved by my comments. “Your right, I’m probably overreacting. Just because they had a conversation tonight doesn’t mean they’re getting back together.”
Nodding, I add, “I’m sure you’re right. You need to talk with Cole and get things figured out instead of jumping to conclusions. Okay?” That’s the best advice I can give her. In the end, I want what’s best for her. I just don’t think Cole Mathews is what’s best for her. But she needs to arrive at that conclusion on her own.
“Yeah.” When she gives me another tentative smile, something in my gut clenches. “Thank you, Luke. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me about this.”She stares down at her untouched cup of coffee for a long moment before quietly admitting, “There aren’t many people I can confide in.” Her eyes lift, skewering mine with heartfelt intensity. “I’m really glad we’ve become friends.”
Fuck.
She wouldn’t be saying that if she knew how much I wanted her. But until her and Mathews are completely over, friends is all we’ll ever be. As much as it sucks—as much as I want more—I’ll be that strong shoulder she can lean on.
And when she’s finally ready, I’ll be more.
I’ll be her everything.
CHAPTER 10
CASSIDY
I’m about to climb into bed when there’s a knock on my dorm room door.
I nearly jump out of my skin before a deep voice says from the other side, “Cassidy? Are you in there?”
That’s all it takes for me to fly to the door before yanking it open. “Cole!”
Before he can open his mouth, I hurtle myself into his outstretched arms. After everything that happened tonight at the party, I just want to burrow against his chest and stay there forever. I don’t want him to ever let me go. We hold each other for a handful of silent moments before he pulls away just enough to search my eyes in the darkness.
