Page 93 of Don't Leave
Cassidy has the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen.
“It was pretty great. I really enjoyed being home again and spending time with my family. It made me realize how much I missed being part of their lives.” A chuckle escapes from her. “You wouldn’t believe how grown up my two younger sisters are.”
“I’m glad it went well.” Before I can stop myself, the words are shooting out of my mouth. “I thought about you a lot over break.”
Damn. Could I sound more desperate?
My mind spins as I quickly backtrack. “You know, wondering how it was going with your family and hoping you were doing okay. Things like that.”
Whether Cassidy realizes it or not, I spent a lot of time thinking about her. Especially after my conversation with Jackie. That’s when I realized I couldn’t let her go without a fight.
Although, after what Austin divulged, maybe it’s too late and I’ve already lost her.
The corners of her mouth spring upward. “I owe you a huge thank you.”
I shake my head. “You don’t owe me anything.” The last thing I want is her gratitude. Sometimes I have to wonder if that’s what binds her to Luke.
What I want is her heart, not her gratefulness.
When she reaches out and takes hold of my fingers, my wide gaze darts to hers.
She looks equally startled by her own actions, but our hands remain clasped. The need to yank her into my arms surges through me for a second time.
“If you hadn’t reached out to my father, we probably wouldn’t be talking. And I wouldn’t have spent my vacation with them. What you did means a lot to me, and I wanted you to know that.”
Even though we’re still walking, our gazes stay locked and something electrical sizzles between us.
“You’re welcome.” Again, I want to kick my own ass for encouraging her to explore her feelings for Luke.
As we reach the social sciences building where our nine o’clock class is held, she pulls me to the side, out of the way of student traffic. There are a few grumbles as we cut across the sidewalk to the lawn.
Her gaze darts away before she straightens her shoulders and forces it back to me. “I was wondering if we could get together sometime this week.” She bites down on her lower lip.
She has no idea just how much it makes me want to nip at her mouth.
“What did you have in mind?”
“Maybe we could skate like we used to?” When her expression turns hopeful, something leaps to life inside me.
“Sure.” My mind quickly sifts through everything I have going on for the week. “Does Wednesday work?”
The corners of her lips lift as tension leaks from her. “That sounds good.”
“I’ll pick you up at five.”
She’s practically beaming. “Okay.” She glances at Dorin Hall. “I guess we better get moving before class starts.”
If given the choice, I’d blow off our lecture so we can continue talking.
With a nod in agreement, we jog up the stairs. As I reach the glass door, I pull it open for her. We hustle down the corridor and enter the lecture hall just as the professor walks to the podium. Even though I’m tempted to follow her, I decide it’s probably best to park myself beside Sammy.
“I’ll see you Wednesday morning,” Cassidy says as I move into the row next to my cousin.
“Yup.” Sammy gives me a speculative look as I slide into my seat. Even though she doesn’t say a word, I see the questions brimming in her curious eyes.
I give my head a little shake as I pull my laptop out of my backpack. “We’re just skating together.”
She snorts. “Whatever you say, loser.”
