Page 97 of Don't Leave
“Maybe after exams are wrapped up, we can get together and celebrate. A successful first semester at Western for both of us.”
I smile at the thought. “It can’t come soon enough.”
As we drink our coffee, a comfortable silence falls over us. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had time to sort out my feelings for both Luke and Cole. Even though I feel tied to both of them, it’s obvious who my heart belongs to.
And there’s no changing that.
I have no idea how it’ll turn out with Cole but I can’t let Luke think that our relationship will ever be anything more than friendship.
“Cassidy?”
I blink to awareness, not realizing I’ve become tangled up in my thoughts until he says my name. For the first time since we’ve sat down, I see questions swim around in his eyes.
“Sorry. Guess I spaced out there for a moment.”
His lips lift into a smile but it’s no longer full-fledged. “No problem. I know you’ve had a lot going on with school.”
I nod but that’s not the issue and I have to wonder by the way his smile dims if he realizes that.
As much as I don’t want to hurt Luke, I need to be honest about what I feel. “There has been a lot going on, but I wanted the chance to talk to you.”
His shoulders tense and his eyes darken. “You’re choosing Cole, aren’t you?”
My heart thumps against my breast as I nod. “I love him.” That’s the bottom line and there’s no getting past it or around it.
I love him.
I’m stillinlove with him.
And I can’t let that go.
I can’t lethimgo without a fight.
Luke’s gaze drops to his coffee as silence falls over us. He’s turned out to be a such a good friend and I don’t want to lose that, but I can’t give him anything more than that either.
“You’ve worked things out with him?” he finally asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “Not yet.”
His brows slide together as his attention settles on me again. “And if he’s not interested in getting back together, what then?”
That could be a definite possibility.
“Then I move on with my life.”
It’s a scary prospect.
Honestly, I’m already at that point. Cole and I aren’t together, and I have no idea if we’ll be able to work through everything standing in our way, but I have to try. I don’t want to walk away from our relationship with any more regrets than I already have.
“And you don’t think you could move on with me?” he asks, voice dipping.
I release a steady breath. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking since Thanksgiving break, trying to sort out my feelings for both of you. I like you, Luke. And I care about you. I’m so thankful that you’re in my life but my feelings for you aren’t romantic in nature.” I reach out, gently covering his hand with my own. “I don’t want you to wait around for me when I don’t think anything will ever come of it.”
“I wish you’d give me a chance to show you how good we could be together.”
“I can’t.” I nibble at my lower lip. “I never meant to lead you on and if that’s what I did, I’m sorry.”
He twists his hand beneath mine until his fingers can lock around mine.
