Page 37 of Stay
He places his hands on my shoulders before giving them a gentle squeeze. He doesn’t ask permission, but moves slowly enough that I could stop him if I wanted. For some reason, that makes me feel better. More in control of the situation. Cole isn’t going to rush me into something I’m not ready for.
He holds my gaze. “I’m not looking for a challenge. I want to spend time with you doing something we both enjoy.”
A wide smile spills across my face as I nod. “Okay.”
I like the idea of waking up and running with him three times a week.
He squeezes my shoulders one last time. “Save me a seat in Psych?”
“I will.” Another flutter erupts in my belly. I enjoy my Psychology class, but now I’m looking forward to it even more.
When he leans toward me, I think that maybe he’ll kiss me. I draw in a deep breath and wait as a strange concoction of longing and fear spiral through me. Instead, he presses a soft kiss against my forehead before pulling away and searching my eyes.
He smiles as if he can feel the disappointment flooding through me. “Slow, right?”
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I suck my lower lip between my teeth and nod.
In that moment, I realize just how much I wanted to feel the warm pressure of his lips coasting over mine.
With a wave, Cole takes off, heading back to his house at a much faster clip. As I watch him, I feel surprisingly happier than I’ve been in a long time.
11
CASSIDY
With our arms linked, Brooklyn and I get absorbed into a herd of students heading to the same party. My brows rise as I stare up at the large Victorian that looms in front of us. It looks as if it’s bursting at the seams with people. Even though it’s only nine o’clock on a Friday night, drunken revelers are spilling out onto the darkened lawn, plastic beer cups in hand, laughing and hollering as music pulses from inside.
I give Brooklyn at bit of side-eye. “Jeez. It looks like the entire campus is here.”
“Didn’t you see the flyers plastered all over school? I think it’s a,” she uses her fingers to make air quotes “fundraiser.”
I can only imagine what will be bought with the money they make tonight.
Probably more red plastic cups and beer.
It takes effort to push through the throng of people and make our way inside the house. My gaze darts around, overwhelmed by the sheer number of partiers crammed inside the living room. Every square inch of space is occupied. And if I’d thought the music was pumping outside, it’s much louder once you’re inside the space. I have no idea how we’ll ever find Cole or Austin in this mess.
Just as that thought flits through my head, there’s a tap on my shoulder. I turn, because honestly, if this is going to be another party where my ass is constantly being grabbed, I’m out of here. Blaring music and a bunch of drunken strangers looking for a hookup isn’t exactly my scene. Instead, I find Cole staring down at me with that trademark sexy smile lighting up his face.
Wait a minute…did I just think that?
Unconsciously, my gaze drops from his eyes to his lips.
He really does have a sexy smile. Actually, if I’m being honest with myself, Cole is just plain sexy.
Crap.
I am so over my head with him.
Closing the distance between us, he whispers in my ear, “Remember, we’re taking this slow.” He draws back enough to stare at my face. “You keep looking at me like that, and I’m not sure how slow I’ll be able to keep things.”
That’s all it takes for me to rip my gaze from his. A couple of seconds tick by before I feel the slide of his fingers beneath my chin. He lifts it until I have no other choice but to meet his penetrating stare. I suck in a breath as he pins me in place with his scorching hot gaze.
“I’m not saying I don’t like it,” he says. “I just want you to know that it affects me.” His fingers stroke the delicate flesh beneath my chin before sliding upward to cradle my cheek.
Nerves explode in the pit of my belly as I glance around the packed room, searching for a new topic. “I can’t believe how many people are here.”
I have to clear my throat when it unexpectedly cracks.
