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Chapter 32: Cassidy
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STay Chapter 33: Cassidy
##Chapter 33: CassidyBook One: Stay"Hey, look who decided to pop over for a visit. It's my phantom roommate." Even though these words are muttered, they're still loud enough for me to hear.I hesitate over the threshold before closing the door behind me. My gaze settles on Brooklyn as she sits in the middle of her bed and paints her toenails. Unsure what the issue is, I hover near the exit and wonder if it's too late to retreat.The corners of her lips sink into a frown as she continues to ignore me.With a sigh, I set my leather bag on the floor beside my desk before settling on my twin bed. She doesn't spare me a glance, which only reinforces my suspicions that she's pissed at me.As I comb through my thoughts, I realize I haven't seen or spoken to Brooklyn in a couple of days. I've spent the past few nights with Cole, and have been on the go with class, practice, and tutoring.The last time we spoke, everything was fine. By the look on her face, that's no longer the case.As Brook
STay Chapter 34: Cassidy
##Chapter 34: CassidyBook One: StayWe stay in Friday night and stuff our faces with pepperoni pizza while marathoning reality TV shows. Saturday afternoon is more of the same. I fill Cole in on the situation with Brooklyn and Austin, and he says he'll speak with his friend. Hopefully, get him to back off for a while.Even though I love spending time with Cole, it's nice that we can do our own thing and still be good. After this weekend, I need to carve out more time for Brooklyn.By eight o'clock on Saturday night, my roommate is climbing the walls with the need to escape our dorm and hit one of the fraternity parties that seem to be a constant around here. Since Cole and Austin are throwing a bash of their own, she won't have to worry about running into her ex, which is a relief.Looking to draw as much male attention as possible, Brooklyn chooses a short, black skirt and a low-cut, red shirt that clings to her curves and does amazing things for her boobs. They almost defy gravity w
STay Chapter 35: Cassidy
##Chapter 35: CassidyBook One: StayMy attention locks on Cole who I didn't realize was standing behind Austin. "You guys showed up here because someone texted a picture of Brooklyn?""It wasn't just of Brooklyn," he says.Austin scrolls to the next picture. It's one of me and the guy I'd been dancing with. My profile is clear in the shot, but his isn't. It's a little shocking to realize that someone snapped a picture of us and sent it to Austin. A pit grows at the bottom of my belly as I glance from Austin's phone to Cole. He doesn't look upset, but he doesn't look happy either."We were just dancing." Cole and I are in such a good place. I don't want to do anything to ruin that.He searches my gaze for a silent moment before his expression lightens. "Okay."Air rushes from my lungs in relief that he's dropped the subject so easily."Where's Brooklyn?" The question is clipped out as Austin scans the sea of revelers.I nibble at my lower lip. My fear is that she's still with that guy.
STay Chapter 36: Cassidy
##Chapter 36: CassidyBook One: Stay"It's been two weeks since I last saw you, tell me how everything is going." Dr. Thompson skims over her notes before her gaze settles on mine.I draw in a steady breath and silently marvel at my answer. "It's been good." My mind tumbles over the past couple of weeks before reiterating, "It's actually been really good."When was the last time I could say that?It feels like forever.Six months ago, I'd been teetering on the brink of depression and feeling anxious most of the time.Her lips lift into a smile. "And school? That's going well?""I've still got straight A's. I'm going to talk to a couple of my professors about changing my courses for next semester. I need something more challenging. What I'm enjoying most is my Psych class. The subject matter is so interesting." I pause before admitting the path I've been considering. "I'm thinking about changing my major to Psychology, and maybe going into counseling."A thoughtful expression crosses he
STay Chapter 37: Cassidy
##Chapter 37: CassidyBook One: Stay"I've never been here before." My fingers fidget with my skirt before smoothing the fabric out. The only thing I can focus on is that by the end of the evening, Cole will know all of my secrets.As the hostess seats us in the dining room, her gaze continuously strays to Cole. It's almost comical how oblivious he is to her lingering looks. A grin springs to my lips as she returns to the front of the restaurant."What?" A smile curves his lips upward as his golden-hued eyes lock on mine. Cole has such a direct, unflinching stare. Sometimes I wonder if he can see straight down to my soul."Nothing." Glancing away from him, I look around the cute Italian restaurant Cole chose for us. "This place is really nice."There are crisp white cloths covering each table and the lighting is dim. Even though the atmosphere is intimate, I notice other students dining here as well. It seems like a strangely popular place for being so far from campus. My guess is that
STay Chapter 38: Cassidy
##Chapter 38: CassidyBook One: Stay"Cass, tell me what's wrong."Brooklyn strokes my back as I lie curled up in the middle of my bed. Once I returned to my room, the tears started flowing and refused to stop."I can't help you if you won't talk to me," she says.Luke Wellington is here at Western.That thought plays on a constant loop inside my head.He should be at Dartmouth. What happened should be a distant memory. But that's clearly not the case, because he's here. If the look in his eyes is any indication, he remembers everything."Did you and Cole have a fight?" Her voice dips, becoming low. "Did you break up?"I shake my head, unable to get the words out.I had come to Western to forget about the mistakes I've made. I didn't want to be that girl. And now there was someone here who could breathe life into the rumors all over again."Just tell me what's wrong and we'll work it out, I promise." She squeezes one shoulder. "You know that I'm here for you and I'll help any way I can
STay Chapter 39: Cassidy
##Chapter 39: CassidyBook One: StayNerves prickle at the bottom of my belly as I stand on the front porch and knock on the door. A few seconds tick by before it swings open and Alex stares down at me."Hi." It takes effort to force out the question. "Is Cole here?""Hey." lex jerks his head toward the second floor. "He's up in his room. Go on up."With that, he swings around and leaves me standing on the porch before walking into the living room where a bunch of guys from the hockey team are sitting around playing video games.Avoiding eye contact, I slip past them before racing up the stairs and taking them two at a time. I need to get this over with before I chicken out.Or Luke suddenly decides to tell him first.I suck in a breath, trying to settle everything inside me before wrapping my knuckles against the thick wood. When his muffled voice greets me from the other side, I push it open and find Cole at his desk, bent over a textbook. He does a double take before rising to his
STay Chapter 40: Cassidy
##Chapter 40: CassidyBook One: Stay"Hey, Cassidy, wait up."Not recognizing the voice, I turn at the sound of my name. My muscles freeze as I catch sight of Luke trotting toward me. Unable to move, I hitch the brown leather bag higher onto my shoulder as if clutching it for dear life.When he reaches my side, he flashes a bright smile as if we're lifelong friends."Hey." Even though it's difficult, I force my stiff lips into something that hopefully resembles a smile as my heart jackhammers a painful staccato beneath my breast."I've been looking all over for you."Why?My mouth turns cottony, making it impossible to swallow. What could we possibly have to say to one another?Nothing good. Certainly nothing I want to discuss. Especially with him."Are you headed this way." He nods in the direction I've been walking.It's tempting to shake my head and take off down another path. I don't want to spend another moment in his company. Already my chest is tightening.I open my mouth to lie
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STay Chapter 92: Cole
##Chapter 92: ColeBook Two: Don't LeaveFour years later..."Hurry it up, babe," I call from the living room of our high-rise apartment in downtown Chicago. "Or we'll be late."I just got home from a team practice with the Blackhawks, and now we're heading out to meet up with friends for dinner. Austin and Brooklyn are in town for the weekend. And so is Luke and his new girlfriend. It might have taken time for the two of us to iron out our friendship, but it happened.Eventually."I'm coming."A low whistle escapes from me as she walks out of the bedroom wearing a little black dress that clings to her every curve. Even after spending a couple of hours on the ice, my dick stiffens right up.Damn, but my fiancée is hot."Is it possible to cancel our plans for the evening?" There's a beat of silence. "Because I'd much rather stay here and strip you out of that gorgeous dress. It would look perfect draped over the chair in the corner of our room."Color stains her cheeks as she do
STay Chapter 91: Cassidy
##Chapter 91: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveTwo hours later, we finally leave his room to scrounge up some food.After making love three times, I'm famished. I'm so hungry that my belly is rumbling and growling in protest.Once in the kitchen, Cole fills two bowls with cereal before saturating the flakes in milk."Eat up," he says with a wink before shoveling a spoonful into his mouth. After he swallows it down, he adds, "You're going to need all your energy."A giggle slips free as I spoon Frosted Flakes into my mouth. As we finish our bowls, his phone chimes with an incoming message. He picks up the slim device and glances at the screen.His gaze flicks to mine. "It's my mom. She's going to drop off some laundry I left at the house over the weekend."My heart stutters as my eyes widen.Dr. Thompson, who also happens to be Cole's mother.My teeth sink into my lower lip as an internal debate gets waged in my brain.Do I tell him that his mother was my psychologist?Or do I bury i
STay Chapter 90: Cassidy
##Chapter 90: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveOnce we're inside his room, he twists the lock and pounces, catching me around the middle and pressing me to him. When his hands settle on my ass, he hoists me up so that my legs can wrap around his waist. A growl rumbles up from his chest as I grind myself against him.His lips crash onto mine, and there is nothing gentle about how this kiss unfolds. "Too much clothing," I gasp."Agreed."His hands leave my bottom as I drop to the floor. My palms stroke over the solid planes of his chest before my fingers grip the hem of his T-shirt and I whip it over his head, tossing it over my shoulder. In the blink of an eye, my shirt also disappears. He removes my bra as I work the button and fly of his jeans. Even though his erection is still covered by his boxers, it springs forward. My thighs clench as I stroke my fingers over the hot length.I've missed this so much.Impatiently, he pushes the thick denim material down his hips and thighs b
STay Chapter 89: Cassidy
##Chapter 89: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"Pass it to me!"I wind up and hit the puck to Cole who flies across the ice. The rubber disk lands right on the end of his stick as he races with it to the goal and flicks it into the net. We've been here for about thirty minutes, and it feels just like it used to. I love spending time with Cole on the ice, and over the last month, I've missed it.Missed him.As difficult as it was talking with Luke yesterday, I'm so glad I cleared the air. Even if nothing changes with Cole, I know that remaining friends with Luke is what's best for both of us.After I thought about it, I decided that maybe Cole was right, and I was allowing what happened last year skew my feelings for Luke. I didn't want to believe that was a possibility, but when I tried to separate my emotions for him, I wasn't able to do it.They were too deeply intertwined."Water break?"I nod as we skate to our water bottles on the bench. After removing our gloves, we toss them
STay Chapter 88: Cassidy
##Chapter 88: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveA smile lights up Luke's face as he pulls me into the warm circle of his arms. "I have about thirty minutes before I need to be at practice. What's up?"For a heartbeat I allow him to hold me before untangling myself from his embrace. "Do you mind if we grab a coffee and talk?""Sure."After we order our drinks, Luke hands the barista a few bills before I can grab the money from my purse."I've got it," I say, quickly digging through my wallet. "I'm the one who invited you for coffee. I should pay.""You can get the next one." When he winks at me, the barista sighs. "Don't worry, I'll hold you to it."A few minutes later, he grabs our coffees from the counter, and we head to a table nestled in the corner. Once settled, we both take a few sips from our mugs. The weather has only grown colder, and it feels good to warm up."How are classes going?" he asks. "All caught up?"Luke understands how stressful my breakup was with Cole becaus
STay Chapter 87: Cassidy
##Chapter 87: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveI've spent most of today camped out at the library, with the exception of two classes. Now that Christmas break is right around the corner, it seems like almost every course has a paper due. My books are spread out all over the table as I tap away on my laptop.Every time I begin to feel overwhelmed, I close my eyes and inhale a deep breath. Once it no longer feels like my heart is being squeezed in a vise grip, I look over the list I've compiled to prioritize all my assignments.It's taken a lot of hard work to get my grades up to where they were before Thanksgiving break. I refuse to blow it now that we're in the homestretch. After my breakup with Cole, I'd let some of my classwork slide. Thankfully, Brooklyn was there to slap some sense into me, and I've been able to bounce back.Getting through that experience was tough, but it made me realize that life will always have its ups and downs. What's important is that you push through t
STay Chapter 86: Cole
##Chapter 86: ColeBook Two: Don't Leave"So, what's the deal between you two?" Austin asks. "You two aren't together, are you?"The suspicion in his voice is clear.My gaze flickers to his. "No, we're just friends." Sort of. I guess. Maybe. It's all a bit tentative right now. And weird. But it's much better than hating her guts.His brows furrow as we walk to class.I'm aware of how Austin feels about Jackie.And none of it is good.He might not know her personally, but he was there when shit hit the fan last fall. He's the one who encouraged me to get back out there again. Up until that point, I'd never been with anyone else but her. For a couple of months, I made up for lost time in that department before deciding that random hookups weren't for me.He gives me a bit of side-eye. "You sure about that?""Yup." I have zero desire to travel down that road again.When I say nothing more on the topic, his muscles gradually loosen. "Glad to hear it."To fight off the wicked
STay Chapter 85: Cassidy
##Chapter 85: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"I know exactly how long it's been." Even though I'd thought I was completely over her and what happened, I realize that it's still festering inside me like poison."I screwed up." Her eyes turn pleading. "And I hurt my best friend in the process."What sucks most is that Jackie had been my closest friend.I'd been ten years old when my dad died, and she's the one who sat up in the tree house with me for hours while I sobbed like a little girl. I still remember what it felt like to have her scrawny arms wrapped tightly around me, holding onto me for dear life as if I might float away if she didn't anchor me to the earth.I can picture her sitting on one of our lawn chairs while I slapped thousands of hockey pucks at the net in our driveway, attempting to channel all of my anger and rage toward something other than the drunk asshole who stole my father from me.In middle school, I made sure no one messed with her. Even though I wasn't a f
STay Chapter 84: Cole
##Chapter 84: ColeBook Two: Don't Leave"Someone's at the door, can you please answer it?" Mom yells from the kitchen where she's baking Christmas cookies.Already.That's not a complaint.It means I'll have more food to take back to school when I leave tomorrow afternoon. I pause, unable to rip my attention away from the big screen TV as the final seconds of the first quarter play out. The bell rings for a second time as the ball is being passed and-"Cole?" she shouts again.Except this time there's exasperation lacing her voice.And that's never good."I'm on it!"But not really.Fumble.Damn.With a shake of my head, I jog to the door and throw it wide open. Almost immediately, I wish I'd ignored it."Hi, Cole." The edges of her lips lift tentatively.When I remain silent, she shifts from one foot to the other before stuffing her hands into the pockets of her jacket."Hey," I force myself to say. If she thinks enough time has passed for me to forget about what happened betwee
