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Chapter 48: Cassidy
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STay Chapter 49: Cassidy
##Chapter 49: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveThe way he searches my eyes for answers to questions he has yet to ask scares me, because I can't give him anything more than friendship."I'm glad you're doing so well."I lift my lips into a smile, hoping to reassure him. "I am."Is it possible I've overreacted to the situation and the peculiar feelings that have sprung up between us?After today, Luke will go his way and I'll go mine. Maybe, at some point, we'll run into each other on campus or at a party. When we do, I won't feel the need to avoid him. We can be friendly.Or maybe we can be friends.Who knows?That's when I realize I'd actually like to be friends.How ironic is that?I've tried so hard to run from him these past couple of days, and now that we've sat down and cleared the air, I realize our shared history has unexpectedly bonded us together."Does Cole know what happened to you?"Breaking eye contact, I jerk my head into a tight nod. "I didn't tell him right away."It
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##Chapter 50: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveWith my heart lodged somewhere in my throat, I finally catch up with Cole outside the building. He's already made it down the cement stairs to the pathway that snakes through campus. Even though I yell his name, begging him to stop, he ignores me. It's like I'm not even there. When I'm close enough, my fingers wrap around his arm, biting into his flesh.I've never seen him this angry. The Cole I know is always calm and in control of his feelings. But that's not the case right now.What I hate most is the hurt that flashed in his whiskey-colored eyes. I don't want to lose him over a fledgling friendship with Luke."Cole," I plead, "please stop and talk to me."In that moment, it feels like he's slipping through my fingers like sand. Allowing Luke to touch me was wrong."It's not what it looked like."Those six words have him grinding to a halt before wheeling around to face me. The movement happens so quickly that I slam into his ches
STay Chapter 51: Cassidy
##Chapter 51: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"Dr. Thompson is ready to see you, Cassidy."I smile at Wendy before passing by the reception desk.After my life imploded last December, my parents decided it would be best for everyone involved if I lived with my grandparents. They didn't want my bad influence to rub off on my younger sisters, Lexie and Miranda. I'd been so depressed and riddled with anxiety, that my grandmother suggested I work with a local therapist. Then, after I moved to campus in August, I found Dr. Thompson.I drop down in my usual spot on the couch as she settles onto the chair parked across from me. Even though we've only been working together for a few months, I feel really close to her. She's a great psychologist and it's doubtful I would have made such a smooth transition to Western without her support."Cassidy," she says warmly, "you're looking well. It's been more than a week since I last saw you. Tell me how everything is going.""It's going well." Wi
STay Chapter 52: Cassidy
##Chapter 52: CassidyBook Two: Don't Leave"You know that what you're wearing is the antithesis of sexy, right?"I glance at the blue scrubs and fake stethoscope dangling from around my neck before arching a brow at Brooklyn. Her assessment of my Halloween costume isn't off target."I wasn't going for sexy." Unlike a certain someone who shall remain nameless, I'm not trolling for a little hookup action tonight.Brooklyn, who happens to be a champ at multitasking, adds the finishing touches to her smokey eye before huffing, "Mission accomplished, Nurse Ratched. No one will mistake you for sexy."My brows snap together. "That's Dr. Jameson, to you."Her only reaction is to roll her eyes. After two and a half months of rooming together, I'm more than used to Brooklyn's attitude. In fact, I'd go so far as to say I'm barely affected by it.My roomie's costume, on the other hand, is sex personified. She's poured her curvy body into a tight, black bodysuit before adding a pair of midn
STay Chapter 53: Cassidy
##Chapter 53: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveBefore I can nod in agreement, she's dragging me away from Cole and toward a long stretch of the hall. I let Cole know what's going on as I'm towed behind her. It takes effort to shove our way through all the zombies, ghosts, and sexy devils packing the hallway. The line for the bathroom is ten deep, and it takes at least fifteen minutes before we're able to lock ourselves in the small space.As Brooklyn uses the toilet first, I turn toward the mirror to assess the damage. Like I assumed, it's bad. My face is all red and sweaty from dancing. I look like I've just run a marathon. I'm glad I decided to wear scrubs and nothing heavier. Even though it's the end of October and there's a chill in the air, it's hot as Hades in here. All the people crammed inside the house don't help matters, either.After Brooklyn finishes up, we change places. She checks herself out in the rectangular mirror hanging over the sink. Unlike me, she's not al
STay Chapter 54: Cassidy
##Chapter 54: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveWhat I know about Jackie and Cole is that they were best friends growing up before deciding to deepen their relationship. They dated in high school and were still together when they both left for college last fall. Sometime during the course of their freshman year, they broke up.From the little Cole and Sammy have mentioned, I have my suspicions as to what might have happened.Needing confirmation, I ask, "If you'd loved him so much, why did you cheat?"If my blunt question surprises her, it doesn't show in her expression. Her gaze shifts to the surrounding darkness as a cold wind whips through the trees. I tighten my arms around myself as the leafless branches above us shake.Just when I begin to wonder if she'll give me an answer, she draws in a breath before steadily forcing it out again until she looks like she's deflating before my eyes. Whatever thoughts are swirling around in her head must weigh heavily, because her entire body s
STay Chapter 55: Cassidy
##Chapter 55: CassidyBook Two: Don't LeaveThe last thing I want to do is head back inside the party, with all its noise, music, and press of bodies, but I have to find Cole. I need to reassure myself that he's still mine. Jackie might have returned, but she's part of his past.I have no idea how long I stood outside, talking with Jackie. I also don't know how long it took to get the anxiety attempting to claw at me under control again. When I'd walked away from Cole, I told him I was going to the bathroom and then never returned. As I head inside, I pull my phone from the pocket of my blue scrubs. My heart rate settles as I realize I've missed two calls and three texts from him.I hit redial and press the phone to my ear. After four rings, it goes straight to voicemail. Given the noise level, that's not a total surprise. I shoot him a quick message to let him know I'm looking for him, and set my ringer on vibrate so I don't miss another call or text.It takes time to push my
STay Chapter 56: Cole
##Chapter 56: ColeBook Two: Don't LeaveExactly how long does it take for two girls to use the bathroom?It's been at least twenty minutes since Cassidy and Brooklyn took off. During that time, at least a hundred more people have piled their way through the front door of the house. This party was already jam-packed when we arrived.I'm torn between staying here where she left me or heading toward the bathroom to see if they're caught up in a line. I contemplate my options for a couple of seconds before heading down the hallway. Long blonde hair catches the corner of my eye and my head swivels in that direction before landing on Brooklyn.Relief rushes through me. She's standing with a tall, buff dude. I recognize him from around campus, but have no idea who he is. It takes a moment to realize that Cassidy isn't with them."Brooklyn," I shout.It's no surprise that she doesn't hear me with the blaring music and insane amount of people. I continue to shove my way toward her befo
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##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
