Page 25 of Love Wasted

“Hey Paxton, is everything okay? What’s with slamming the door?” my dad asks.

With my head down, I continue toward the hallway. “Sorry. Everything is fine, I’m just tired. I’m going to bed.”

I don’t even wait for their response because my control is dwindling fast. I hear them both say, “Good night,” in unison.

I push the door to my room open then close it, careful not to shut it with too much force.

I can’t help it—my eyes lift to the window next to my desk that faces toward her bedroom. Her light is on and I can see her silhouette moving around behind the curtain. I walk over and yank my curtains closed then fall back onto my bed

“Dammit!” I let out a frustrated groan.

I lost my cool the moment I stepped out of my truck and saw that prick Tommy Shepard’s hands on her. He was touching her soft skin, kissing her plump red lips. I wanted to rip his fucking head off. I almost did—then I remembered I don’t do those things. I definitely don’t get emotional over Cass.

I acted like an asshole and as usual, I hurt her.

Closing my eyes, I try to remind myself of all the reasons why I don’t allow myself to give in. Losing it the way I did doesn’t do anything but widen the distance between Cass and me, which might actually be for the best. It’s definitely for the best. I’m about to leave for school anyway, and I need to stop hurting her. She needs to live her life because I sure as hell am going to live mine. Nothing will stand in my way.

I need to stay away from her because it isn’t fair to either of us if I don’t. When will I learn? Maybe I won’t, or maybe one day I will. Maybe one day Cassandra Porter won’t affect me the way she does now.

Maybe.

One day.

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