Page 33 of Bonding with the Beta

“He’s good-looking,” I admit. “But this is different than a quick hook-up. He said we’d go out to have fun, not end up in bed together. I’m not looking for a relationship or even a fling.”

“Well, do you think you can keep your hands off him?”

I nod. “Yeah, I’m telling myself it’s a friendly thing. Nothing else.”

My head lowers, and I suck in a long breath.

“Let’s go get lunch,” she declares and reaches for her bag.

“What about the lecture?” I point to the auditorium.

She waves a hand. “Pfft. Fuck the lecture. We have worked way too hard these last few weeks. We can catch up later.”

A small laugh slips past my lips. “Now that I can agree with.”

Evie grins back at me and slumps her arm over my shoulder. “I want pizza,” she states as we walk towards Fiorelli’s, where they make the most delicious Italian food on campus.

I hum in agreement. I’m not sure if anything can fix how I’m feeling right now, but pizza can definitely try.

11

KAYLEIGH

Today, I woke up in a somewhat better mood.

Confiding in Evie made me realise that these thoughts I’m having need to be voiced. I hate that I stopped seeing my therapist, but I don’t know if I have the confidence to go back.

After putting on a mindfulness and positive-thinking podcast, I catch up on the rest of the lecture I missed in the comfort of my room. I might study my ass off, but that doesn’t mean I always get the grades I want.

Being a perfectionist sucks.

When I’m up-to-date with my classes, I fall back onto my bed and exhale a long breath. I grab my phone and scroll endlessly before I fall onto my contacts, finding Kayden’s name staring back at me. I chew on my lip.

He said it would be fun. I could do with fun…that doesn’t end up in either of our beds.

I didn’t want to admit it before, but there is something about Kayden that has me intrigued. He’s a flirt, that’s a given, but he’s happy and positive, and that’s everything I need in my life right now. Anything to get my mind off university and…Josh.

Kayleigh:

I hate to admit this, but I might be ready for some fun now

My stomach flips as the message is sent, and then my phone pings a second later.

Kayden:

Who is this?

Kayleigh:

Haha, good one

Kayden:

Do I have a stalker now?

Kayleigh:

You wish

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