Page 21 of Teaching Cayden

Chapter 9

Addison

It’s been two weeks since I’ve talked to Cayden. He’s been in class, but he’s made sure that he’s one of the last ones in the door, and one of the first ones out. His grades have been good too, which leads me to believe that he’s found help from someone else. I’d be lying if I said that didn’t hurt. I’ve thought about calling him, texting him, even faking a run in on campus, but each time I’ve chickened out. I know I’m being petty and stupid, but I never said I wasn’t stubborn.

The few times I’ve tried to make eye contact in class, he’s looked away. He always has this blank expression like he just doesn’t care. I’m not sure what it means, but I’m bound and determined to find out. I know that he has heat transfer right now, and I know where that class is, thanks to my sly detective work. Not really, I happened to be at Tau Alpha last week and he didn’t know it. I overheard him talking to one of the guys about a test he was cramming for. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that conversation was going to be very helpful today.

His test was supposed to get out at ten. I had my morning free, so I grabbed us coffees and then I was going to force him to talk to me. When I stopped outside of McArthur, I took a seat on a nearby bench and waited. When the ten o’clock hour chimed on the bell tower, I began watching the doors for Cayden. Just like I predicted, he came jogging down the steps staring at his phone. He was dressed in his usual athletic shorts and a t-shirt. I quickly grabbed my things and planned my interception.

“Hey!” I called out to get his attention, causing him to stumble and look up. I smiled at him, hoping to get a smile back.

“Hi.” His voice was flat as his eyes scanned me.

“Do you have a minute?” I motioned with my head to the side. I wasn’t in TA mode today, so I just had on my usual jeans and a tee, but I didn’t want to chance my brother seeing us just standing out here. We were only talking, but in his eyes, I didn’t even have a reason for that.

“Not really.” He lifted his backpack higher and attempted to step around me.

“Please Cayden.” I grabbed his arm to halt his movements. “I bought you a peace offering.” I held out the coffee and smiled as his shoulders sagged in defeat. “Can we talk over there, maybe?” I pointed to a shaded spot between two buildings.

Cayden turned without saying a word and walked briskly over to the spot I’d pointed to. “What’s up?” He turned, placed his backpack on the ground, and leaned his back against the brick wall.

“I’m sorry.” The words flew out of my mouth. “There’s a lot about me that you don’t know, but that’s no reason for me to take it out on you, so I’m sorry.” I nibbled my bottom lip as I glanced up at him from under the brim of my hat.

“Ok.” He nodded as he sipped the coffee I’d handed him.

I shook my head as I closed my eyes. “I’ve blown this, haven’t I?”

“What is it that you want from me, Addy? I tried to stay away from you. I pushed and you came right back. There’s so much standing between us. After the way you freaked out on me, I’ve spent the last two weeks asking myself if you’re worth the risk. So, tell me, are you?” His eyes softened as he pushed off the wall. “I mean, what happens the next time? What happens when Will finds out, because believe me when I say that he’s gonna find out?”

“I’ll deal with that when it happens.” I stepped closer and let my messenger bag slip off my shoulder.

“And,” his eyes closed for a brief minute as he gripped the back of his neck with his free hand, “we haven’t even discussed the whole no fraternization policy that the school has. I’m not supposed to be dating you, let alone sleeping with you.”

“So we keep this quiet until the end of the semester, and make sure to take classes that I don’t TA for. That’s only six more weeks.” I took another step closer and this time he didn’t move back. “We can make this work, Cayden.” I swallowed as I moved even closer, this time letting my chest graze his. “I need this to work.”

“Need?” His voice was gruff and his breathing picked up.

“I want this to work,” I whispered. I was at a point that I knew I need to push more so I pulled out all the stops. “That night meant something to me.” I tipped my head up and stared into his eyes. “I’ve never met a guy like you. One that is supportive, sweet, and a gentleman while being an aggressor and dominate when he needs to be. You know when to back off, but also when to push. I need you in my life, and I’m willing to work with the boundaries that we set, no matter how hard they are.”

“Let me get this straight,” he took a deep breath before continuing, “you’re ok with hiding for six weeks? You can pretend that we’re no more than acquaintances for six weeks? I’m just one of the guys when you’re at the house, and another student in class?”

I felt my hope slowly sink. Could I do that? What about the next party? How bad was it going to hurt to watch some girl hang all over him thinking he was available? Could I hide my feelings from the world for that long? Six weeks didn’t seem that long until you started imagining all the things that could happen in that amount of time.

I gave a quick nod as I rose up on my toes and placed a peck on his cheek. “I can do it, if you can do it.”

Cayden gave a quick nod before stepping back from me. His expression changed and I stood there confused as to what was happening. He chuckled as he picked up his backpack and then thrust his hand out. “I’m Cayden, and I think you’re pretty hot.”

I laughed at his antics before I shook his hand. “Addison. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Are you free tonight, Addison? I’d like to take you out.” His lips curled into a lopsided grin, and I couldn’t help but sigh a little internally. He was trying to be cute, and sweet, and all those things that I said I liked about him.

“Actually, I am,” I flirted back.

“I’ll pick you up at seven.” He took another step back and waved before turning to jog off to his next class. After he disappeared, my phone vibrated in my pocket. When I pulled it out and swiped the screen, a little heart appeared by Cayden.Leave your fears at home tonight. We’re venturing off campus. See ya at seven. Dress casual.

I grinned as I sent back a thumbs up, and then shoved my phone back in my pocket. ‘Seize the day, Addy’, I said to myself as I walked to my next class with a whole new outlook on the day. I had no idea where the night would lead, but I didn’t care. I was spending it with Cayden. We could watch movies in his room for all I cared.

Cayden

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