Page 83 of Kiss Me in the Dark
“You know I’m fine.”He gives me a knowing look.“But what’s up with you?”
“Nothing, really,” I say, though I know he won’t buy it.“I’m really sorry about Fox, for real.”
Landon chuckles.“Seriously, you don’t have to keep apologizing.I know your roommate’s a jerk.But I think he was jealous I slept over last night and wore your shirt.”
“What?”I blink, incredulous.“He has no right to be mad just because you crashed in my room and borrowed a shirt.”
“Maybe, but that’s probably why he was so ticked off.He was jealous—anyone can see it.”
I shake my head, frustrated.“Whatever this is between us, it’s over.I don’t care anymore.”
Landon raises an eyebrow.“So if he tries to kiss you again, you’d just walk away?”
I groan, rolling my eyes.“If he tries anything, I’ll punch him in the gut.”
“With what?”Landon smirks, eyeing my hands teasingly.
“Dude, I can throw a decent right hook.You know that.”
“Sure, sure.”Landon chuckles.“But honestly, don’t you think you should give Fox a chance?”
“A chance to do what?To hurt me?”I say, frustration bubbling up.“Fox is constantly hooking up with anyone who has boobs and a butt.I don’t have either, and he’s… well, he’s a total player.”
Landon chuckles quietly.“You’re being a little harsh.”
“Maybe,” I admit.“But he’s a jerk to me and you.I don’t like that.”
Just then, my phone buzzes with a text from Elias.
FROM ELIAS: YOU FREE THIS FRIDAY FOR THAT TOUR?
I laugh to myself, unable to hide my smile.
Landon nudges me, grinning.“Ah, I see.That’s why you don’t give a damn about Fox anymore.You’ve found yourself a new guy.”
“Oh, come on.He’s just a friend.”
“Doesn’t sound like ‘just a friend’ to me,” Landon smirks.“And you definitely like him, don’t you?”
I avoid his gaze, focusing on the front of the room as the professor enters.
“You can’t dodge this conversation, Cameron,” Landon whispers.
I sigh and type a quick response to Elias.
ME: YEAH, SURE.READY WHEN YOU NEED ME.
Locking my phone, I set it on the desk, then turn to Landon.“Okay, maybe I do like him.He’s not bad.Besides, you’ve been saying I should date someone, so why not give Elias a chance?”
“Oh, you want to give Elias a chance?”Landon raises an eyebrow.“Isn’t he basically a stranger?”
“We’re still getting to know each other, but he’s nice,” I reply, shrugging.
“Nice, huh?”Landon smirks.“Or are you using him to distract yourself from Fox?”
I sigh and open my textbook, trying to deflect, but his words hit too close to home.
The truth is, Fox and I kissed, and I haven’t felt that alive in a long time.Elias is interesting, sure, but he’s not Fox.I hate that I like Fox so much.It hurts.I want to kiss him again, to feel his hands on me, to know he wants me.Do I want him to love me?God, I sound so messed up right now.
