Page 63 of Don't Leave
Since I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Luke lately, I’ve learned a lot about him. Like how easy he is to talk to and what a great sense of humor he has. The more we’re together, the more attractive I find him. And he’s a really nice guy on top of all that.
There aren’t many people I trust or feel completely at ease with.
He’s one of the few.
It’s hard not to cling to that.
Or him.
Does that necessarily mean I’m ready to explore the depth of my feelings for him?
No. I’m not ready to give up on Cole. And Luke hasn’t pushed the issue. He’s been nothing but the friend I’ve so desperately needed to lean on during this breakup.
“Have you eaten lunch yet?” he asks, breaking into the chaotic whirl of my thoughts.
“No, I was going to grab something now.”
“That works out perfectly. We can have lunch together.” With a smile, he nudges me in the shoulder. “Maybe you’ll even take pity on me and help with some calc homework.”
Even though I’d wanted to keep the lunch date to myself, I realize I’m going to have to come clean.
I clear my throat and blurt, “I’m meeting Cole for lunch.”
One brow hitches at that bit of information. He’s aware that Cole and I haven’t spoken in ten days. He also knows how upset I’ve been about it. “That’s a new development.”
Since he doesn’t sound pissed off, it only reinforces that we really are just friends.
“Yes.”
His gaze shifts away from me. “Do you want to get back together with him?”
When I glance at him, his attention locks on me before searching my eyes.
My teeth scrape against my bottom lip as I admit, “Yeah, I do.” The last thing I want to do is lead Luke on.
His brow furrows slightly as he nods. “Then I hope everything works out between you two.”
Relief rushes through me at his easy acceptance of the situation. Impulsively, I reach out, grabbing hold of his hand and squeezing it as we continue walking.
“Thank you. Me, too.”
As we arrive at the Union, Luke pulls open one of the doors for me. With a smile aimed in his direction, I thank him before walking inside the brick building.
Even though I’ve arrived early for our lunch, I couldn’t be more aware of Luke’s presence beside me. It doesn’t escape me that his friendship is the reason Cole pulled away in the firstplace. The last thing I want to do is exacerbate the situation by being seen with him.
From beneath my lashes, I glance around the open space but don’t see Cole anywhere.
As much as it makes me feel like a crappy friend, I want this lunch to go smoothly.
I pause.
When he does the same, I say, “If you don’t mind, I’m going to wait for Cole alone.”
“Sure.” His lips curve into a smile as he leans over and presses a kiss against my cheek. “Text me later and let me know how it goes.”
Grateful for his understanding, I beam. This is the first time since Cole walked out of my dorm room that I’ve allowed myself to be hopeful that we could hash out our issues.
“I will.”
