Page 82 of Just One Season
CHAPTER 23
Death by Orange
LUCY
Raleigh
You did not send him to his cottage alone. Tell me that’s not what really happened
Me
It was the right thing to do. This is getting too messy, and I’m not even going to be in Colorado much longer
Raleigh
What is wrong with you?? Calling
“Hello?” I’m hiding in a tucked-away bathroom before I head to the ballroom for lunch. This morning, the team and staffers were split into groups for the escape room bonding event. I was with a bunch of women from administration, and it was a lot of fun. We escaped with forty-seven seconds to spare.
None of the hockey players escaped.
I can’t stop thinking about last night and how it ended.
“Lulu! What’ve we talked about?” Raleigh’s voice is chastising, like she’s the teacher and I’m a repeatedly misbehaving student.
I lean against the wall and close my eyes. All I can think about is Kellen on his knees kissing me underneath a beautiful starry Wyoming night sky. The feel of his mouth on mine. The way his hands wandered to the base of my spine, splayed against bare skin. The way he pulled me toward him at the end before we were interrupted. His palms on my ass.
I desperately wanted him to continue.
But then I heard Atticus’s voice, and it brought me back to reality.
This is supposed to be fake. Kellen and I have crossed too many lines, and saying no felt like the right thing to do last night.
But this morning? All I’ve felt is regret.
“I don’t remember being a part of the conversation you’re referencing, but you and January seem to think I should sleep with Kellen.”
“Bingo. He likes you, girly. Why not let yourself have some fun?”
Why not?
I’m not sure anymore. In the moment, there was a whole list of reasons why I needed to walk away.
But right now, the only one that really matters is protecting my heart. Someone like Kellen could stomp all over it. I look at him and can see myself falling for him.
I don’t want to do that.
“I’m leaving in a few months.”
“Psshhhhtt. That’s a lame excuse. A few months is a long time!”
“I’m just worried…”
“Worried about what?”
“I like him, sis.”
She’s silent for a moment.
