Page 130 of Counter Bet

She makes no move to stop me as I push past her and run from the bathroom.

* * *

I sink down on the chair. Landon looks up from his phone, running his eyes over my face. His plate is empty. I’m breathing heavily like I’ve been in a marathon and not in an enclosed space with Dallas.

“Can we go? I’m not feeling well.” Maybe I’m rude, but I’m beyond caring at this point.

Landon looks at me but doesn’t comment. He stands up, throwing money down on the table. “I’ll take you back to the dorms.”

I’m grateful for the arm he wraps around my waist as we make our way to the door. I need his strength right now.

Dallas watches us leave. Our eyes meet briefly before Landon guides me outside in the quiet evening.

The drive back is quiet. My mind spins with questions, and my fingers still tingle from Dallas’ touch. I can still feel her hot breath on my lips and smell her watermelon lip balm.

Landon glances over at me and threads his fingers through mine but doesn’t comment as if he knows I need this time to work through my emotions.

I’ve been a crappy date.

“I don’t know what happened tonight,” Landon says when we’re parked up outside of my dorm. “But I’m here if you want to talk.”

I roll my head toward him, attempting a weak smile. “That means a lot to me, Landon.”

He shifts in his seat so he faces me fully and strokes the back of his fingers down my cheek. “He’s a lucky guy. Whatever he did to hurt you this much, I bet he regrets it every day. How could he not? You’re great!”

“There’s no—” I begin, but he cuts me off, shaking his head with a grim smile.

“Hear me out. I like you, okay. A fucking lot! But your heart belongs to someone else, and I can’t be your rebound.” Landon slides his hand down my arm. “Come find me when you’re over him.”

I drop my chin to my chest and nod. “I will.”

“I’ll still see you in the library, yeah?”

I smile weakly, wiping away a stray tear. “Of course. You know where to find me.” I unbuckle my seatbelt, then lean in close until his lips are a breath away from mine. Maybe I’m selfish for doing this, but he doesn’t stop me. I brush my lips against his once and then twice before applying pressure. I’m curious to find out if I feel anything at all for the boy in front of me. I can’t leave this car until I know for sure.

His hot breath fans my lips, but he makes no move to deepen the kiss, and neither do I as I kiss him again—just a brush of lips.

I blink my eyes open, searching his. “I’ll see you around, Landon.”

I step out of the car and watch his taillights fade into the distance. My tingling lips are a stark reminder that I have not moved on at all. My heart still belongs elsewhere. The question is, can I forgive the past? Am I brave enough to let down my barriers again?

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