Page 69 of Toxic Obsession

Quinn

The day stretched on like the last few drops of honey dripping out from the bottom of the jar. I attended my own classes, weighed down with worry for Wynter. A deep sense of guilt lay heavy on my chest. Vaughn had promised to call if any issues occurred that he couldn’t handle, but that did little to console me.

I slammed my football locker shut, ready to take out my aggressions on the field. Before practice, Coach had called a team meeting concerning Wynter and revealed she had been wrongfully accused. He provided the websites where the news had aired the full report and updates of the interview Wynter had with the police after the shooting. Then Coach asked for volunteers to spread the word around campus that Wynter was innocent. He asked if they were willing to share the video to every friend and family member they had. The plan was to have the buried, real police interview video go viral by the end of the following day. As much as we were all on social media, it shouldn’t be difficult, but it would take everyone’s best effort.

To my surprise, every member of the team volunteered to help. My heart filled with gratitude as I stood before my brothers, and I was humbled by their selflessness to support me even when I’d been a fucking prick. More than that, only a few of them knew Wynter, and they were taking me at my word that she was a good person.

“Great practice today,” Kane said, joining me at the lockers.

“It felt good to get out there and clear my head.”

“I saw you and Wynter on the news before Wynter’s interview with the cop aired. You did right by her this time.” He removed his phone and keys from his locker and shoved them into his jeans pocket.

“I’m trying.” I finished pulling on a clean shirt, then collected my cell. I checked the messages, but there weren’t any texts or calls from Vaughn or Wynter.

Kane faced me, leaning his shoulder against the locker door. “I was going to ask if you were going to the society later, but my guess is no.”

“No. I’m meeting Wynter. We have some shit to go over. From what we can tell, there’s a lot of unanswered questions on both sides. Maybe we can fill in some of the blanks for each other.”

“Good. I hope you both find some peace, man.” Kane smirked. “How long have you been in love with her?”

I chuckled, having wondered when he was going to ask me that. Closing my locker, I turned to him. “Honestly? No idea, but I figured it out right after I played that fucking video. A few hours later, I saw her, and that’s when I knew. I also realized I lost her.” I kicked the locker below, frustrated.

“Chin up. You keep taking care of her and showing up when you say you will, and she’ll forgive you.”

“Let’s hope so because I can’t fucking let her go.” Gutted all over again that I might not win her back, my shoulders sagged.

“Go see her, then let me know if you need anything.” Kane straightened and gave me a little wave before he strode off.

Realizing that I’d admitted I was in love to one of my best friends had me smiling. I never thought I would want to settle down. But my smile faded as quickly as it had appeared. If I was going to win Wynter over, I still had a lot of work to do.

* * *

“Is your dad here?” Wynter asked, tiptoeing into my house with Vaughn right on her heels.

“No. He’s out of town again. Brody will be here later, but we have a few hours before he gets home. Lena, our chef and housekeeper, should be around somewhere.”

“I’ll stay out of sight but watch the property. If I see anything suspicious, I’ll let you know.” Vaughn nodded at us before he stepped back outside.

As soon as the door closed, Wynter blew out a sigh. “All of a sudden every girl and guy on campus wants to be my friend.” She rolled her eyes. “First, they ask who Vaughn is, then they ask me about the video. It’s been a crazy day.”

When I met Vaughn, I knew Wynter might act like she didn’t want him around, but she would cave the second she saw him. Jealousy roared to life inside me. The motherfucker was a chick magnet.

“Come here.” She relaxed as I palmed her head and pulled her against me. Holding her in my arms felt so right.

“Quinn?” She peered up at me, gentleness in her beautiful features.

“Yeah?” I smoothed her hair, not wanting to let her go.

“Will you tell me about Bell? I mean, can you talk about her? I want to know her through your eyes.”

Startled, I paused. I hated the conflicting feelings churning inside me whenever we were in the same room. I wanted to share my life with Wynter, but she was also connected to what nearly destroyed me. Maybe being able to talk about Bell with her would ease the pain.

“I have pictures and our yearbooks on my bookshelf.”

A peculiar expression crossed over her face, her lips pressing into a firm line. “Okay.”

Once I gathered snacks and drinks, we headed upstairs to my bedroom.

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