“Still, I like when you’re around,” he says.
“Then maybe I’ll go tomorrow,” I offer. “Are you planning to train before the reunion?”
“Yeah, and to check in with Coach about potential opponents.”
“Okay, so we can go by Havoc in the morning and then come home after lunchtime so I can start getting ready for the dance.”
Xavier’s jaw ticks like he’s grinding his teeth before he says, “Are you still planning to go with one of your fuck buddies?”
“Well, I did ask Mike to take me a few weeks ago,” I reply.
“Cancel,” he says.
“Cancel?” I huff. “Why would I do that? I don’t want to show up alone like I’m still the same loser I was ten years ago.”
“You were never a loser,” Xavier says. “And you wouldn’t have to go alone. You could be my date.”
“Your…date?” I repeat.
“Yes.”
“You want me to be your date to the reunion?” I ask again.
“Why not?” he asks with a shrug of his massive shoulders.
“Because we’re just friends,” I say without hesitation. “And if we show up together, people may get the wrong impression.”
“We’re going to the game together tonight, right?” he questions. “Or am I the third wheel to one of your fuck buddies again?”
“I didn’t invite Mike or Eddie,” I respond. “So, yeah, it’s just us, but a football game isn’t the same as the reunion dance. One is more of a group outing, and the other is more…”
“What?” Xavier asks.
“More couple-y,” I say.
“Couple-y?” he repeats in the tone that says I’m using a goofy, made up word.
“That’s right. People show up at the reunion with their spouse or girlfriend.”
“I don’t have a spouse anymore,” Xavier says. “And you don’t have a boyfriend.”
“So you’re saying we should go together, as friends?” I ask for clarification.
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. Except for the friend part.”
“Huh?”
“Who cares what everyone thinks, Bambi? Let them believe what they want about us,” he tells me.
“Okay,” I agree. “I’ll, ah, tell Mike he’s off the hook. Not that he will probably mind since he hasn’t called or texted since the night you said he showed up.”
“Oh really?” Xavier asks. “That’s too bad.”
“Yeah,” I reply even though I don’t mind. I’m not good at seeing multiple guys, even if everyone agrees we’re not exclusive. I wasn’t built for fooling around and was only trying something new to try and shake the crush I’ve had on my best friend for years.
Too bad it didn’t work.
Not even close.
And being with Xavier this week has only made those feelings I have for him grow stronger.
How the hell am I going to keep a lid on things when he’s living here in town and around all of the time?
I’m a complete mess after just a few days!
But I’m sure Xavier won’t be single for long. In no time, he’ll be sleeping with all the single women in town, before marrying someone else. And then I’ll have no choice but to get over him once and for all.
Not that I was successful in doing that after his first marriage.
Xavier
Cass and I get to the school and get parked a few minutes before kickoff. Neither of us are hungry, so we head right for the bleachers that are already crowded, which is perfect.
Instead of looking for an open area near the aisle, I lead the way into the middle of the row where we’ll be cramped, and Cass will have no choice but to be close to me.
“You want to sit here?” she whispers to me as I sit my ass down on the cool bench.
“Why not?”
“There’s more room up higher,” Cass points out.
“Closer to the field is better. Now sit,” I tell her when I grab her hips and lower her butt down beside me.
More people arrive after we all stand for the national anthem, and so by the second quarter of the game, Cass and I are pressed together at our thighs, hips, and arms.
“Just like old times, right?” I ask her, resting my hand on her knee. Thankfully, she doesn’t pull away from my touch or tell me to move it.
“Yeah, old times when you were Mr. Popularity and I was your tagalong friend everyone called a freak.”
“Nobody called you a freak,” I assure her. “If they had, I would’ve knocked them out.”
“They thought it and said it behind your back,” she informs me. “Everyone thought I was pathetic for…never mind.”
“What?” I ask when she stops abruptly. “Why do you think they thought you were pathetic? I never got that vibe.”
“Forget it,” Cass says. “Let’s just watch the game.”
The truth is I don’t have any idea what the score is or who has the ball. I’m too focused on the heat growing between where mine and Cassidy’s bodies are touching, wanting to kiss her but too afraid she will reject me. She seems so tense, like I’m making her uncomfortable.
God, I wish I could read her mind. That would make this so much easier than making a fool of myself.
Part of me is also scared she won’t turn me down. What if things are great between us until we end up in bed and it’s…awkward? Would that ruin our friendship? Probably. Knowing Cass, she would shut down and avoid me, which is the last thing I want.
So, do I take a chance and see if she feels the same about me? Or do I keep my mouth shut and let everything stay the same, so I don’t lose my best friend?
Chapter Fifteen
Xavier
After another grueling day of conditioning, while still waiting for a confirmed fight, it’s finally the night of our high school reunion. I’m not all that thrilled about having to talk to the jackasses we went to school with a second night in a row, but Cass seems pretty excited and I’m glad to be her date. It was nice to have her at the gym
