Page 31 of Don’t Leave (Stay #2)

Once I’ve calmed myself down, he says, “We can leave right now if you want. I’ll take you to my house or back to school.” He pull away enough to search my eyes. “Is that what you want?”

For a silent moment, I turn the offer over in my mind, realizing that I don’t really want to leave.

My parents haven’t done anything to make me think that this weekend won’t be a step forward for all of us.

What frightens me most is that this homecoming has the potential to end in disaster, leaving my family and me just as broken as we were.

There is so much pressure resting on the outcome of these next few days.

I didn’t realize I was feeling so stressed about it until now.

“No, I don’t want that,” I tell him.

I need to give this a chance. I want my family back and spending time with them is the only way it’ll happen.

With his hand resting against my cheek, he continues to gently stroke my skin. “You’ll be fine, Cassidy. And if you’re not, all you have to do is call me and I’ll drop everything and pick you up. Got it?”

Just knowing that I’m not stuck here if everything tanks makes all the difference in the world.

“Thank you, Luke.” Embarrassed by my mini-breakdown, I glance away before mumbling, “Sorry for falling apart like that.”

His fingers slip under my chin before turning my face until I have no other choice but to meet his gaze. “We’re friends.” He brushes his lips across mine. “And friends are always there for each other no matter what.”

Even though it was just a fleeting caress, my mind continues to spin.

Before I have a chance to gather my thoughts, he says, “Come on, I’ll walk you to the door.”

“Okay.”

We exit the truck and Luke grabs my bag from the back before carrying it up the brick walkway. Before we make it onto the porch, the door is thrown open as Lexie and Miranda barrel toward us. Both squeal before hurtling their small bodies into my open arms so I can hug them tightly to me.

“I’ve missed you so much, Cassy!”

My little sisters have always called me Cassy and it brings a rush of hot tears to my eyes to hear them call me it again. It takes a moment to realize that my parents are standing in the open doorway. Both are wearing easy smiles. It’s enough to melt away the last of my anxiety like snow in April.

Dad stretches out a hand toward Luke who I’ve completely forgotten about.

I straighten and introduce Luke to my parents.

He shakes both of their hands before saying hello to my little sisters.

They both blush and turn shy before hiding behind me.

Every once in a while, they peek out and giggle. I smile and roll my eyes at Luke.

Amused by their antics, he grins back at me.

My father sizes Luke up before speculation erupts in his ocean blue depths. In a subtle movement, I shake my head in response. The last thing I need is my parents thinking that I’m hopping from one guy to another.

That gentle and confusing kiss nudges its way back into my brain.

“I better get going,” Luke says.

“I’ll walk you to the truck,” I murmur, uncomfortably aware that four sets of inquisitive gazes are watching us.

It occurs to me that this is the first time my family has seen me with a boy.

He says goodbye to my family before we walk to the driveway where his vehicle is parked. Once we reach the driver’s side door, we pause.

“They’re still watching, aren’t they?” he asks, a fake smile plastered across his face. His lips barely move.

I mimic his expression. “Of course, they are.”

“Well, this is super awkward,” he continues, grin held firmly in place.

“I’ll be given the third degree as soon as you pull away.”

Laughter erupts from him as he drops the fake smile.

His gaze flickers away as he shifts his stance. “I was wondering if you wanted to get together over break.”

As his words and their implication wash over me, I think about the way he calmed me down in the car. How patient and gentle he was.

Maybe this connection is worth exploring.

My gaze flickers to my family, who continue to stand in the doorway, watching us as if we’re putting on a theater production. They couldn’t be more obvious if they pulled out lawn chairs from the garage and sat down with a tub of popcorn.

How embarrassing.

When I don’t respond, his voice dips. “Is that a no ?”

I force my attention to him before pushing out an answer that surprises even me. “It’s a yes .”

Even though I’m not over Cole, maybe spending time with Luke—someone I genuinely like and feel connected to—might help with that.

It certainly can’t hurt, right?

A big smile breaks out across his face. “Great. I’ll text you on Friday with the plans.”

“Okay.” I nod, nerves gallop across my flesh at what I’ve set into motion. “That sounds good.”

He pulls me in for a hug. With my body pressed against his muscular one, I’m assaulted by the clean, woodsy scent of him. I can’t help but think about how different his scent is from Cole’s. Before I can decide if I like it, he pulls away and holds me at arm’s length.

With a nod toward my family, he says, “I think everything will be fine. But if it’s not, all you have to do is call. All right?”

Unable to contain my smile because, he’s right, everything is going to be just fine with my family, I nod. “Thanks for everything.”

He climbs into his truck, starts the engine and waves to my family before backing out of the driveway. For a moment, I watch the truck until it turns the corner and disappears.

Now that Luke is gone, my sisters race toward me as they sing-song, “Cassy has a boyfriend. Cassy has a boyfriend!”

My face heats as I protest, “He’s not my boyfriend. Luke is just a friend.”

That declaration does nothing help the situation.

They belt out the refrain with more exuberance in front of the house where all the neighbors can hear them.

Lexie and Miranda might be phenomenal dancers, but they can’t hold a tune to save their lives.

They are, unfortunately, loud. I look to my parents for help but they’re much too busy chuckling to discipline their unruly children.

As I stomp into the house, I mutter, “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Whatever you say, Cassy,” my dad says with a smile and a wink.

Ugh.

If this is what I have to look forward to, it’s going to be a long four days.