Page 103 of Palm South University: Season 2

“You won’t. Just relax. Here,” he says, squeezing my shoulders once more before removing his hands. I turn in my seat to face him as he pulls a leather-bound flask from the inside of his jacket. “This should help.”

Chewing my bottom lip, I eye the flask before lifting my gaze to Landon. He looks so happy, so content, and he’s been a complete gentleman to me all semester. I’m not even sure why he’s stuck around for as long as he has. Maybe he knew I needed someone to lean on. Maybe he’s a sort of gift from the gods for putting me through such hell lately.

“You know what,” I concede, taking the flask from his hand. “You’re right. I think I should loosen up a bit. The semester is almost over and I feel like I haven’t had one ounce of fun this entire time.” I cheers to him and he pulls a different flask out, tapping the lip of mine with his.

“Cheers, baby.”

We both knock back a few swigs, me cringing as the liquid burns my throat. I shake it off quickly and plaster on a smile, throwing my fist in the air. “Let’s party!”

The entire bus erupts with my declaration and Landon’s eyes devour me, lighting my insides on fire more than the alcohol. Maybe I have been too uptight lately. I tried the whole staying-sober-to-maintain-control thing during Spring Break and look where that got me. Is it possible I’ve been going about this all wrong?

It’s time to let go of everything that’s been plaguing me. What’s done is done, and Clinton’s apology somehow made me feel like everything will be okay. For the first time this semester, I’m going to enjoy myself.

Landon tips his flask once more and I follow his lead, this time pulling him in for a long kiss once the liquid settles in my stomach. His hands find my waist and grip tight as I snake my fingers into the back of his hair, pulling him closer, needing his escape. With each stroke of his tongue against mine, I feel the water clearing. With each brush of his skin against mine, I feel less and less stressed. It’s like my mind and body are screaming together for me to let go, to live life tonight. So, when Landon pulls back, his brows pinched together and his eyes on my mouth, I answer his question without him having to ask it.

“Screw the lip gloss.”