Page 24 of Palm South University: Season 2

“Beg all you want, but I’d still never take those words back.”

She chews her cheek, finally turning to face me. When I see the insecurity behind her eyes, I want to find every guy who ever put them there and kick them all straight in the teeth.

“I’m not desirable. At all. I’m going to get up there and make like twenty bucks and feel completely embarrassed.”

“Listen to me.” I grab her hands in mine, our shoulders still leaned against the wall, both of us hidden in our little corner of the room — of the world. “I have never, in my entire life, met another girl like you. And as much as you may think that’s a bad thing, it is the exact opposite. You’re intriguing, Cassie. You’re light, innocent, sweet, kind, smart. I could go on and on.”

“I don’t think guys will buy me for my biology test scores.”

Pulling her in a little closer, maybe a little too close, I bring my voice to a whisper. “It will be how fucking amazing you look in that tight little skirt that will make them want to buy you. It’ll be everything else I just listed that will make them go crazy trying to keep you.”

She swallows, and I watch with more curiosity than I should as her eyes flick to my mouth quickly before finding my gaze. “I should go touch up my makeup.”

It’s then that I realize how hard we’re both breathing, how close we’re standing. Dropping her hands, I shove my own back in my pockets and nod. “Okay. I’ll see you out there.”

Before I can think more about what the hell just happened, I turn on my heel and make my way toward the side stage exit.

“Adam?”

I pause, turning slowly, afraid she’ll tell me I was over the line. Afraid I’ll lose her, even though she’s not really mine to keep.

“Thanks. Really.” She smiles with just one side of her mouth, just for a moment, before backing into the bathroom and slowly closing the door.

“Anytime,” I reply to no one. And I know even though she didn’t hear it, she knows it’s true as much as I do. I’d be there for her no matter what.

I just can’t decide if that’s a good thing.