I knew I wasn’t going to be able to catch Cassidy. She was heading to her Art class, which means she’ll meet up with Riko to walk between classes. But I know she has history after me to catch her then.
One monotone history lesson later, I was out of my seat and waiting near the door. As I spotted Cassidy in the crowd, her red hair a dead giveaway, I moved through the crowd. “Can we talk, please?” I questioned, quietly getting in her path.
I considered taking her into an empty classroom down the hall, but I didn’t want to trigger her. I don’t want to corner her. So all I can do is ask for her time. “Pethel’s classroom is empty.” I offered, nodding down the hall.
Cassidy sighed, running her hand through her long red hair. I want to do that. I remember how it felt in my hand last night when I held it back for her. “You’re going to keep bugging me, aren’t you?”
“Probably, or I’ll save up all my questions for tonight when I show up at your plac
New chapters are posted Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Cassidy has a lot of trauma to unpack to be involved with someone. Hopefully Collin can handle that.
I don’t know what the hell is going on with me today. I didn’t need to make that dig at Collin during gym class. I chose to dance with Forrest to keep away the vipers that wanted to prey on him. He’s claimed. And as Riko’s friend, I’m obligated to defend her territory. But it wasn’t fair or pleasant of me to say what I did, at least with the level of snark I did. Collin is single, but I didn’t need to point it out so cruelly. I also didn’t need to be such a bitch about Jessica. I had to put a fake smile on my face as she told me she would ask him to the movies. I have nothing against Jessica. She’s a nice person. But I wanted to punch her when she said she would ask him out. I’m usually all for girl power and encourage people to make the first move if they are comfortable. Her making a move on Collin was pushing my buttons. I love art. I at least had all of art class to just chill. And with Riko in class, it’s more fun.
I have to be out of my mind. I’ve let a few kisses turn my brain to utter mush. It’s not that I’m saying I’m crazy for saying I want to be with Cassidy. I just know that there’s a lot involved with being involved with her. I don’t know if I am up to it. If I can really be the guy she needs, let alone deserves. But fuck it, I’ll try. Because even if I screw up and get hurt, hopefully, I won’t hurt her, and it ends. It’s worth the risk to be close to her. I want to get to Saturday more than ever. A date with Cassidy Summers. And not just any date. I want to show her I’m more than she thinks I am. That there’s more to me. That’s why I want to take her to the game my kids will be playing. Technically I’m working, but I still think it would be a multi-tasking date. Low stress for her. She can’t feel uncomfortable and be worried I’ll pull a stunt if we’re around a group of kids. I mean, I gotta do something that tops making her s
I can’t believe Collin left me speechless twice in one day. There aren’t defined levels or words to accurately describe the level of embarrassment I’d have felt. I’m just glad that my mom didn’t walk out or that James didn’t come home to find us on the sofa like that. It was bad enough I was blushing after he left, telling me my glasses were hot. Thank god no one in my family saw me blushing. My moms wouldn’t let me live it down. And James… well, I don’t know what he’d think, but I wouldn’t want to hear his opinion. I’m not sure why. Oh, who am I kidding? I know precisely why. But when I went to bed, I thought of Collin when using my vibrator. Usually, I think of someone like Tom Holland. Cute, safe, and never going to meet. Makes him perfect spank bank material. Yet it was Collin’s face, his hands, and his dirty mouth that my mind conjured up. Usually, I’m relatively quiet about what I do in my bedroom. Not that my
All-day Friday, I was in sort of a daze. I kept rereading the text from Cassidy. She got off thinking about me. Yeah, that’s a confidence boost. Another confidence boost is how she reacted to me sending that pic of myself. I had been worried she would get upset or just ignore me after sending it. No one can really predict what Cassidy will do from moment to moment. So I was glad she thought the pic was hot. And I was okay with her not wanting us to act differently at school. Granted, I don’t know how long I’ll be cool with keeping what’s going on a secret. But I figure it’s best to wait till after our date Saturday. Given how excited I am for our date might explain why I was up early and already waiting on the porch as Forrest pulled up to the curb. Justin and Ben were already in the car. He must have picked Justin up first as he snagged shotgun. So I hopped in the back with Ben giving Forrest a grin. Like me, he’s got a hot da
I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun shopping in my life as I did with Riko and her granny Yūri. That old lady is life goals. I don’t get why she’s not a more prominent fixture in Riko’s life. I don’t think my moms could keep grandma and Abuela away from James and me if they wanted to. Like it would require restraining orders and threats of nuclear war. So what kind of shit has Mr. Shiraishi used to keep his in-laws out of the picture? And better question why would he want to keep them away from Riko? Riko obviously needs a female figurehead in her life since losing her mom. She needs someone that will teach her to be a strong independent woman. And Yūri is the woman for the job. It was fun hanging with Yūri while we embarrassed Riko, making her try on bras and all these cute clothes for her date tonight and keeping her date tomorrow in mind. But while Riko was trying on clothes, I couldn’t help but feel shitty. Here I am joining Riko
I was taking a big chance bringing Cassidy here. And now only am I telling her about my volunteering here, which only my parents knew about. I’m also telling her this is what I want for my future. Even my parents don’t know that part. I was worried about how she might react. Not that I thought she’d think it was stupid or lame of me. I wasn’t sure if she’d think this was a suitable date. I want her to see I’m more than the dumbass jock she thinks I am. And I think that part is working given the kiss. “It’s down this way. Though I’m getting worried since I don’t hear people.” I frowned, taking her hand leading the way. Usually, on game nights, this place is buzzing with life. Families and friends gather together to cheer for the kids. There’s even a concession stand with popcorn, soda, and candy to enjoy during the game. “It does seem quiet for a game night. Would the coach have called or texted you if things got cancele
I wasn’t sure what I had expected tonight. But for Collin to take me to a kids basketball game for the Boys & Girls Club that he is an assistant coach for wasn’t on my list of possibilities. It now suddenly makes perfect sense. Like everything makes so much sense. Why Collin doesn’t want to take trig and why that math level wouldn’t matter to his future. But also why he’s an utter child at times, always goofing around at school. He spends his free time with fourth graders. It’s all so clear. So utterly adorably clear. I didn’t even care that the game ended up being canceled. I thought we’d leave and go to the Starbucks I saw not far from some coffee and then end the date cause of the weather. But instead, Collin surprised me with an impromptu dance party for two. It was sweet and cute and a sledgehammer to the walls I built. I was smiling like a fool as I got into the house. However, my smile faded when I saw James
It took every ounce of self-control to not call or at least text Cassidy the rest of the weekend. I don’t want to come off as clingy, and I’m sure she’d have texted me if she wanted to talk to me. My phone did buzz with a text from a Summers. Too bad it was the wrong fucking one. James can just lose my number at this rate. If he’s going to be a next-level douchebag to his sister, I don’t want to associate with him. I wasn’t really nice when I replied to him either. Fucker doesn’t deserve friendly Collin. James: What were you doing with my sister last night? Collin: Who said I saw her? James: I’m not an idiot Collin: Debatable James: I saw your car dropping her off Collin: If it was any of your business, she’d tell you. But oh wait, that would require her trusting you. Trusting that you would give two fucks and actually listen to her rather than dismissing her. James: That’s not