Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 84294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84294 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 421(@200wpm)___ 337(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Each and every class I’ve stepped into, I instantly scanned the room like a crazy stalker making sure he isn’t there. By the end of the week when I realized I was safe, I was over the moon.
The next time I saw him, I was prepared and managed to duck out of his line of sight just in time. But stepping into the gym to see him sweaty and shirtless, to see his muscles have developed, turning him from a boy into a grown-ass man was enough to stop me in my tracks. He’s fucking beautiful.
I’m lucky he was in the middle of a set and was concentrating on his workout, giving me enough time to gawk before disappearing right back through the door. The only good thing that’s come from this is I’m now running outdoors and absolutely love it.
Jaxon tried to find me at the beginning of the term. And by me, I mean Brianna’s new roommate. I received a text message from Bri saying he was on his way, and I managed to get out just in time. Although, getting out meant slipping through the back door, jumping over the fence into the neighbor’s yard, and walking around the streets for a good forty-five minutes until Bri texted to say the coast was clear. I’m assuming she managed to keep him out of my room and the garage, as my car and the family photo I have on my bedside table would have given me away.
I know he hasn’t seen me around campus yet because he hasn’t stormed up to me and demanded answers. But that’s assuming he actually still cares and, judging from the endless supply of pussy he has on speed dial, my guess is that I’m old news. He probably forgot about me the second he got the taste for the single life.
The thought shatters my heart just a bit more, but that’s the price I pay for my mistakes. All I can do now is watch him from afar and pray he finds someone who will love him the way I did . . . and still do.
Brianna hated the way I looked when I came home after I saw him, so she suggested I find something to pass the time. We searched for part-time jobs that would keep me as far away from him as possible, which is how I found my shift at the college library. To say that I freaking love it would be an understatement. There’s no way Jaxon would ever be caught dead hanging out in the library. Well, any of the hockey guys for that matter. It’s become my safe haven. The fact the other employees are awesome is just an added bonus.
As I walk into my Human Sciences and Movement lecture on Friday morning, my eyes instantly scan the room, just as they always do. Deeming the room Jaxon-free, I head up a few stairs and find the spot I had taken the week before. I sit down and put my bag on the ground beside me, pulling out my pens, notepad, and phone, and placing them all neatly on my tiny desk.
I start scribbling lyrics into my notepad, completely unaware that I’m even doing it. It sort of happens like the way someone would bite their bottom lip or hum a song to themselves. Writing lyrics is my secret habit. Well, secret is probably the wrong word for it, but it’s not something I flaunt anymore. Not since . . . him.
For the past three years, my writing has been dark, not the same as the happy-go-lucky shit I used to write. Now, it centers around heartbreak and loss. I’ve kept my work close to me, fearing someone might actually realize just how broken I really am.
An incoming text has my complete attention as I wait for Professor Macintosh to show up and get started on his lecture.
Sean - You busy this weekend? We’re thinking breakfast then visiting the ’rents.
My heart breaks at the thought of having to visit both my parents at the cemetery, but I haven’t had a chance to check in with them since being home. There’s no way I’m skipping out on this opportunity. Not to mention, after being away from my brothers for the past three years, there’s not a chance in hell they will let me.
I hit reply.
Cassie - I have a shift at the library tomorrow. Can we make it Sunday?
Sean - Sure kid. We’ll pick you up at 8.
Cassie - Don’t be late.
I put my phone on silent as Professor Macintosh walks through the door and calls the room to attention. I see another incoming text message from Bri but don’t get a chance to check it before the professor launches into his lecture. I throw my phone in the bottom of my bag, turn to a new page in my notebook, and concentrate on the lecture. I want to be an awesome physiotherapist one day.