CHAPTER 19
LANDRY
Bexley and her team had been announced the winners, though she hadn’t mentioned anything about the prize. If what Olivia had said about the winners being sworn to secrecy were correct, neither of us felt it was right to put pressure on her to tell us.
Conner and Levi had been expelled from Ivybrook after some past indiscretions had been brought to light. It hadn’t come as a shock to hear that they both had some less than stellar histories, and I had to admit that the news of them being gone had brought me much needed comfort. The thought of sharing a campus with them after what had transpired during the games sent shivers through me. The evidence had been brought to the school board anonymously, but my gut told me that Cashton may have had something to do with it considering the timing. I still hated the man, a feeling that was mutual on his end, but I was glad to know that he had at least some morals that remained .
Halloween came and went, and though the flu had prevented me from attending any of the parties, I had managed to drag myself out of bed to at least post some cute photos in the Tinkerbell costume that I had had custom made. Bexley, however, had gone to some party and returned with her first ever hangover the next morning.
On the bright side, I had gotten to go back home with her over Thanksgiving, her family welcoming me for the week. We had also done a Friendsgiving with the group upon our return, meaning two delicious Thanksgiving dinners followed by two massive food comas.
My dad had sent me an email letting me know that he would be out of the state on business over the holidays, meaning that I would have the entire house to myself. It sounded horrible to say, but I was relieved at the thought of not having to run into him while I was back home. Things had been quite strained between us since my mom’s passing, and the thought of facing him only brought me dread.
I hadn’t seen much of Cashton since the games had ended. And as awful as he was, a part of me actually missed seeing him around. He had kept to himself for the most part during our Friendsgiving, other than the occasional jab here and there that I chose to ignore. I hated the fact that his face always found itself at the forefront of my mind when I touched myself in the shower or in bed at night. It was unfair how attracted I was to him, how I found myself glancing up at his row during Communications class or how I involuntarily glanced around each room I entered to see if I would spot him.
And I especially hated that I didn’t hate the way he touched me. The way he dominated my body and slowly took over my mind. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want it to happen again. I wondered if he felt the same… There was no denying the heat between us. Did he think of me when he got himself off? My core throbbed at the thought.
“Earth to Landry?”
I shook the thoughts out of my head, focusing back on Olivia and Bexley to find the two of them watching me curiously. How long had I zoned out for?
“Sorry, what?”
“Dang girl, who’s got you daydreaming like that?” Olivia teased from her spot on our kitchen counter, my cheeks heating at the thought of her knowing just who I was thinking about.
“Nothing—I mean, nobody. It’s nothing.” I focused on the pan I was holding, stirring the boiling soup and avoiding their gazes.
“Oh my gosh, I knew it! You’ve been acting weird since the games. Tell us everything!” Olivia pushed.
Maybe it was the wine or the fact that I hadn’t felt ready to talk about it with anyone until now, but I told them everything. Both of their smiles had dropped when I explained what happened the first night during the games. I didn’t go into too much detail, only offering a general idea of what Levi and Connor had done. Reliving it was something I didn’t think I would ever want to do.
But I had to remind myself that it could have been so much worse had Cashton not shown up when he did. And I had fought. That alone had allowed me to keep me from breaking down completely, because I had proven to myself that I could be a fighter. I had forced myself to focus on that .
Both of them listened intently, embracing me when I finished.
“I’m so sorry, Lan…” Bexley comforted.
“I’m so glad Cashton got there in time. He really broke their hands with a hammer? That’s hot,” Olivia added.
“Olivia!” Bexley chided, nudging her in the shoulder.
“What? I’m just saying. And the fact that he did it to avenge Landry’s honor? I just need you guys to go ahead and get together. You would make the hottest couple ever. Aside from me and TJ, of course. There’s no doubt in my mind that he must be amazing in bed, I’m just saying it wouldn’t hurt to find out!”
My cheeks heated once more. I hadn’t gotten around to that part just yet.
“Well…” I started.
“Oh my gosh, you already slept with him, didn’t you!” Olivia squealed, jumping up and down as she and Bexley burst out laughing.
“I can confirm that he is indeed quite gifted…” I admitted.
“What was it like? Tell us everything!”
I let out a long breath, setting my glass down and turning back to the stovetop.
“It was mind blowing. But it doesn’t change anything, because he’s made it clear that he still hates me. I guess it’s hate-sex more than anything real, you know?”
“Are you crazy? You should see the way that man looks at you when you’re not paying attention. And you can’t deny the way you look at him in return. There’s something there, anyone with a set of functioning eyes can see that,” Olivia argued.
“It’s tense because of us not being able to stand each other. I highly doubt it’s romantic. ”
“Yeah, that’s called romantic tension babes. And it’s hot. You’re just both too stubborn to admit it.”
“It’s true,” Bexley chimed in. “Everyone can see it clear as day.”
Were they right? I had to admit that the thought thrilled me. As much as I tried to fight the romantic feelings I had towards Cashton, there was no denying that they were there. But as quickly as it had appeared, the thrill slowly faded as I realized that I couldn’t ever picture there being a day where Cashton Astor didn’t hate my guts.