Page 39 of Fueled Fury

24

Lainey

Walking onto campus this morning felt different, but not as strange as I feel walking into Coyote Café right now as Eli waves me over. I’d debated skipping classes altogether, but I wanted some normalcy. After spending all day yesterday at Austin’s house, I went back home (with Austin in tow, of course) and tried to avoid Eli. I mostly succeeded in the effort by telling him it was a long weekend (truth) and I didn’t want to talk about it (another truth).

“Hey, I figured you were going to flake out on me again,” Eli teases, but the tone of his voice indicates he’s not entirely joking.

“Why would you think that?” I ask, dropping into the chair across from him.

“Figured you had a new BFF.” He nods to my side as Austin takes a seat, placing a coffee in front of me.

Looking down to the coffee that I know is fixed exactly as I love it, I look to the man who holds my heart, then to my best friend. “Can y’all please get along? At least give it a try for me? You don’t even have to like each other, just stop hating each other. We’ve all grown up together …” Looking to Austin, I add, “And I want both of you in my life.”

To my surprise, Eli gives me a jerky nod. “Fine. I’ll be the bigger person and do it, but only for you. I doubt the other one will try.”

Austin places his hand over mine, interlacing his fingers with mine before looking to Eli. “I will because she asked me to. That’s the only reason.”

“Well, fuck,” I mumble as I shut my eyes. The tension is so thick between them I could cut it with the daggers they’re both shooting each other. “I guess it’s a start.”

Neither say anything, so I add, “Please just try.”

Both unenthusiastically agree, but I’ll take it. Them sitting at the same table without storming away after an argument gives me a tiny little ray of hope that this could work. How great life would be if I could get Eli and Austin on the same page, or at least in the same book.

Austin walks with me to our class, his hand laced with mine. It still seems strange for him to be attending Haine, but it feels routine at the same time. How different it would’ve been had I gone to Florida instead of Haine. I have to admit, Eli begging me not to go to Florida played a big part in turning down the opportunity to attend. Plus, I hadn’t wanted Austin to think I followed him there. I figured he selected it for the scholarship and distance from his parents.

We make our way to the same seats we’ve sat in previously, only this time I’m not telling him to get away from me. “Are you really gonna try to get along? Nothing will change if y’all don’t at least try.”

“I said I would.”

“Okay.” I’m not convinced, and he knows it.

“Lainey, I will. But I can’t sit back and knowingly let him control you. I will protect you if need be whether it pisses you off or not.”

“Yeah. This sounds promising.” Reaching into my bag, I pull out my iPad and begin jotting down notes.

As he leans over, Austin asks, “Did you read the book yet?”

“No.” When have I had the chance between everything going on? “I will soon.”

I don’t want to get behind, and now I’m a little more open to reading what notes lie within the pages. Although, part of me is terrified to discover what truly resides in Austin’s mind because so far, I’ve been surprised at almost every turn.

* * *

After class, we’re heading to the parking lot, and Austin follows me to where Lucy is parked. “Let’s have dinner tonight.”

I know what he means, but I won’t make it easy on him. God knows he’ll repay the favor. “We have dinner every night.”

He runs his hand over my jeans, cupping my ass as he squeezes. “A date. Let’s go on a real date tonight. Dinner, then whatever you want for dessert afterwards.”

“Yes, dessert sounds good.” I know what dessert he has in mind, and I’m all for it. “Tobe’s coconut cream pie is the best.”

The muscle in his jaw tightens in a smile that finally reaches his eyes, reminding me of what we were like before; summoning memories of the playful times before everything happened. “I doubt it’ll make your pussy taste any sweeter, but I’ll be sure to have a taste of both.”

He presses against me, letting me feel that he’s ready for the taste I’ll gladly serve him later. His head drops down, his tongue flicking over my shoulder.

“We’re on campus,” I breathe.

He kisses up my neck making his way to my ear. “And I’ll bend you over your car and fuck you right here if you say the word.”

As exciting as the memories of him pounding into me as I held on for dear life are, the uni parking lot isn’t my ideal location for another round. “Pie. That’s the only word you’re getting.”

“Not the word I wanted to hear, but I’ll concede for now.” He lets out a frustrated, teasing grumble as his hand squeezes my ass before releasing me. As he backs away, he gives me that signature smirk. “I’ll pick you up for our date at seven.”

“You’re literally down the hallway from me. I don’t think arranging a time is necessary.”

Giving me a wink, I know he’s up to something, and for once, I suspect it’s something good and not something that will inflict pain. I can’t help but anticipate that changing soon.