Keeping Her (The Lexington Series Book 2) (2 page)

LANDON

I threw myself back against the bed.
I only brought two bags with me and I’m having the rest of my stuff shipped. I
just made it here and its 7pm. That was the longest most exhausting drive
fucking ever. Nick and I had to drive separately so that we would both have our
cars, which means I spent over eight hours in a car alone with nothing but my
thoughts. That was hell. All I kept thinking about was hunting Lucy’s ass down
and dragging her away by her hair for all of this shit but I had to keep
reminding myself that I couldn’t do it. I can’t keep chasing her and forcing
her into this, she told me she was all in but she lied. I sighed and looked
over to my right. My roommate whoever it is had already been here. I guess I’ll
be meeting him soon. He’ll be on the football team since that was the rule for freshmen
on the teams… we all housed together. I shifted my body to try to get
comfortable but it was fucking impossible. My arm reached out to the side and
felt nothing but wall and I sighed, I’m not comfortable because of her. I just
unconsciously reached out for her out of instinct… this is going to be a long
fucking year. The door opened and my roommate stepped in. I propped myself up
on my elbows to get a better look and grinned.

“Holy shit this is awesome. What’s
shaking Ted?” I asked sitting up completely.

He grinned, “Dude I’m fucking happy.
You know I don’t do well with people at least I know I’ll be comfortable in my
own damn room. When did you get here?” he asked giving me a fist pump.

“I’ve only been here for a few, just
got out here. What about you?” I asked.

“I got here early. My mom was
freaking out and shit for me to get here.” He shrugged. “I did what she wanted
or else she probably would’ve tried to drive me here herself. Last thing I need
is eight damn hours in the car with her.”

I laughed, “I hear you. How’s it look
so far? I didn’t get a chance to check anything out. I figured I would hold out
until tomorrow or something I’m drained from driving from Virginia.”

He nodded then watched me for a
second. I knew that look, he was thinking considering his words. One of the
things I liked most about Ted is that he didn’t talk just because he had lips,
but the wariness on his face was a bit alarming. I lifted my eyebrows in
question and he sighed.

“I saw Lucy. She was looking around
lost and shit and I helped carry her boxes up to her room...” He told me.

My heartbeat picked up at the mention
of her but I tried to contain it. “Oh.” Was all I said.

“Ok, what’s going on here? She
mentioned that you guys weren’t talking to her or something. I was wondering
why she was there alone with all that shit to begin with.” He confessed.

I sighed, “She fucked up bad then she
fucking ditched us, ran for the hills. So we’re done.”

He nodded, he didn’t need details. “Alright,
but I didn’t really explore much I can walk around with you tomorrow though?”
he offered.

I nodded, “for sure.” I lay back down
while I listened to him move around the room.

I tried to take my mind off of her
but it seemed impossible so I caved. “Where’s her room? You met her roommate?”
I asked.

His head swung to me and he had a
barely there smile lingering on his face. “She’s in the Karma Hall, fourth
floor in room 412. I saw her roommate briefly they seemed to hit it off.” He
told me, I nodded and kept quiet. That would have to do for now.

I hit up Nick to make sure he got
here and was all settled. I told him that I was rooming with Ted, and we were
going to head out on the grounds tomorrow. He agreed to join us but rushed me
off the phone so he could facetime Mel. At least someone was trying to work on
their relationships. When I clicked off I stared at my screensaver. It was a
picture of me and Lucy kissing in Paris, one of my favorites. I scrolled
through my pictures seeing that most of my gallery was made up with her face
and I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of any of them. My finger hovered over
the option to change my screensaver, I considered putting Max but I couldn’t do
it. She’s held this spot since I snuck my first picture of her that day when
she was cooking spaghetti.

NICK

I punched the video icon by Mel’s
name in my phone and hit send. I sat impatiently while I waited for her to
answer and she finally did on the third ring. When red hair and beautiful grey
eyes filled my screen I scowled.

“What the hell took you so long to
answer?” I barked.

She rolled her eyes, “Hi to you too
Nick.”

I smiled, “Hey sweet cheeks. How are
things? Are you settled in yet?” I asked.

She gave me a bright smile and
nodded, “things are fine. Thankfully Erica helped me so it wasn’t bad at all.
How about you? I’m surprised you did the drive.”

I sighed, “never a fucking gain. Next
time I’m renting a helicopter or something. Then to make it even worse I had no
one to pick on.” I pouted, “I miss you babe.” I admitted.

Her eyes warmed and I felt my heart
skip a beat, “I miss you too. It’s not the same without you. I have no one to
drive me crazy, it’s kind of boring.”

“Well you run right? Run that ass
over here tonight and you can cuddle with all of this.” I told her.

She rolled her eyes again. One day
I’m going to poke those shits out of her head if she keeps it up. “Right, you
wait on that Nick.”

“I’m going to pretend you weren’t
being sarcastic.” I hesitated for a minute before I asked, “you speak to Lucy?”

She sobered, “yea she called. She
said Ted helped her get her stuff to her room and she likes her roommate. I
think her name was Naiyla or something, but they hung out.”

I nodded, “I wish things would go
back to normal. Landon is fucking miserable and I’m starting to lose any hope
that they’re going to get through this. They’re both stubborn, and you know I
love Lucy and I know she’s your best friend… but this time I blame her.” I
admitted.

She sighed, “I know I get it. We
tried to talk her into involving him but she was adamant. I know she truly
believes she did what was best otherwise I wouldn’t have supported her. But
she’s my best friend. I know he’s pissed at us but well… she needed support.
She was scared shitless.”

I nodded. “Ok enough with the sad
talk. Strip for me so I can have something to think about in my shower.”

“On that note, I’ll say goodnight and
I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Google a picture.” She told me with a laugh. We said
our goodbyes and hung up. I honestly couldn’t wait until I’ll be able to see
her again.

Landon

We got through orientation week and
all the beginning of the semester crap. The first month of school is football
boot camp full of extensive workouts. The coaches make us run a bunch of
different plays filling different positions trying to weed out the strongest
players and where they fit best. I bust my ass, I needed this. Also, it helped
get my mind off Lucy. Classes and football kept me occupied, but whenever I had
time to myself my mind was on Lucy wondering what she was doing, where she was,
if she would ever come to me, it was exhausting and fucking depressing. I know
Nick was worried about me but there was nothing we could do. I would either
have to eventually get over us or have her. At night, I can smell her hair and
her natural coconut scent. I could feel her curves lying next to me. I could
even feel her breaths on my neck or chest as she slept with me. I was having
thoughts of waking up to see her beautiful hazel eyes and wild curly hair. She
truly looked like an exotic angel. She was sexy and soft and natural and just…
everything. I missed her like all hell, but I refuse to bend on my decision.

We finally reached the end of boot
camp and it was time for final evaluations for spots on the team. I was nervous
as fuck because I knew I wouldn’t be happy riding the bench. When I went out on
the field I gave it everything I had. I imagined Nick, Mel, dad, Max, Erica…
even Sam and James and Mel’s parents, most importantly Lucy there cheering me
on expecting me to make them proud. I ended up securing a starting position as
the wide receiver. When they made the announcements it wasn’t what I had
expected. I didn’t get that ecstatic feeling that I should’ve had… it didn’t feel
fulfilling. I sent out a mass text to everyone with the news when I got back to
the room and even after the congratulatory calls and texts I still wasn’t
feeling it and I knew it was because the one person I wanted to celebrate with
I couldn’t. There was a fraternity having a party tonight trying to encourage
new pledges. Everyone has been talking about it and the team wanted to go to
celebrate the end of boot camp which they referred to as the new hell. I
decided to go just so that I can try to get out of my own head. I showered and
got ready and waited in the room with Ted for Nick to meet us since we decided
earlier we would go together.

When we arrived the place was a total
zoo. This was my type of party, exactly what I needed. Hopefully I could find
me a girl here just so I can get off tonight. It’s been a fucking while and
that might be why I’m strung so fucking tight there is no way that Lucy is the
cause of everything I’ve been feeling and going through. As we walked up to the
house I began feeling like my old self. Word had gotten around about Nick and I
and well I’d be lying if I said the girls hadn’t taken notice. As we walked
through, they were watching with those infamous come hither looks. I took note
of some of the girls but now wasn’t the time I needed a few drinks and to
relax. We headed inside the party and it was packed. The music was blaring and
people were everywhere. They were handing out drinks, but I’m still conscious
about that. Ever since that night that bitch Delilah slipped me the date rape
drug just to breakup me and Lucy, I never take or leave a drink around people I
don’t trust and the list of people I trust is pretty fucking short. We made our
way to the kitchen and took a few shots before pouring drinks and scouring the
place. We found other guys from the team in a section of the house and joined
them. Nick grabbed a chair and I leaned back against the wall getting
comfortable taking in my surroundings.

We were there talking and laughing
for a few when Ted nudged me. I looked over and he nodded to a pretty brown skin
girl a few feet away, “that’s Lucy’s roommate.” He told me. I looked at her
closer trying to get a feel of her. This chick
was
basically living with
my girl. Fuck Landon. She is not your girl anymore fucking get it through your
head. I growled in frustration and left to get another drink. When I was making
my way back I saw some black blue curls close up ahead. My heartbeat started to
race. That had to be Lucy no one else looked like her. I tried to get closer to
get a better look but by the time I pushed my way through the crowd to get
there the girl was gone. I blew out a breath in frustration. I made it back to my
spot and there were a bunch of girls over there now. I saw a girl saunter up to
Nick and shook my head. She didn’t have a snowballs chance. His headshake
proved me right. The girl pouted and retreated while I made my way to Nick’s
side and started up a conversation with him. There was a tap on my shoulder and
I turned.

“You’re Landon right?” she asked.

I stared at her, she was Lucy’s
roommate. Had she sent her to me? “Yes.”

“Oh, I heard a lot about you. I’m
Naiyla by the way so you’re like the next big thing in football supposedly is
that right?” she asked.

I frowned. I knew a come-on when I
heard one and this was definitely it. It dawned on me then that she came on her
own. Did Lucy know and was ok with this? That instantly pissed me off. “Depends
who you ask, what’s it to you?” I asked her and gave her a cocky smile.

She smiled back and gave me a
flirtatious look. “I’m just curious. But I’m more curious on other… things.”
She said.

My eyebrows rose, “Like?” I prodded.

She shrugged, “Dinner… a movie
maybe?” she asked.

Nick coughed and I looked down. He
was staring in his cup but was wearing a scowl. His cup was half full so I
could only assume he was reacting to this conversation. I don’t even think he
knows this is Lucy’s roommate. “You’re asking me out?” I asked her.

She shrugged and then nodded. “What
the hell. Sure why not. You want to go out with me? Say… Saturday?” she asked.

I’ve got to give it to her the girl
had balls. “Sure, when you picking me up?” I asked.

She laughed and threw her hands on
her hips, “well I’ll take you out but I still expect a gentleman. You can still
pick me up and provide the ride.”

I skimmed her body up and down. She
was good looking, really good looking. But she didn’t do anything for me. Back
in the day a hot chick like this and knowing I could get her in my room would
make my cock twitch. Right now he’s fucking sleeping I don’t even feel an ounce
of excitement. “Alright, I guess I can do that much. Give me your phone and
I’ll put in my number. You text me when and where and I’ll be there how’s
that?” I offered.

She nodded and I took her phone to
put in my number. When she asked for mine to swap I clammed up. Normally it
wouldn’t bother me, but I knew that she’d see Lucy as my screensaver. I’m not
sure what Lucy told her but I’ll play this fucking game of hers shame on her if
I end up getting laid out of this. Naiyla walked away with a smile. Nick
cleared his throat and I looked at him. His eyebrows were at his hairline.

“What?” I asked him.

“Really?” was all he said and I knew
everything he meant in that word.

I shrugged, “she told her roommate I
was fair game so fuck this.”

His mouth dropped open, “that was her
roommate?” he asked.

I nodded, “and I saw Lucy here. So
what the fuck is the reason to hold back now?” I asked. He shook his head and
sighed but he didn’t respond.

We were approached by quite a few
more girls that night but I was too pissed to care. All I wanted to do was
drink. She was really over us how fucking dare she! She’s lucky, so fucking
lucky that I’m trying here. This is not in my nature to hold back and I’m about
ready to fucking strangle her ass at this party in front of everyone. She
fucking gets pregnant with
my
kid. All of the shit we went through and
she could pass me off to her fucking roommate? Fucking bitch.

It was about an hour later and I was
drunk when I saw her. This time I
knew
it was her. She was dancing with
Naiyla and she was facing to the side but I could still see her face clearly.
My hands clenched and the liquor in my cup spilled out from me crushing the
cup. I dropped it and started to move forward when a hand grabbed me. I swung
around to find Nick.

He shook his head, “Dude. No. Not
like this, and not right now.”

I growled and his grip tightened. I
let out a frustrated sigh and dropped my head in defeat. This girl was making
me fucking crazy seriously. I looked up and caught Dylan’s eyes; he was one of
the guys on the team. He was watching confused and at the same time curious.
His gaze swung to Lucy then back at me and then he relaxed against the wall and
continued his conversation. I was too drunk for this shit. I turned to Nick.

“I’m leaving I can’t deal with this.”
Was all I said and he understood. He nodded and tapped Ted with his responding nod
they both stood and we made our way out of the party to our rooms. I was
thankful for all of the liquor I consumed because it helped me fall out right
away and Lucy for once was a distant memory.

I was lying down in bed staring at my
phone. Naiyla texted me last night and asked that I pick her up at 7 tonight to
go out. I wanted to say no, I still fucking do but I’m going through with this.
This girl is driving me out of my goddamn mind. I sighed and got up to get
ready. I decided to wear a black t-shirt that Lucy bought for me. She loved me
in black and it fit me tight enough to showcase my chest. She was crazy about
that shit, and I would wear stuff like this on purpose just to make her hot.
Shit, her being turned on was a turn on for me. It drove me crazy when she
would check me out, most of the time it seems like an instinctual thing. I
threw on some jeans and sneakers and grabbed my leather and headed over to
their dorm.

When I got there I hesitated. I
really didn’t want to fucking go out with this girl. The thing about me is that
I don’t do dates or the getting to know you shit. All I need to know is if
you’re clean and if you’re down. I was using a rubber regardless but I still
want to make sure your shit is right. Lucy is the only exception. I liked going
out with her, showing her off. The girl drove me crazy for years. When we were
kids, loving her was simple. She was beautiful and she was mine but as we got
older that shit changed… when she came into school in the 7
^th
grade
she already had chest and ass and all the boys were looking at her. That pissed
me off, and I’m not going to lie I didn’t want anyone else to have her. Ever.
Even when I was being an asshole, in my head she was mine. Little did she know
I didn’t always approve of the extents of some of the shit the other people did
to her. Sure I said she was fair game, but that was just so people would keep
their distance. When they took it too far I caught up with their asses. Like
that time when I freaked the fuck out because she was going to kiss that
bastard Kenneth. I was ready to break his fucking face. If she would’ve kissed
him I would had ripped her lips off. I heard how that dick Paul tripped her
after the incident and said some shit about him wanting her on her knees.
Needless to say, I caught his ass going to his car after school and punched him
in the mouth. I doubt he came out his face like that again. When they
questioned me about it, I shrugged because I didn’t need to explain myself. The
thing is I’m pretty sure everyone knew I had a thing for her with all the
fucking attention I gave her. I didn’t give the girl I was fucking that day
even a quarter of it. But no one dared say anything about it, and I knew that’s
why they also didn’t try hooking up with her or anything. I don’t play with
what’s mine and she had my name stamped all over her and she didn’t even know
it.

I stared at the door and shrugged.
Fuck it, now or never right? I stood there for about a minute before the door
swung open. I clenched my jaw and my dick twitched the fucking traitor. Lucy
stood standing in the doorway in some sleep shorts and a tank showcasing all
her tan looking skin. I balled my hands into fists to fight the urge to reach
out to touch her. Her eyes widened when she saw me. She let her gaze trail over
me slowly and I could see the flush creeping up her neck. Fuck I didn’t need
this, she was getting hot looking at me and my cock was responding. I was
having a hard enough time as it was looking at her. I cleared my throat and
lifted my eyebrow.

“Landon?” she breathed out. God I
missed her fucking voice. “Wh… what are you doing here?” she asked.

I smirked, “looking for Naiyla.” I
told her and studied her for her reaction. Boy did I get one. Her mouth dropped
open and she stared in shock. Hmm, so it would seem she wasn’t aware of this.
I’m not going to lie to myself and say that didn’t make me real fucking happy.
She seemed to gather herself after a minute and stepped back to let me in. she
kept her eyes on me as I walked into their living room area and looked around.
I saw a door opened to my left and knew it was Lucy’s room. I could see a bit
of her painting equipment put up to the side. I could see colors on the page
and I had to fight the urge to go look. I don’t like this shit. I usually take
or do what I want and this holding back is not something I’m used to. I don’t
see how people could constantly live their lives this way. I looked back at
Lucy and she was standing in the same spot pale as a ghost. I watched her
waiting and I’m not sure exactly what for but
anything
. Hit me, kick me
out, kiss me, fucking acknowledge me.