I woke up the next morning feeling very rested. I slept like a rock.
I let out a groan as I rolled over and almost jumped out of my skin when I saw someone else in the bed with me.
I calmed down remembering who it was, but at the same time I also hated that. How could I tell him to leave and at the same time tell him sleep next to me?
Fucking contradicting thoughts.
Then my mind went back to last night, what the hell happened to me? And why did it have to be him?
I shook my head and felt my heart tug as I looked at his back. I buried my face in the pillow, muffling my cursing.
I cannot be feeling like this. Not again.
Taking my head out of the pillow, I stopped to see that he rolled onto his back.
He looked so peaceful. No. Stop. You're not studying him.
Carefully, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed. My feet softly hit the ground and my ribs sting as I pull myself up.
Taking my phone off the nightstand I walk out of the room to make a call. It doesn't take many rings before they pick up.
"Dani! Hi!"
I pull the phone away from her screeching voice, "Hi Bev." I smiled.
"What's up?"
"I need to ask you for a favor..." I trailed off.
"Anything."
"I was hoping that I could stay with you for a few weeks, you know, until my injuries are manageable." I roughly explained.
"What happened to staying at Callum's? I thought-"
"Things got a little complicated. I just need a place to stay for a few, that's all."
"I mean yeah...ok. Do you want to come over today or...?" she asks.
"Yeah today would be great." I said. Preferred actually.
"Ok. I'll see you in a few."
"Ok bye Bev." I said before I kissed the phone and ended the call.
I walked into the kitchen and grabbed an ice pack, wrapped it in a paper towel, and pressed it lightly against my ribs.
I lifted up my shirt a little to see the bruising. I couldn't really describe it but it was fucking ugly.
I went into the living room and looked out the window. It was one of those mornings. The ones where the sky is grey, the snow flurries, the ground is slowly disappearing, and the windows are fogged.
One of those mornings. My favorite.
It took my mind away from everything for just a moment. But a moment I needed.
I snapped out of it when I had to readjust the ice against my skin. Letting out a small breath I layed on the couch and waited for a few more minutes to pass.
I checked my phone when the bag became watery and not very cold. I thought that was enough icing for now so I put it back in the freezer.
On my way back to the living room I saw Cal exit his room. I gave him a smile before walking back to my suitcase.
Changing in the bathroom I got a text from Beverly. I told her to come up and which apartment we were at.
I shoved all my clothes down into my suitcase and zipped it up. "What are you doing?"
I turn around and see Cal hovering over me, "Packing my stuff, what's it look like?" I joke.
"Oh no, no, no, no. You're not leaving." he argues.
"What?"
"Not after what happened. You're staying here." he points to the ground.
"I didn't know there was a dictator in this apartment." I stood up and crossed my arms.
"Dani...I'm serious." he defends.
"So am I."
"I don't want you to be at your dorm. Alone." he vaguely explains.
I sighed and was about to continue when I'm interrupted. "What is going on out here?" Hunter asked in a husky voice.
He stood leaning against the doorway to his room, "And why's your shit packed?" he asked, rubbing his eyes.
Cal gave me a look of agreement before his face dropped and he looked back at Hunter again. "What, when..." He looked between the couch and Hunter.
Oh for fucks sake.
"Cal. I'll be fine, I promise," I try to persuade him. Hearing a knock on the door I smiled. "Plus, who said I was going back to my dorm."
I walked to the door and opened it, "Beverly!"
"Dani!" she embraces me.
"Do you mind talking to blondie over there? I have to do something before we go."
She nods and walks over. I follow behind her in a stare down with Hunter. Pushing him back into his room I closed the door behind me.
"Where are you going?" he crossed his arms.
"I'm staying at Bev's for a while." I leaned against the door.
"Why would you do that?"
"Because I don't think staying here...is a good idea."
"Dani-"
"Hunter." I cut him off. "Listen, I'm sorry for last night. It shouldn't have happened and-"
"But that's not even your fault." he shook his head.
"I-I know but I shouldn't have held your hand-or asked you to stay. I don't know what I was thinking." I look away from him, embarrassed.
"You were scared Dani," he sighed. "I don't understand why you have to go."
I glanced at him again and saw this worried look on his face. "I-I just don't need you two to worry about me. You guys have stuff to do, so I don't want to be a hassle." I explain in a rush.
"You're not a hassle. If it's because of what happened last night it'll never happen again."
I can feel my heart sink into my chest as I take in his words. "Hunter." I shook my head, "It was a mistake and I want to forget about it."
"Dani-"
"It was a mistake. Just forget it ever happened, ok?!" I was starting to freak out. I need to get out of here.
I hated confrontation. Especially when it came to him.
I pushed down on the handle and walked out of the room. Storming over to my suitcase I haul it up ignoring the pain I felt.
"Bev let's go!" I shout over at her.
I pull my suitcase to the door and Bev walks towards me.
"Are you sure you want to go?" Cal asks.
"For the final time. I'll be fine Cal." I smile at him.
"Yeah, I have a spare room ready for her."
"See." I look at Beverly, "I'm in good hands." I smile while opening the door. She rolls out my suitcase as I give another look to a worried Cal.
I walk up to him and give him a hug, "I'm visiting you everyday." he says against my head.
I just laugh and pull away. I glance one last time at Hunter and he looks...upset. I mean yeah, you've been pretty blunt lately.
I give him a small smile before heading out the door. Walking to the car, or limo as I should put it. I couldn't help but feel guilty about this whole thing.
I know it was an impulsive decision but I didn't want to be there anymore. Something about sleeping in the same bed with him was wrong.
God I just need to relax.
We stopped in front of Bev's house-no, her mansion. "You live here?"
She sighs, "Yeah, but I kind of hate it. It's too...well, you'll see."
The driver got out and brought my suitcase up the stairs. Beverly unlocked the door and we walked in.
Holy shit.
This place was massive. And extravagant. Marble floors, corinthian columns, and a grand staircase.
"Woah..." I said in pure awe at the place.
"Welcome to my not so humble abode." she rolls her eyes.
"This place...is amazing." I still couldn't believe she lived here.
Whilst looking around the grand foyer, I heard someone come down the stairs. I turned my head and,
Oh no.
"No fucking way, what is he doing here?" I turned to Beverly.
"Well uhm...you see, he's kinda my cousin." she giggles.
"YOUR WHAT."
"What? Are you not excited to see me?" he said sarcastically putting his hand up to his heart.
"Carter." I shot him a look.
So much for relaxing.
•
•
•
•
•
somehow them being cousins makes sense
also please don't be a silent reader
i base my happiness off your comments and how good the chapter is. so it's helpful to know how you guys feel about EVERYTHING. so pls comment whatever you want :))