Page 85 of The Casanova Complex

It seems like I blinked, and now he’s a teenager right in front of my eyes.

Hours later, I’m waiting to pull the last pan out of the oven, Mawmaw’s famous cornbread dressing, and scrolling social media while Dad and Elliott watch football in the living room when I get a text.

GOOD BOY: Happy Turkey Day Mer Bear. Eating all the good stuff?

My stomach flutters when I see that ridiculous name on my phone, even though it shouldn’t.

We saw each other last week, but since we’re on Thanksgiving break, we haven’t been on campus, and I’ve been busy with Elliott and work.

I… kind of miss him.

A very small amount.

God, I literally cannot believe I’m even thinking that right now, but it’s true.

The night I submitted my law school app, I guess we both fell asleep watching Jennifer’s Body, and when I woke up, he was wrapped around me like a vine. His thick arm was wrapped tightly around my waist, anchoring me against him, with his legs tangled between mine, plastering every inch of me to his massive body. His face was buried in the crook of my neck, and the feeling of his warm, steady breathing lulled me back to sleep.

I can’t even remember the last time I slept so well.

When I woke up, he was gone, and the sun was already up, shining bright through the curtains.

I found a note on the pillow he slept on.

Had to get to a morning workout and didn’t want to wake you. If you and Elliott want to come to the game tonight, there will be tickets at Will Call. Proud of you Mer Bear. SO fucking proud.

heart B

P.S. You still snore when you sleep and it’s still cute as fuck. winky face

P.P.S. Eat real food today, pls

I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day, and I realized in that moment just how dangerous Bennett Legros is. How easily it is to fall into his orbit and never want to leave.

How easy it would be to find myself wrapped in him the very same way that I was with Blake, and for that reason, I skipped the game.

I know Elliott would have probably had a blast, but somehow, it felt like too much. Too close to something bigger.

I need to keep these walls up to protect myself, and Bennett seems to have the uncanny ability to get too close in a way that scares me.

Sometimes it feels like he sees me, even the things I’m not showing anyone.

I tap the screen and open up his text.

ME: Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving

ME: And… Soon. I’m just waiting for the dressing to finish in the oven, and then we’re going to eat. WBY? Spending time with your family?

GOOD BOY: Nah. I couldn’t travel home because of my hockey schedule, and my Dad’s pulling long shifts to cover the hospital so Mom stayed to make sure he had food and water, you know… so he didn’t starve lol

GOOD BOY: My sister Brie is going to her boyfriends in Washington

GOOD BOY: So it’s just me and my couch, and this remote

He doesn’t get to see his family at all for the holiday?

The thought registers as I glance back at my phone. I tug my lip between my teeth, gnawing at the corner as my thoughts race.

Today’s a day supposed to be spent with your family.