Chapter 1

 

 

"I really appreciate this Cass." Lucas flashed Cassidy a grateful smile as he lugged the remainder of his possessions into her garage.

Cassidy felt her insides melting as he smiled down at her. "It's not a problem. My pleasure." It was more than her pleasure as a matter of fact. She was grateful that he was finally done with the conniving witch he'd been engaged to. His story was cliché. He was the all American jock of their high school and captain of the football team, with the head cheerleader for a girlfriend. They got engaged on prom night and now a few years later, it was over. He was the guy all the girls in school daydreamed about with his dark hair worn just a shade too long giving him that dangerously sexy bad-boy look, blue eyes, and a smile that sent every girl's heart fluttering.

Cassidy and Lucas grew up together. They'd been the best of friends until high school. It felt like overnight Lucas had decided he was more into chasing the hot girls in school, instead of hanging out with the tomboy who'd been his childhood best friend and next door neighbour. By the time senior year came around they barely spoke to each other and often times a simple "hi" was the only conversation between them. However, over time Cassidy grew to expect very little from Lucas, after all he was the jock, she was a nerd and as all teenagers know, those two things mixed about as well as oil and water in high school circles.

But, you're not in high school anymore Cass, a voice at the back of her mind consoled her.

Cassidy looked down at the baggy low-rise jeans, Converse All Stars high-top sneakers and Green Lantern t-shirt she was wearing. She imagined that Lucas's ex, Carmen, wouldn't have been caught dead in such an ensemble. But he wasn't with Carmen anymore. Perhaps her materialistic personality made him finally decide it was time to call off the engagement and leave her? However, Cassidy was uncertain as to the reason for their failed relationship, she'd only been speculating. She was confident that when he was ready he'd open up and discuss with her the specifics of the break-up.

"Well, still. I'm sure I'll be a big pain in your ass, especially when you have dates over. Which is cool. I'll find someplace to go when you bring someone home."

Cassidy could have laughed out loud at the thought of bringing a guy to her place. She had two boyfriends in high school. Both boys were part of her "nerd" circle, but she really hadn't been attracted to either of them. She'd only gone out with them because she didn't want to be the only girl to go through high school and not have a boyfriend.

While she was able to hold back the laughter, a wide smile crossed her lips. "Oh, I doubt that will be a problem."

Lucas frowned and eyed her from head to toe. "Why not? You're not seeing anyone?"

Cassidy thought she saw a hint of sympathy in his eyes. Maybe he was remembering high school and how she'd been shunned by the "beautiful people," himself included. Or maybe it was her overactive imagination. Being a fantasy writer she tended to over-think and imagine things.

She shrugged and brushed past him to open the door leading from the garage and walked into the kitchen. "Nope. Not at the moment." She heard him walking behind her and hoped the conversation about her love life would soon be over.