Down the Rabbit Hole (Stuck On You)

Chapter 30: Stay Away

towards

them.

After pacing around my hotel room for about an hour, I decided that surfing would get my mind off of things. I got into my swimsuit and wetsuit and started walking to the beach. I rented a board and headed out onto the waves. I was right. It did calm me down. Getting out of the water was a different story. Luca, Quinn, Lana, Jason, and Hayden were on the beach. They looked like they were having a great time. I sighed before I set the board in the sand and pulled down my wetsuit halfway. I picked the board back up and started walking "Hey, Jobear!" Jason smiled. I laughed and rolled my eyes.

"Never call me that again, Jason," I said, shaking my head. Hayden's face went to one of remorse and hope. He stopped what he was doing and stepped towards me. "Jo," he said lightly. I avoided his eyes. Jason looked between the two of us.

"Just kiss and make up already," Jason said in an exaggerated manner. Lana and Luca looked over to us curiously. I looked around before I shook my head hesitantly.

"Let's go talk," Hayden suggested. I sighed and started walking. He jogged up and started walking with me. I turned in the board and pulled off my wet suit. "Jo, I know I was wrong, and I'm going to be here waiting for you," Hayden said. I sighed and looked away from him. "It's hard to stay away from you; you have to know that. But I need time to think without you around. My love for you clouds my judgment. And the fact is: you cheated on me. I don't take that lightly," I said. He begged me quietly with his eyes. Every time we talked, my answer wavered a little more.

"Marry me," he said suddenly. I looked at him shocked.

"What?" I asked. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly.

"Marry me," he repeated. I shook my head.

"Hayden! We have so many issues right now and we're not even together. Marrying me won't change anything. And I don't want to get married just because you're desperate," I said. He looked away from me as a heat crept into his cheeks.

want to be with you, Jo," he said softly. I hesitated before I pushed up on my tip-toes and kissed him. My hand went to his cheek lightly. His hand went to my waist as he kissed me back. After

The problem is that you hurt me. You intentionally hurt me. I love you, and I want to be with

away from you like this," he whispered. "Come over," he asked. I shook my head before he made me look at him. His eyes begged me. I

as he interlocked his fingers with mine. I changed into a change of clothes before I went with him. Back at the apartment, I was a little nostalgic. I missed being here. And even though I'd only been gone for a few days, I was getting homesick. Hayden wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. I couldn't

why I came here," I said, stopping him. He rested his forehead against mine, making it nearly impossible for me to

in every way," he said in a whisper. I couldn't help it; my breath caught. His electric blue eyes held

He really did miss me. "I don't know how long I can handle being without you," he whispered as he kissed me. He laid me down on the couch and gripped my waist. "Please come home," he begged as he kissed my neck. He slipped off my shirt before he attached his lips back to my neck. Having him here with me reminded me that I missed him too. I missed his touch and his lips. I couldn't

pushed my hair back. I closed my eyes

tear. I shook my head before I stood up and took a step

someone else not too long ago. I can't deal with that," I cried

messed up. I know that. Please just forgive me, Jo," he said softly. I shook

in my hotel room and just cried. I missed him but I couldn't forget what he did; as much as I wanted to. I avoided rehearsals all that week. I talked to my dad often but I didn't mention everything that was going on with Hayden. Finally when Monday rolled around, I came out of my hotel. I went looking around town and found that a restaurant, close to the apartments and the hotel, was hiring. I needed a job anyway so I went ahead

smile before I started stretching. Hayden just stared at me the whole time. I noticed a cluster of mats off to the side. It made me curious. What in the world was Luca up to? Luca clapped his hands in front of him and looked to everyone. "We have two new dancers joining out crew; Kendra and Bradley,"

fresh

Sophia," Quinn laughed. I laughed as

to

the tricks we're going to be pulling. Kendra, you'll be with Jason; Lana with me, Jo with Bradley, and

started to

is going to be better for everyone," Luca said. Quinn and Lana looked at me while Jason and Luca looked at Hayden. I looked down at my hands as an awkward silence fell over the space. "Well let's

on simple lifts and partner work first. We need