Olive's P.O.V.
Leo kept me on his lap, unwilling to relinquish me. He buried his head into my neck, almost tickling me every time he breathed out. I felt goosebumps start to erupt down my body when his lips lightly grazed over my collarbone. His nose rubbed against my neck as he continued to place small kisses on my skin. Something inside my stomach twisted, and not in a good way.
"I am so sorry you have to go through all this, Liv." Leo kept his voice low as he spoke.
"It's not your fault."
"Still."
He kissed my neck this time, and although it made my body react with goosebumps. I knew I needed to talk to him. I needed to set this straight. I know mom said that dating more than one guy is okay as long as neither of them have asked me to be exclusive. In this case, they've actually asked me to date them both. I agreed, but after yesterday I don't think I can go through with it.
Leo is sweet and respectful. He is kind and beautiful, and I would hate to hurt him. I just know that this isn't what I want. I don't want to come between him and Lucas. This needs to stop before it goes any further. Before Leo gets hurt. He's already been through so much. I know he's not going to like it, and I may even lose him as my friend, but I need to set this straight.
"Leo, please stop. We need to talk," I said, finally finding the words.
He sighed, pulling away from my neck to look at me. He let me go, allowing me to take a seat beside him on the couch. I sat sideways so that I could look at him better. He did the same, with a raised brow. I swallowed down my nerves, trying to find the right words to say. I want to tell him how I feel without hurting him.
"I know I agreed that I would date you both for 6 months before making a decision, but Leo, I don't think I can." I looked into his deep eyes, trying to gauge how he was feeling before continuing. "I can't date you both. I refuse to come between you two. You guys are like brothers, and you may think you like me Leo, but I get the sense that you think of me as this innocent girl."
"Liv," he sighed.
"Hold on, let me finish. You're an amazing guy, Leo. I mean that! You're caring and sweet, but also tough and endearing. I want to be your friend, more than anything, but I understand if that's not something you want. If I would have met you first, I would have given you a better chance. This isn't entirely about Lucas. I am just realizing that I'm not the kind of girl that can date two guys. I am not comfortable with the idea, nor do I want to force myself to be."
"I can't say I am happy about it, but I understand, Liv. I figured this conversation would be coming soon. My hope was to at least get one more date with you to prove that I could be that guy for you," I saw him pick at his lip piercing with tongue as he got quiet.
"I'm sorry, Leo." I sighed. I felt bad, guilty even. I didn't want to make him sad.
"You don't need to be sorry. Thank you for being honest with me. I'm not heart broken, but I'm certainly crushed. I guess that's why they call it a crush," he let out a strained laugh.
"Are we going to be okay?" I couldn't help but ask. I don't want to lose Leo as a friend.
"Yeah, you may have to give me a little while to get over you, but I am not going anywhere. You need your friends, and I get the feeling you don't have very many." He poked my forehead, teasingly. I rubbed it while smiling at him.
"Thank you, Leo. For understanding, and for still willing to be friends," I said with a kind smile. He just nodded, turning his body back to face the tv.
We watched some funny movies, to try and relieve some of the awkward tension around us. I texted Hailey, asking her to come back. I let her know that I rejected Leo, and that he could probably use a break from me. She never responded, but the rhythmic knock on the door let me know she was here.
"I'm here to relieve you of your duties, Leo. You're free to go. I've got it from here." Hailey said proudly as she pulled Leo off the couch, practically pushing him out of the door.
"Perfect timing. I actually have a business meeting I need to get to. Text me if you need me, Liv. I mean that." His eyes fell on me seriously.
All I could do was nod my head at him. Hailey closed the door behind him, turning her burning gaze at me. I could see her curiosity bubbling to the surface. She wanted details, and she wanted them now. I patted the couch beside me, inviting her to sit. She responded with an excited squeal as she jumped over the couch, landing next to me softly.
"Okay, spill. What happened? When I left you two looked cozy as hell," she asked with a nudge of her elbow against my own.
"I couldn't do it, Hails. I am not that kind of girl, the one that can date more than one person. I like them both, but I like Lucas more. He opened up so much to me last night, Hailey. I don't want to hurt him, and most of all, I don't want to come between them. They have a friendship like ours, actually, probably deeper than ours. They're like brothers. I won't be the downfall of their friendship."
"Oh, Livie. I am glad you realized you like Lucas so much. It really seems like he likes you too. So, are you going to give him a fighting chance?"
Her question hung in the air for a few minutes as I thought about it. I am still scared of getting hurt. I've only ever had one boyfriend, and that was the cheating asshole. I'm all kinds of insecure. I still have a hard time believing that Lucas actually wants me in that way. I am scared that as he gets to know me better, he'll realize that he actually doesn't want me.
"I am going to let things take their course. If he still wants me after getting to know me better, then yes, I'll give him a chance." I fidgeted with my fingers as I answered, a nervous energy brewing in me.
Hailey squealed excitedly, pulling in for a tight hug. I winced as she accidentally hurt me, causing her to quickly let go with an apology. She handed me my medicine, and curled up next to me on the couch. Hailey was definitely this big sister I never had. It made me imagine what it would have been like to have a sister growing up. I probably wouldn't have felt so lonely, having someone to share my trauma with. At the same time, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
My phone vibrated beside me, surprising me with a text from Leo.