End of the Line | Part 1

by Levi, Casey

  Casey Levi

  End of the Line

  Copyright © 2020 by Casey Levi

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

  This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

  Casey Levi asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

  Casey Levi has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

  First edition

  This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

  Find out more at reedsy.com

  Contents

  Acknowledgement

  1. Chapter One

  2. Chapter Two

  3. Chapter Three

  4. Chapter Four

  5. Chapter Five

  6. Chapter Six

  7. Chapter Seven

  8. Chapter Eight

  9. Chapter Nine

  10. Chapter Ten

  11. Chapter Eleven

  12. Chapter Twelve

  13. Chapter Thirteen

  14. Chapter Fourteen

  15. Chapter Fifteen

  16. Chapter Sixteen

  17. Chapter Seventeen

  18. Chapter Eighteen

  19. Chapter Nineteen

  20. Chapter Twenty

  21. Chapter Twenty-One

  22. Chapter Twenty-Two

  23. Chapter Twenty-Three

  24. Chapter Twenty-Four

  25. Chapter Twenty-Five

  Acknowledgement

  I would like to thank the ones who have been here since the beginning of writing. My cousin Nessa who read through long text messages of my first draft, to the final. My old boss Gayle who would take a break with me in the mornings as I read each new chapter; even the bashful ones. And last but not least, one of my best friends, Amber, who has read multiple of my books and makes jokingly remarks about putting her in a story. I appreciate you guys so much, so thank you.

  1

  Chapter One

  Kristen stood in the doorway of her apartment, looking around the small space one last time. The old furnishings that had been covered with a single white sheet made her apartment appear as though it were empty. The small place had been somewhere that she could call home over the past two years, with its oversized living room windows that looked out over Campus Lane and the open floor plan that illuminated with light each morning. The white walls had been freshly painted and the carpets cleaned. She knew that she would miss the small one bed one bath apartment. It hadn’t been much, but it was hers and all that she had worked for. Breathing out a deep sigh, she picked up her duffle bag, pulled the strap over her shoulder, and closed the door.

  The four years that she had been away from home had never prepared her for what was to come. Graduating college; moving halfway across the country and leaving her best friend behind. The thought of leaving for the summer overwhelmed her. She knew that she should be excited, but it would be the first time she would be on her own in a new place, let alone a new country. When her professor offered her the intern job she hadn’t even hesitated. Designing was something that she had always wanted to do, something that she had always been good at. So how could she have said no? This was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it was Europe.

  Rounding the corner to the last flight of stairs, she made her way onto the stone walkway with a little bounce in her step. Figuring everything out was not going to happen overnight and she was not going to let it overturn her mood for the trip. The feeling to skip the rest of the way to the jeep parked out front her apartment building was tempting, but knowing her clumsy self, she decided against it.

  As she neared the Jeep, her best friend, Julie was sitting laid back in the driver’s seat, feet propped out the window and a cigarette in her hand. “It’s about time Kris. I was getting tempted to leave you.”

  “Ha. Funny; you wouldn’t leave me, and you know it.” She said as she tossed her bag in the back of the jeep before climbing into the passenger seat. “Besides, this is our last trip together for the summer.”

  “And as exciting as that is, I still can’t believe you’re leaving me to go to Europe in a few weeks.” Julie tossed back as she sat up in her seat.

  “Oh, come on Jules. You know we’ll still talk, like, every day.” She nudged her best friend as she pulled her sunglasses down from the top of her head.

  “With your internship, and not to mention all those hot yummy European men; when will you have the time?” Julie winked at her and started up the jeep.

  Kristen laughed at her enthusiasm as they pulled out of the apartment complex. To her, Julie had always been a bit dramatic about everything that went on in her life, but her carefree wild child personality made up for it.

  Thoughts of her upcoming trip had stirred mixed emotions within her; dread, uneasiness, delight, encouragement, but most of all longing. Going across the country was out of her comfort zone and being amongst thousandths of unfamiliar faces-built anxiety in her chest. It was not like she could not make choices on her own or be off by herself, but not having her best friend there with her to share a new adventure, a new chapter in her life felt wrong. She hoped that being away would not create a space too big that they became distant strangers.

  Leaning her head back against the seat, she lifted her face towards the sun. The warmth of it kissed her porcelain skin and the wind whipped her long curls around her face. She stuck her arm out the window; the cool breeze of the early morning California air slipped through her splayed fingers. It was going to be a beautiful day and she could not wait to get out on the open highway.

  “Earth to Kristen.” Kristen blinked the thoughts away as Julie waved a hand in front of her face.

  “Sorry. What did you say?”

  Julie huffed out a breath of annoyance. “I said, we are picking up Aran and Reed, then meeting Bodie and Mairland at the gas station.”

  “What? I thought Reed was riding with Bodie?” Kristen shot straight up in her seat.

  “Well…” Julie’s voice trailed off.

  “Julie what did you do?”

  “Kris don’t be mad. I know it will be fun. Besides, you two need to quit avoiding each other. It’s obvious those feeling still linger between the two of you.” Julie raised a knowing eyebrow at her.

  Kristen breathed in a deep breath, then blew it out. Her mind raced back and forth with thoughts of him. Reed drove her crazy, and not in a bad way. She still tried to deny the fact that she had feelings for him. But after that night six months ago, the hole in her heart would say different.

  “Kris are you mad at me?” Julie slid a sideways glance before focusing on the road.

  She breathed an exaggerated sigh. “No, but don’t expect anything to happen between us.”

  Julie gave her an unimpressed look but did not press her any further. “If you say so.”

  Julie swerved her jeep around the final corner to Aran’s place. She pulled into the long driveway of the two-story brick townhouse, slamming on the brakes, she threw the jeep into park and hopped out of the driver’s seat.

  Kristen sat back with mild whiplash. She rubbed the back of her neck as she watched Julie jump into Aran’s a
rms. The man was gorgeous. He had a tall figure of six-two, lean waist, and short light brown hair that reminded Kristen of honey. His eyes were a striking sky-blue that she had ever seen.

  She snorted a laugh thinking about the rumor that had been going around campus for a while now. Aran was so good looking that a girl fell off the treadmill at the gym staring at him, but that was just rumor.

  “Get a room!” Kristen yelled as she opened her door and climbed out.

  “Hey Kris.” Aran flashed her a boyish grin.

  “Hey.” She called over her shoulder as she walked to the back of the jeep.

  “Are you ready for the weekend of your life?” Aran asked, wrapping his arms around Julie’s waist.

  She thought about his question for a moment. She knew that this would be the last time she would be with her friends for a while and that she planned to have the time of her life. But the thought of Reed made her heart sink to her stomach.

  “Sure. Who doesn’t love a drunken weekend alone?” She finally answered his question with as much sarcasm as she could muster.

  Aran quirked his eyebrow at her. “What? No hot steamy sex with Reed? Owe! What was that for?”

  “Aran you’re an idiot.” Julie put her hands on her hips, glaring at him.

  “They won’t be able to deny their feelings with a few drinks in them. I’m just stating the truth baby.” Aran mischievously grinned at the two of them, then turned around to walk into the house.

  Julie shook her head in disbelief. “Don’t listen to him Kris. He’s an idiot with a big mouth.”

  “Oh, trust me, I never do.”

  Kristen opened the tailgate and began moving the bags around to make more room for the guys’ luggage. She reached down to grab her duffle bag off the ground but bumped into something with her butt. Jumping upright, she turned around and sucked in a hard breath. Reed looked down at her with a hint of curiosity in his deep, rich, blue eyes. His midnight hair fell lazily across his forehead and the dark growth on his chin and jawline made him look incredibly sexy.

  With his tall frame towering over her, she shifted uncomfortably and turned to leave. “Kristen wait,” Reed grabbed a hold of her hand and she paused for a second before turning to face him. “Do I at least get a hi?”

  “Hey.” She managed to choke out. Memories of that night began to surface, and she had to fight to push them back down. She was not going to let him or the memories of that night ruin her weekend. But as she walked away from him, she could feel the stinging pain in her eyes as tears pooled up. She could not stomach the thought of him seeing her cry, so she hurried into the house.

  ***

  Six Months Ago

  Reed leaned his shoulder against the cool wall, tipping back his beer. He scanned the room, his eyes falling on Kristen as she and Julie walked through the front door. He eyed her from the rim of his beer as the two of them pushed their way through the drunken crowds and headed to the corner of the living room. Even though he remained calm, he could feel his stomach twisting in knots.

  He chugged the rest of his beer, then pushed off from the wall to refill his cup. He grabbed an extra one and then turned to face the room to search for her. The room had become more packed than it had been an hour ago and the music was so loud that it vibrated through the floorboards. He pushed his way through the crowds of people and laughed as he passed some guy busting a move to ‘Beat it, by Michael Jackson.’

  Kristen and Julie were in the back corner talking with a group of people. He could not help but notice how beautiful Kristen looked. Her fiery red hair flowed down her back in a mass wave of curls, and the blue and gold dress she was wearing hugged her curves.

  “Hey Reed.” Julie greeted him through the group of people as he approached them.

  “Hey.” He acknowledged with a lift of his chin.

  He looked down at Kristen- who was saying goodbye to one of the girls in the group she and Julie had been talking to. A mischievous grin crossing his face as he looked at her dress again. It left little to the imagination.

  “Have you seen Aran?” Julie asked, taking his attention away from Kristen and that sinful dress of hers.

  “He should be here soon.” Taking a sip of his drink, he turned to Kristen and handed her the other cup he had been holding.

  “Thanks.” She smiled a shy smile at him as she took the drink from his hand.

  He stared in amazement as she almost chugged the whole drink down. “Long day?”

  Choking up on her drink, she wiped at her mouth with the back of her hand. Reed had to bite down on the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning.

  “Yeah, something like that.” She finally answered.

  Reed lifted his cup to hers. “Well drink up and soon you’ll forget about your long day.” He tapped the ridge of his cup with hers, then took a drink of his beer.

  Aran snuck up and grabbed Julie around the waist in surprise and carried her off to the dance floor as a slow song came on. Reed and Kristen stood there alone; the silence grew between them. He felt like his nerves were on edge. Kristen did things to him that no other woman had ever done before, and he was not sure if he liked her having such a powerful effect on him.

  “Do you want to dance?”

  Reed almost choked on his drink. He looked down at Kristen in surprise. “Shouldn’t I be the one asking you?”

  Kristen let out a giggle, causing the one dimple in her right cheek to deepen. “Okay… ask me if I would like to dance.”

  He cleared his throat and pinned her with a serious expression. “Kristen, would you like to dance with me?”

  “Yes!” She beamed.

  Taking her drink from her hand, he set both of their drinks down on a nearby table and turned back to face her. Grabbing a hold of her hand, he pulled her body into his. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her hips. He leaned down, brushing his lips against her neck as his hands ran up her back and pulled her closer to him. Taking a deep breath, he could smell the scent of strawberries in her hair, and it was intoxicating.

  “Can we go somewhere and talk?” He breathed out as he brushed his lips against her ear.

  “Yeah.”

  He pulled away from her but took her hand in his and led her towards the back of the house. Once they were outside, he noticed no one had made their way back there yet, and the knots in his stomach began to twist even tighter. Kristen let go of his hand and sat down on the porch swing. She patted the spot next to her and smiled at him- causing her dimple to deepen again. He walked over to her with lengthy strides and sat down taking her hand in his again and interlocking their fingers.

  “Kristen,” He paused to search her eyes. “There’s something between us. Don’t you think?”

  “I believe I do.” She agreed, sliding closer to him.

  “It’s just that…” His voice trailed off as he stared at her perfect full lips.

  “Yes?” She pressed.

  Still staring at her lips, Reed leaned in closer to her. “It’s just that when I’m with you…”

  Her tongue slid out of her mouth and licked her bottom lip. She leaned in closer to him, and Reed could almost feel their lips touch. Her breath was warm and caressed his skin. He inhaled a nervous breath.

  “I know it might sound crazy, but I-”

  Kristen cut him off by pressing her lips against his. His breath caught in his throat and he had to fight not to lose control, but just the feeling of her lips on his had him losing it. He ran his fingers through her hair, gripping at her roots to pull her in for a deeper kiss. Reed loved the way their lips moved together, and she opened her mouth, inviting him in. He slid his tongue into her mouth to explore her more, but the loud bang of the backdoor slamming shut had them jumping apart.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Was I interrupting something?”

  They both looked over as Mairland stumbled out of the house. Her drink sloshed over the side of her cup, she let out a giggle. Reed raised an eyebrow as he eyed the outfit
she had on. Her red shirt cut dangerously low that her black lace bra was showing. As she walked towards the railing of the porch and lit up a cigarette. Reed had to shift himself in his seat as he noticed her black and red plaid skirt riding high.

  “So, what are you two up to?” Mairland casually leaned against the railing, causing her skirt to inch up even more.

  “We were just talking.” Kristen let go of his hand. He could see that Mairland was making her uncomfortable and he did not like it.

  “Mairland do you think that you can go smoke somewhere else? We’re kind of busy.” He tried to keep the irritation out of his voice.

  “I’m just trying to be friendly.” She smiled bleakly at Kristen before taking a long drag off her cigarette.

  “Can you just give us a few minutes?” Reed gritted out.

  “Reed, honey. You take longer than a few minutes.”

  “Mairland,” Reed warned.

  “What? She deserves to know.” Mairland batted her eyelashes innocently at them. She inhaled another drag of her cigarette and tossed it out into the yard.

  Reed froze. He could not believe Mairland would scoop so low. He needed to tell Kristen how he felt about her, and now on top of it, he had to explain a drunken mistake too? Turning in his seat, he searched Kristen’s eyes. He needed her to know that it was a mistake and meant nothing to him, but he could not speak past the lump in his throat as her eyes began to shine.

  “Kristen-”

  Kristen put her hands up to stop him. She stood up from the porch swing. “Reed you don’t need to explain anything to me.” She paused and shook her head. “I just can’t believe how stupid I’ve been. I mean, how could someone like you, really like someone like me?”

  “Oh sweetheart, I didn’t mean to burst your little fantasy bubble. But Reed needs someone with a little more experience.” Mairland taunted Kristen as she pushed off from the railing.

  “Shut up, Mairland.” Reed snapped.

  “I need to go.”

  Kristen turned to leave, but Reed jumped up from the porch swing and caught her by the elbow. “Kristen please, just let me explain.” He pleaded, but she yanked her arm out of his grasp and ran into the house.