Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 99313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
This girl is unbelievable.
I force my lips into a tight smile. Daisy’s going to get it when I get my hands on her tonight. And she’s going to get it good. Not to mention, hard. Goddamn it, I can’t go five minutes without thinking about being inside her.
I’m just about to respond when my phone dings with an incoming message. Thankful for the distraction, I look at my cell.
It’s my mom. The muscles in my stomach tighten into a painful knot. The pizza I just wolfed down threatens to revolt as I bolt up from the table with my half-eaten plate in hand. “I gotta take off.”
I glance at Noah knowing that he’ll understand without me saying anything more. His body tenses and all the previous teasing falls away. He doesn’t ask any questions. Just nods in acknowledgement.
I can’t get into any of this bullshit with Daisy here. She’s the last person I want knowing about my family.
Sensing the abrupt change in atmosphere, Daisy’s brows snap together. “Wait. You’re leaving now?” She gestures toward the TV. “But the game’s not over yet.”
When I remain silent, she moistens her lips and adds, “And it’s tight. We’re only up by three points.”
As much as I would rather stay with her and Noah, that’s not possible. Unable to meet her inquisitive stare, I keep my eyes averted.
“Yeah, sorry. I’ll catch you both later.” I dump my plate in the trash and grab the keys to my car before heading for the door.
Once I’m in the hallway, I stop and lean against the wall, squeezing my eyes shut. Maybe for a while, I was able to pretend all this other bullshit didn’t exist. But it does. And it’s not going anywhere. Whatever this is between Daisy and I needs to end. I can’t risk my friendship with Noah and I sure as shit don’t want her to find out about my family situation.
I don’t need that humiliation.
The best thing I can do at this point is back away.
I’m just not sure if I’m strong enough to pull the plug.
28
DAISY
At a loss, I watch Carter head for the door without a second glance. All within two minutes of receiving a text.
Who the hell was it from?
I’ve never seen him jump like that. I look at my cousin and try to get a read on his thoughts, but his gaze remains fixed on the television screen.
The three of us watching the game on a Sunday afternoon is our thing. We’ve been doing it since freshman year. Even when I couldn’t stand to be in the same room with Carter, it was still what we did.
Doesn’t Noah think Carter’s behavior was strange? We’re in the middle of the game and he just got up and took off. But Noah hasn’t commented on it.
I clear my throat and jerk my thumb toward the apartment door. “What’s up with that?”
Noah glances at me and then goes back to watching the screen. “How should I know?”
I nibble my lip not wanting to ask.
I’m able to hold the question in for about two minutes before it bursts free. “Who do you think the text was from?”
“Dunno.” He shrugs.
I’m tempted to throw something at his head. This is like pulling teeth. Actually, that would probably be easier.
With my foot bouncing, I stare at the TV screen. But the game no longer holds my interest. A possible explanation flits into my head. Once it does, there’s no dismissing it.
Carter must be seeing someone. Maybe it’s not a bona fide girlfriend since I’ve never seen him get serious with anyone. But it’s entirely possible that he has a piece on the side.
I mean, it’s not like we sat down and defined our relationship—and yes, I’m using that term loosely—but I’m certainly not going to sleep with a guy who’s screwing around with other girls. Obviously, I didn’t make that clear from the onset.
What else could have him moving like that?
My mind remains frustratingly blank.
I blurt, “Is Carter seeing someone? Is that why he took off?”
“Hell, no.” Noah snorts like I just asked the stupidest question ever. “Why would he do something like that before heading off to the NFL? That guy has zero interest in being tied down, and who can blame him? He gets more pussy than anyone else I know.”
His words are like a physical blow to my gut. Pain like I’ve never experienced explodes through my body. The breath catches at the back of my throat as I stare sightlessly at the TV.
“Carter’s a player,” he continues, unaware of my mental anguish. “He’s always been a player. That’s not going to change anytime soon.” Noah takes a swig from his water bottle.
My eyes remain glued to the action on the screen, but I couldn’t tell you if the Titans have held onto their lead.