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)
Probably some girl’s jealous boyfriend. That thought settles in my gut like a heavy stone.
“No one you know.”
I frown. “You’re always getting into fights,” I scold. “Maybe there’s some truth to what people say about football breeding violence.”
He holds my gaze steadily and a shiver skitters down my spine. It’s unnerving to have his eyes pinned on mine. I have no idea what he’s thinking. All at once, I become aware of the intimate way I’m cradling his bristly cheeks in the palms of my hands. The scent of his aftershave tickles my nostrils.
I always thought his eyes were a grayish-blue, but that’s not the case at all. Silvery flecks dance within the flinty irises. Normally, I go to great lengths to keep my distance from Carter. When I don’t, little sparks of attraction flare to life between us.
Just like they are right now.
Carter clears his throat, breaking the strange spell woven around me. I drop my hands from his face as if I’ve been scalded and quickly step away. But it’s not enough. I still feel the heat of his body.
Needing more space, I rack my brain for an excuse and blurt, “I’ll get some ice and ibuprofen for the swelling.” I retreat to the safety of the kitchen.
I need a moment to collect my thoughts and calm the nerves prickling along the surface of my skin. The attraction I feel for Carter defies logic. I wish it would just go away.
Relieved to have something to occupy my hands, I fill a sandwich baggie with ice cubes and wrap it in a thin dishcloth. Then I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and head into the bathroom for a couple of painkillers that should help with the inflammation.
Not wanting our fingers to come into contact, I gingerly hand over the ibuprofen and water. He washes down the pills in one thirsty swig. I give him the bag of ice, which he gently presses against his left eye. A hissing sound escapes from his lips as he settles back in the chair. His good eye drifts shut.
With both of his eyes closed, I’m free to look my fill. My gaze roves over his muscular body sprawled out on the recliner. The confused emotions I experienced five minutes ago invade my belly, making it tremble with something that feels suspiciously like desire. Part of me wants to reach out and stroke my fingers over his face again. I ball my hands into fists. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid and embarrass myself.
Shattering the silence, I blurt, “Is there anything else you need?”
“No,” he mumbles. “Thanks for the ice and pills.”
“It wasn’t a problem.”
Again, I wonder how he ended up with the black eye. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen him with a bruise on his face. I frown, realizing I’ve never actually seen Carter lose his temper.
But he must, right?
What other explanation is there?
“You never said how this happened.” I shift from one foot to the other as I bite my lip, wishing I hadn’t opened my big mouth.
He doesn’t bother to meet my gaze. “Nope, I didn’t.”
The finality of his words rubs me the wrong way. As irritation floods through my system, desire dissipates. Not only is there a physical distance between us, but an emotional one as well. And that’s exactly the way it needs to stay.
I fold my arms across my chest and glare. “So, you’re not going to tell me?” I pause for a beat. “What did you do? Hit on someone’s girlfriend?”
He lifts his head and opens his uncovered eye, focusing intently on me. “Nailed it. That’s exactly what happened.”
There’s a deadened look in his gray gaze.
One that sends shivers down my spine.
Needing to keep him at arm’s length, I sigh and head back to my bedroom.
13
DAISY
It’s been a tradition since first semester of freshman year that Aunt Marnie hosts family dinners twice a month. There are times when we’re able to get together more than that. And there are others when we’re lucky to get together once a month. Football season is always a challenge because Noah’s schedule is packed tight with practices, film review, study sessions, and games. We never go longer than that without carving out some time.
And I love that.
Love that I’m a part of their close-knit family.
Being that Carter has been Noah’s roommate for just as long, he’s been invited from the beginning. My aunt and uncle took an instant liking to Carter, bringing him into the fold and treating him like family.
It used to aggravate the hell out of me. Now, I’m not sure how I feel. Our relationship has changed over the last two weeks. We’re no longer at each other’s throats.
Just as Noah, Carter, and I walk through the front door of the house, my cell vibrates. I pull it from my purse only to see that it’s a text from my aunt. Instead of opening the message, I pocket the phone. Now that I’m here, I can speak with her in person.