Love to Hate You

by Jennifer Sucevic

  This is about Noah trying to protect Carter from me.

  As soon as that thought takes root, the reason for it hits me like a ton of bricks.

  He knows.

  Noah has known this entire time, and never said a word. I think back to the strange look that passed between them when Carter took off in the middle of the football game. For the umpteenth time today, I feel like a jackass for not realizing something that should have made sense a long time ago. All the puzzle pieces were sitting in front of me and I didn’t care enough to put them together.

  “You know about his family, don’t you?” I murmur.

  “Of course, I do.” There’s a curl to his lip. “We’ve been friends for years.” He blinks as his expression morphs into one of disbelief. “Wait a minute—he told you about it?”

  This has been a day for revelations. The heaviness of them weighs me down making it impossible to continue standing upright. I walk to the edge of the bed and wilt on it, staring at my clasped hands. “He took me to a park for a picnic this afternoon.”

  Noah rears back in surprise. “I’m sorry…he did what?”

  I glance up and meet his wide eyes. A small smile curves my lips. “Carter packed a lunch and took me to a park.”

  Any other time, I would revel in knocking my cousin off balance. Noah drops down next to me and the mattress shifts under his bulk. I peek at him as he mouths one word.

  Wow.

  A chuckle escapes before fading from my lips. Instead of making eye contact, we stare straight ahead as I fill him in on what happened this afternoon with Carter’s parents.

  “You need to be sure, Daisy.” He drags a hand through his hair. “Sure that you want this.” His blue gaze locks on mine. “What Carter feels for you isn’t casual.”

  Pleasure blooms in my chest. “How do you know?”

  “I just do,” he mutters. “Carter doesn’t allow many people into his life. Whatever you do, don’t jerk him around.”

  “Noah...” I’m not sure how to respond to that.

  “I’m serious,” he snaps. “Carter has got enough shit to deal with. He doesn’t need to open himself up only to have you cut and run a few weeks later.”

  “I’m not going to do that,” I say softly.

  “I really hope not.” A smile ghosts over his lips but there’s not a drop of humor in it. “I’d hate to kick your ass. And you better believe I’ll do it.” He raises one brow. “Cousin, or no cousin.”

  “Yeah, I’d like to see you try,” I snort.

  Noah throws an arm around my shoulders and tugs me close. The way our easy comradery seeps back into our exchange is a relief.

  “The last time you tried something,” I taunt. “I was the one who came out victorious.”

  Noah rolls his eyes and grouses, “Yeah, well that’s because you fight dirty, like a girl.”

  “Please…”

  He’s right. I’ve been known to fight dirty if that’s what it takes to win. And against a guy who outweighs me by almost a hundred pounds, you better believe I’m going to use every advantage available.

  I’m not an idiot.

  “You grabbed my nuts and squeezed,” he grumbles.

  I blink innocently. “Oh? Is that what I was holding onto? They were so small, I wasn’t sure.”

  He shakes his head. “I sure hope Carter knows what he’s getting involved in.”

  A smile spreads across my face. “After the brownie fiasco, I’m going to hazard a guess and say that he does.”

  “You’re a fucking menace, Daisy Thompson.”

  With lightning quick movements, he grabs my head and sinks his knuckles into my hair before scrubbing them back and forth.

  Arrrggghhh.

  I hate nuggies! Noah hasn’t done this to me in years. Not since the last time I grabbed his nuts.

  “I couldn’t be prouder,” he laughs.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Daisy

  “You need to back this truck up and start over again,” Olivia demands over the loud noise of the stadium. “I want all the details in slow motion, so I can savor them more fully. Plus, I want to make sure you didn’t leave anything out.”

  “That’s not necessary,” I chuckle. “You’re totally in the know.”

  “Likely story.” She huffs and slaps my thigh. “I still can’t believe you were holding out on me like that!” She pauses for a beat. “This is huge.”

  Even though we’re sitting in the tenth row of the student section, with people jam packed around us, she manages to throw her arms wide, narrowly missing the guy sitting next to her. “Bigger than huge. Mega-huge.”

  “Yeah,” I wince. “I know.”

  I probably should have clued Olivia in to what was going on with Carter, but how could I do that when I didn’t know myself? Olivia and I have always confided in each other. We delved headfirst into our friendship the first week of freshman year and haven’t come up for air since. Not wanting her to be mad or hurt by my lack of transparency, I loop my arm through hers and tug her close.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew it was more than,” I pause trying to come up with an adequate term to describe what Carter and I were involved in. “A friends-with-benefits situation.”

  She snorts. “When were you two ever friends?”

  Good point.

  “How about a frenemies-with-benefits situation?” I quip.

  “Sure, we’ll just go with that.” Olivia sits up a little straighter and gives me a knowing look. “See, I wasn’t too far off base when I said that he liked you.” She nudges my shoulder and waggles her brows. “And that you liked him.”

  Carter’s reasons for keeping me at a distance somersault through my head.

  “I guess you weren’t,” I admit.

  Olivia seems mildly annoyed by my confession but nothing more. And even that is fleeting. She’s never able to stay mad at me.

  “You know I live vicariously through you,” she says.

  I roll my eyes. “Please, you make me censor all the good parts.”

  “I’m more into the romance of it, not the graphic details. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to look some of these guys in the face when you’ve mimicked what they sound like when they’re…” her words trail off and she raises her eyebrows in place of coming.

  I bite my lip to suppress the laughter bubbling up in my throat as I wave a hand. “Oh, I never did that.”

  Actually, I did.

  Once.

  No, twice.

  But you should have heard them. I can’t even think about it without chuckling.

  “Yes, you did. Twice. That’s two guys I have to avoid on campus. And one of them ended up in my stats class last semester and kept trying to talk to me. Do you have any idea how awkward that was?”

  Poor Olivia. I can imagine.

  “Fine, I did, but that’s beside the point, because I won’t be handing over any details this time,” I add primly.

  “Well, well, well,” Olivia singsongs with a grin. “Isn’t this an interesting turn of events.”

  I bump my shoulder into hers as my face heats. This is the first time I’ve ever wanted to keep the intimate details to myself.

  Olivia does a double take and her eyes widen. “Oh my God, you’re blushing! I didn’t think that was possible.”

  “I am not blushing,” I grumble, wishing that she would stop looking at me and making a big deal out of this.

  “Yeah, you are.” She makes loud kissy noises. “Awwww, isn’t that sweet!”

  “Oh, be quiet,” I mutter. Years of merciless teasing have come back to bite me in the ass. Olivia is finally getting her revenge.

  My friend chuckles, clearly enjoying the change in our predicaments. “I’m still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that you and Carter are an item.”

  That makes two of us. This entire relationship has taken me by surprise. But in the best way possible. When Carter decided we were done keeping our situation un
der wraps, he wasn’t kidding. After he told Noah, it’s like the floodgates opened. He made it clear to everyone that I was his girlfriend which means that when we walk across campus, he holds my hand. It also means that when we’re in class, he’s parked next to me with his arm slung across my shoulders.

  I never thought Carter would be one for PDA. The memory of him kissing me in front of a packed quad a couple of days ago flits through my brain. The catcalls and applause that broke out afterward were thunderous. It’s like he wants everyone to know that I’m his and he’s mine.

  I can’t say that I don’t love it.

  “Hey, I’m looking for Daisy Thompson,” a voice shouts from the sidelines of the football field.

  Olivia and I turn and stare, but neither of us say a word.

  “Where are you, Daisy Thompson?” he yells again.

  Sensing that something is about to happen, the students surrounding us quiet. Their necks crane to get a look at the guy on the field. I shade my eyes trying to figure out who he is and why he’s shouting my name.

  He’s obviously part of the team because he’s in uniform. I know a lot of the players, but I’m not acquainted with everyone. I’m better friends with the more senior guys who are close with Noah and Carter.

  When he bellows my name for the third time even louder than before, I wave my hand in the air. “Here! I’m right here.” Apparently, he’s not going to leave until I out myself.

  He unleashes a dimpled smile as his eyes find me.

  Olivia elbows me in the side and leans closer. “He’s cute.”

  “He’s a baby,” I mutter from the side of my mouth. “I’m pretty sure that’s peach fuzz on his cheeks.”

  She shrugs. “He’s still adorable.”

  “Then you should go for it.” My gaze remains fixed on the guy. “Maybe you can offer him a lollipop and he’ll come home with you.”

  She chokes out a laugh and elbows me in the ribs. “You’re a terrible human being.”

  “True statement,” I agree. “But that’s why you love me.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know about that.” She narrows her eyes like she has to give it some thought.

  Since the guy on the field hasn’t budged, I clear my throat and say more loudly so he can hear me. “Is there something I can help you with?”

  Although I can’t imagine what that could be.

  “I’ve got a special delivery for you.”

  “Oh?” I glance at Olivia.

  She raises her brows and shrugs.

  Only now do I notice that he’s holding something in his hands. He pulls back his arm and launches it. A dark plastic bag sails right to me, and I catch it easily with both hands. That’s when I remember this guy is a third string quarterback.

  Jackson. He’s a freshman.

  “What is this?” I shout.

  “Open it up and find out,” he encourages with a smile.

  Olivia’s right, he’s adorable. He may be third string and a freshman, but he has quite the fan base on campus. And not all of them are underclassmen either. Apparently, Jackson brings out the cougar in some of these BU girls.

  I untie the plastic handles and peek inside before pulling out a thick, neatly folded square of material. I hold it up to get a better look.

  It’s a jersey.

  On the front is the number forty-two. I turn it over and the name Prescott is stamped across the back in white block letters. His number is beneath it.

  I look up. Jackson has disappeared, and Carter now stands in his place. A grin spills across his handsome face.

  “Hey, sorry about that,” he yells. “I wasn’t sure if I’d have enough time to get the jersey to you.” He glances toward the tunnel where one of the assistant coaches is waiting. The guy points to his wristwatch and taps it twice. Carter nods and the coach goes back to staring at his clipboard.

  “You got me a jersey?” My heartbeat kicks up a notch at his thoughtfulness.

  He scoffs, “I can’t very well let my girl walk around in another guy’s number, now can I?”

  Ever since freshman year, I’ve worn Noah’s jersey in a show of support.

  “It’s my cousin,” I shout with a smile. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about on that front.”

  He tilts his head to the side and squints.

  Hot damn, but he looks sexy in his black jersey and tight white pants that hug his muscular thighs. The thick pads make his shoulders seem impossibly broad and his waist tapered.

  And the blackout under his eyes…

  I squeeze my thighs together to lessen the ache throbbing between them. The thought of having to wait at least four hours before I can get my hands on him makes me groan.

  “Down, girl,” Olivia whispers. Her voice simmers with laughter.

  Like I said before, she is so loving this.

  Carter shakes his head and folds his arms against his chest. “Are you arguing with me, Thompson?”

  I pull Noah’s jersey over my head and reveal a pink cami beneath. Then I slip into Carter’s and smooth down the material. Since it’s sized for a woman, it hugs my curves perfectly.

  I hold my arms out wide for his perusal and shout, “How do you like me now, Prescott?”

  Heat leaps in his eyes as they lick over me. “You look hot.” He winks as he jogs backward. “See you after the game.”

  He gives me one last wave before being swallowed up by the tunnel.

  “That,” Olivia declares, “was the most swoon-worthy thing ever.”

  I don’t want to gloat, but she’s right.

  It totally was.

  And just like that, I fall a little bit harder for Carter.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Carter

  “Great game, Prescott!”

  “Dude, you owned that field today!”

  Hands pat me on the shoulder as I move through the crowd searching for Daisy. She hung around after the game to congratulate me and then took off with Olivia, saying they would meet up with us later.

  It amazes me that I went this long without Daisy and now all I want is her by my side.

  And her wearing my jersey this afternoon?

  Yeah, that was sexy as fuck.

  I’m sure she’s changed into something more party-friendly, but I’m fantasizing about seeing her in my jersey and nothing else. Thinking about it gives me a semi.

  The plan for this evening is simple. I find her, we hang for an hour or so and make the rounds, then we head back home where I immediately strip her ass naked. Maybe have her throw on that jersey again.

  I stop and survey the crowd, but don’t see her blond head anywhere. I’m just about to pull out my cell and track her down when a pair of female hands rove over my chest. My head snaps up, hoping that Daisy has materialized.

  No such luck. The smile fades from my face as disappointment sets in.

  “Hi, Carter. That was an awesome game this afternoon.”

  Vanessa, a girl I know from around campus, gives me a coy smile all the while walking her fingers over my bicep. “And you in particular were,” she pauses, searching for a different adjective, but is apparently unable to come up with one on the fly. “Seriously awesome.”

  “Ummm, thanks,” I say.

  I know what Vanessa’s looking for.

  And it’s not going to happen.

  Hopefully she’s catching the vibe I’m putting out there that I’m not interested. I’ve been around long enough to know how this situation is going to play out.

  “Don’t you think Carter was awesome today, Cassy?”

  Alright…I wasn’t expecting that twist.

  I blink as another girl who looks identical to Vanessa wraps herself around my other arm like a python. If the way she’s staring at me is any indication, she’s hungry and wants to devour me whole. The second chick presses her breasts against my bare arm. I shift at the feel of her stiff nipples poking me through her shirt.

  Even though I’ve done nothing to invite their behavior, thi
s whole situation feels wrong. The only nips I’m interested in, belong to someone else.

  “So awesome,” she purrs and flutters her lashes.

  I’m not going to lie, these girls are gorgeous. They look like blowup dolls with blond hair and pouty lips. Their breasts are so big and firm, they could smother a man within minutes. I hate to admit it, but before Daisy, I would have slipped an arm around each of them and we would have found somewhere private to enjoy ourselves for a couple of hours.

  The boner I’ve been sporting just thinking about my girl shrivels as they stroke me in tandem.

  Vanessa leans closer. It’s a little disconcerting the way her lips glisten with sparkly pink gloss.

  “So,” she flicks a conspiratorial look at Cassy. “We were hoping to congratulate you privately for doing so—”

  “Awesome?” I wince as the word slips from my mouth.

  Yeah, go on and say it…I’m a dick.

  Guess what?

  I don’t give a shit. My sarcasm goes right over her head.

  Instead of being offended, her smile widens as she presses her tits against me. I’m hemmed in on both sides by boobs. It’s not the first time this has happened, but it’s the first time I’m searching for an escape route.

  “Absolutely! You’re always awesome on the field.” Vanessa gives me a sly look. “But I hear that you’re even more awesome in bed and we want to find out for ourselves.”

  They continue to pet the hell out of my chest. And that needs to stop.

  It’s gently that I pull their clinging hands from me. Neither of them look to weigh more than a buck twenty soaking wet, but I’ll tell you what, they’re stronger than they appear. It takes effort to pry them away.

  “As much fun as that sounds,” I say with a grunt, holding their hands away from me. “I’m afraid that I have another commitment for the evening.”

  Vanessa thrusts her bottom lip out. “Someone else got to you first?”

  “We’d be happy to join you,” her friend chirps. “The more, the merrier, right?”

  They press against me as if all that soft supple flesh will change my mind.

  Jeez. What do these girls think?