Page 61 of Touchdowns and Temptations

We both know what's good for us. With Cara, we both agree that she's good for me. Which is more than I can say for Alex and the Cluster sisters. He keeps falling in love with Daisy and he should keep his hands off Emily. She's way too good for him. I see Em one day in a fancy little house like our parents have, with a man who has a solid job and not her sister's playboy ex-boyfriend.

When I think of Daisy and me... yikes! That's totally against the bro code. I'm sure it's the same between sisters.

“Leave her alone, Alex,” I say, putting my coffee down next to him. “I'll walk you to the door,” I turn to Cara.

She nods and reaches for her bag that she left on the dining room table last night.

“See you tonight, Alex,” she says goodbye again. “Have fun at practice.”

“Thanks,” he says and I follow her to the front door.

“Don't let him bother you,” I say, grinning at her. Cara returns my grin.

“Neither do you,” she says. “He's doing it out of pure provocation.”

“Hm,” I grumble and go to kiss her, but she turns away. “What is it?”

“Not here,” she says, “Alex can see us.”

“Alex can hear us making love,” I counter angrily, raising my eyebrows. “Why shouldn't he see this?”

“I don't want him to,” Cara clarifies and I press my lips together to avoid starting the next argument.

“We're not together, Noah. There's no reason for us to kiss outside of the bedroom or sex. Especially in front of your brother.”

“You don't say,” I growl. I don't like that she's always emphasizing that we're not together. “See you tonight?”

“Sure,” she says, “I'll see you tonight.”

Cara smiles at me again, turns on her heel and disappears from the apartment. I run my hands through my hair, and groan in annoyance as the door slams shut. Frustrated, I go back to Alex, who smiles and hands me my coffee.

“Thank you.”

“I'm sorry,” he says. “I didn't mean to...”

“You didn't,” I say, turning the cup in my hand. “For her, it's just sex.”

“And not for you?” Alex asks and I shake my head. He basically knows, but I understand that he needs to hear it from my mouth.

“No, it was never like that,” I sigh. “I like her, I really do, but she doesn't want to. She's sticking to her decision not to have a relationship with a football player.”

“Fuck,” Alex mumbles and I nod. “And there's nothing you can do about it?”

“No,” I say, taking a sip of my coffee. “I can't force her to be with me.”

“Yes, you can,” Alex says and I roll my eyes. “I'm sorry, but she also has to realize that it's good between you. You're happy.”

“You don't have to tell me that,” I reply brusquely. “Tell Cara.”

“You really want me to talk to her?” he offers.

I widen my eyes. Is he serious? There's no way he's going to talk to Cara and tell her how I feel about her. Firstly, I can do it on my own and secondly, she'll just take it the wrong way.

“No,” I reply. “You shouldn't.”

“Okay,” he says. “Then go ahead and wallow in your heartache.”

“I'm not wallowing...” I press my lips together. “Leave me alone, Alex.”

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