Page 114 of Love to Hate You

“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 under 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.

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