Page 136 of Love to Hate You

She releases my cheeks and I massage the ache in my jaw.

“I know what happened at that party,” she says. “Noah filled me in.”

My eyes dart to hers in surprise.

“I’m glad you were there to protect Daisy. Not that she can’t take care of herself,” Marnie adds. “But some guys have a hard time taking no for an answer. And he was obviously one of them.”

Everything within me deflates. “I don’t want to be anything like my dad.”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Unshed tears shimmer in her eyes. “Why can’t you get it through your thick head that you are nothing like him? All you were trying to do was protect Daisy and there’s nothing wrong with that.”

“It doesn’t feel that way.” I glance away. “Do you have any idea how sick I’ve been about this?”

Her lips lift at the corners. “That only proves my point, Carter. You’re a wonderful man and you deserve joy in your life with a woman who makes you happy. I’ve watched you over the years, always keeping people at a distance. I would hate for you to miss out on all the wonderful opportunities life has to offer because you’re too frightened to open yourself up and take a chance.”

I blow out a long breath knowing that she’s right.

About everything.

I’m just not sure what to do about it.

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