Page 53 of Love to Hate You

I really need to loosen her up. She needs a man as bad as I do. Maybe more so.

“And I’m not alone. My bestie is here with me. We’re using the buddy system tonight.” I wave a hand in the air. “So, no worries. It’s all good.”

He arches a dark brow and gives Olivia a thorough perusal. “Yeah, looks like I’ll be keeping an eye on both of you lightweights.” He jerks his thumb toward the party raging inside. “Get in there, ladies, before I change my mind.” As we scuttle by, he shouts, “Two drinks each, max!”

I wave a hand over my shoulder. “Sure, sure,” I agree, having no intention of following his directive

Noah is gone for the night, and I’m a free woman. I can do whatever I want.

The possibilities are endless as I glance around at the ensuing madness. Music vibrates off the walls as the bass reverberates deep in my bones. A strobe light flickers overhead. People dance with their arms raised. Laughter and chatter surround us. The mood is festive and exuberant. Red plastic cups are the standard accessory this evening because everyone has one.

I nod, satisfied with my surroundings. I haven’t seen it this crazy since the start of fall semester. I need a distraction, and this will do the job nicely. I grab Olivia’s hand and drag her to the kitchen in search of liquid refreshment.

I’ve been here a ton of times with Noah. A bunch of football players rent this house, and I know all of them.

Once we zigzag our way to the kitchen, I catch a glimpse of a freshman football player manning the keg. I push my way to the front of the line, giving him a bright smile. “Hey, Dylan, can we get two cups?”

He looks up from the glass he’s filling and flashes me a grin.

Dylan is handsome, with clear green eyes, light brown hair, and an easy smile that lights up his face. He’s a player and a shameless flirt. Every time I see him, he has his arm around a different female.

“You got it, beautiful.” He fills two plastic cups and hands them over.

“Thanks, Dylan!”

And then we’re off, navigating through the thick crowd.

I take a thirsty swig and end up draining half the glass. Olivia sips daintily from her red Solo cup as if she’s attending high tea with the Queen of England. I doubt she’ll have more than half a glass. But it’s good to see her out and loosening up.

She needs this.

And so do I.

I have to put a stop to whatever’s going on in my head regarding Carter and move on.

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