Page 54 of Love to Hate You

Chapter Eighteen

Carter

I take a long pull from my beer bottle as a brunette with purple talons runs her hands up and down my chest. She’s gorgeous and obviously interested, but she’s not doing a damn thing for me.

Nothing stirs south of the border.

I came here with the intention of finding a hookup. I need to dip my wick and evict Daisy from my head, where she’s renting space, otherwise I’m going to crack.

Know what the real kicker is?

Daisy doesn’t have a flipping clue what she does to me or how I feel about her. The girl is oblivious, thank fuck. And that’s the way it needs to stay.

I catch Owen’s eye and give him a chin lift in greeting. “What’s up, man.”

Owen’s a good guy. If I were sticking around for another season, I’d be worried about him entering the draft. He’s a difference-maker and a team player. He’ll be missed.

“Not much.” He glances around, searching for someone.

The guy might be a brick shithouse, but he gets his fair share of ass. He has two championships under his belt, and he’ll turn pro at the end of the year. The pussy turns out for a guy in that position. Everyone wants a piece of him. Even if it’s just for the night.

“Have you seen Walker’s little cousin around here?” he asks.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that Daisy isn’t Noah’s younger cousin, but that’s beside the point.

“No.” Everything in me stills as I bark, “Why?”

“She showed up about an hour ago, and I haven’t seen her since. I’m trying to do Walker a solid by keeping an eye on her.” He grimaces. “You know how protective that guy is when it comes to her.”

Well, fuck me sideways.

I had no idea that Daisy was planning to show up here tonight. Maybe I should have since it looks like the entire damn university has turned out to help celebrate. It’s complete mayhem here with all the dancing, drinking, and games which involve the shedding of one’s clothing. Tonight, all bets are off.

I drag a hand over my face as a girl wearing nothing more than a skimpy bra and thong saunters past with a shot in each hand.

I don’t like the idea of Daisy flying solo. These parties tend to turn into total shitshows as the night wears on and I’d rather her not get caught up in that. Especially if Noah isn’t here to crack a few skulls together. Sure, the guys know not to mess with his cousin, but there’s more than just the team partying here tonight.

I glance around, not recognizing half these people. It’s the reason I didn’t mention it to her in the first place. My plan was to find someone to take home and forget all about Daisy Thompson.

Guess that plan has been shot to shit.

Figures.

I glance at the chick wrapped around me like a python.

As much as I want to be into her, I’m not.

Christ, I can’t catch a break where Daisy is concerned.

“Is she here alone?” I ask.

Owen shakes his head. “Nah. She showed up with a friend.” He flashes me a grin. “A real cutie.”

He must be talking about Olivia. Those two are usually glued together at the hip. Thank God for Olivia. She tends to be the voice of reason while Daisy drags her from one bad idea to the next. I don’t want to contemplate the trouble Daisy could get into if she had a more likeminded friend.

“I’ll find her,” I say. “And make sure she’s okay.”

Owen eyes the female clinging to me and scratches his jaw as a smirk settles over his features. “Nah, I’ll handle the situation. It’s all good. You seem to have your hands full. Enjoy yourself.” He lifts his chin and flashes another grin. “You earned it.”

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