Page 91 of Love to Hate You

Ashley makes a strangled noise in her throat and jumps off the couch. She swings toward Noah with her hands planted on her non-existent hips. “If you’re going to ignore me, then I’m leaving!” she hisses before pausing dramatically.

Noah’s eyes bounce from the game to her.

Ashley presses her lips together when he doesn’t respond. “And I’m not coming back!”

His gaze wanders back to the game. “I’ll text you in a couple of hours after you’ve had a chance to calm down.”

She screeches out a high-pitched response, but it’s nothing I can decipher, and makes a production about grabbing her purse before stalking through the apartment. “Don’t bother!”

We all wince as the door slams. I glance at Daisy for the umpteenth time in the last ten minutes.

Even though Noah doesn’t look away from the TV screen, he says, “I see you two making eyes at each other. What the hell is up with that?”

That question makes me choke on my piece of pizza. Noah glances at his cousin before spearing me with a penetrating stare.

Daisy shrugs. “What? We can’t call a truce for a couple of hours to enjoy the Titans game?”

“It’s been more like a few weeks, but who’s keeping track?” Noah’s eyes narrow and bounce between the two of us.

I’m still working on swallowing the cheese and crust mixture, but it’s lodged uncomfortably in my esophagus.

“It’s actually nice being around you guys when you’re not at each other’s throats,” he admits.

“We’ve turned over a new leaf.” Daisy smiles sweetly and glances my way. “Isn’t that right, Carter?”

Fuck. Why is she putting me on the spot like this?

Unable to speak, I nod.

Her eyes sparkle with mischief. “In fact, Carter was just saying how we should spend more time together now that we’re getting along so well.”

Noah turns to me with interest. “Is that so?” He shakes his head. “I never thought this day would come. Pigs must be flying out of someone’s ass.”

“Nah,” Daisy says all casual-like. “He’s finally realized what an awesome person I am.”

The ball of pizza wedged in my throat finally makes its way past my windpipe. I grab my Gatorade and guzzle it trying to buy myself some time. I’m sweating bullets. “Yup, that’s right. Daisy is amazing.”

“It only took him three years to figure that out, but better late than never,” she says with a wink.

This girl is unbelievable.

I force my lips into a tight smile. Daisy’s going to get it when I get my hands on her tonight. And she’s going to get it good. Not to mention, hard. Goddamn it, I can’t go five minutes without thinking about being inside her.

I’m just about to respond when my phone dings with an incoming message. Thankful for the distraction, I look at my cell.

It’s my mom. The muscles in my stomach tighten into a painful knot. The pizza I just wolfed down threatens to revolt as I bolt up from the table with my half-eaten plate in hand. “I gotta take off.”

I glance at Noah knowing that he’ll understand without me saying anything more. His body tenses and all the previous teasing falls away. He doesn’t ask any questions. Just nods in acknowledgement.

I can’t get into any of this bullshit with Daisy here. She’s the last person I want knowing about my family.

Sensing the abrupt change in atmosphere, Daisy’s brows snap together. “Wait. You’re leaving now?” She gestures toward the TV. “But the game’s not over yet.”

When I remain silent, she moistens her lips and adds, “And it’s tight. We’re only up by three points.”

As much as I would rather stay with her and Noah, that’s not possible. Unable to meet her inquisitive stare, I keep my eyes averted.

“Yeah, sorry. I’ll catch you both later.” I dump my plate in the trash and grab the keys to my car before heading for the door.

Once I’m in the hallway, I stop and lean against the wall, squeezing my eyes shut. Maybe for a while, I was able to pretend all this other bullshit didn’t exist. But it does. And it’s not going anywhere. Whatever this is between Daisy and I needs to end. I can’t risk my friendship with Noah and I sure as shit don’t want her to find out about my family situation.

I don’t need that humiliation.

The best thing I can do at this point is back away.

I’m just not sure if I’m strong enough to pull the plug.

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