Page 36 of Obligation
Carissa: Can’t wait!
She had no idea why she’d sent that of all things, but she didn’t regret the words one bit. She was excited to see Bradley again, even if Danny would be there, too. That was probably a blessing—at least with Danny around, she wouldn’t do something stupid, like try to kiss Bradley again.
Carissa: I have to work the S’mores table at the bonfire for my sorority.
Bradley: Good. I love S’mores, which means I’ll have a reason to hang around you all night.
She let out a silly laugh, her face heating with a combination of anticipation and excitement.
“What’re you laughing about?” Tiffany asked, half-asleep.
Carissa’s heart jumped at the sound of Tiffany’s voice. “Nothing,” she said, quickly turning off her phone screen and tucking it beneath the blankets. “Night.” But sleep would be elusive for Carissa tonight—she was much too giddy about her conversation with Bradley.
Man, she was in some serious trouble.
Chapter Fourteen
Bradley sat on the packed bleachers and cheered along with the crowd as the Harmony Falls Hawks scored the first touchdown of the game. The noise was deafening as people shouted, whistled, and stomped their feet. Beside him, Jeremy stuck his fingers into his mouth and whistled around them, the sound loud enough to nearly pierce an eardrum. Bradley leaned away to avoid any permanent damage, then shoved his friend, laughing.
Garrett sat on Jeremy’s other side, followed by Tiffany, then Carissa, and finally, Danny. Bradley had hoped he’d be able to snag a spot right next to Carissa, but thanks to an accident on the way to campus, he’d been late arriving. Now he was stuck all the way at the end, the farthest possible seat away from Carissa. At least they’d be at the bonfire together later. He could talk to her then.
He focused his attention on the game until halftime. Harmony Falls was in the lead by a single touchdown, and the opposing team would have possession when the third quarter started. Bradley wasn’t usually a huge football fan, but watching live, surrounded by diehard fans—and his friends—he could understand why the game was addictive to so many. The atmosphere was downright electric.
“I need to get up and move around.” Tiffany stood and stretched her arms above her head, causing her shirt to lift just enough to show some skin.
Jeremy stared, and Bradley elbowed him. Not that Bradley had any room to judge; he’d do the same thing if that was Carissa showing off her stomach. Or any other part of her body, for that matter. Even her slender, delicate, soft hands were attractive to him.
“My ass is numb.” Garrett stood and rubbed his butt.
Bradley laughed and stood, too. A moment later, Jeremy joined them. Glancing down the row of bleachers, Bradley’s gaze stopped on Danny and Carissa. They had their heads bowed together as if deep in conversation they didn’t want anyone to overhear. But then Danny jerked away, his face red with anger. Carissa stood, her back to their group, and then she proceeded to walk away in the opposite direction.
“Hey.” Bradley gently nudged Tiffany and pointed behind her, brows raised.
Tiffany turned to look, muttered, “Shit,” then took off after Carissa.
“Everything alright?” Garrett asked Danny and slapped him on the back.
Danny smacked Garrett’s hand away and abruptly stood. “No. Everything’s not alright. My girlfriend thinks everything is more important than me.” With a scowl, Danny pushed his way down the bleachers.
“Well, he seems super nice,” Jeremy said. “C’mon. I need food and beer.” He patted his stomach.
Bradley watched until Danny was swallowed by the crowd; then he turned and followed Jeremy and Garrett toward the concession stand. The line was a mile long, and Bradley was positive they’d be late getting back to their seats, but he didn’t care. He was more worried about Carissa. Where had she gone? Was she okay? Had Tiffany found her?
“Where’s Cory tonight anyway?” Jeremy asked.
“No idea.” Garrett shrugged. “Last I knew, he was supposed to be here. Maybe he’ll show up at the bonfire.”
“I hope so. He’s a cool guy.” Jeremy nodded and moved forward in line.
Bradley looked around under the guise of people watching but in reality he was hoping to see Carissa. Would she come back to watch the rest of the game? She’d told him last night she had to work the S’mores table at the bonfire, so even if she didn’t return for the second half of the game, at least he’d see her later.
“Hi, Bradley.” A petite girl with dyed blue hair walked by and waved, giving him a flirty smile.
He smiled in return.
“Friend of yours?” Garrett asked.
“We have a couple of classes together, but I wouldn’t exactly call her a friend.” The line moved again, so Bradley stepped forward.
