Page 25 of Replay

“I still can't believe Darbs overdid it today,” I say, chuckling.

“For real, her and Lottie. Out of us all, I thought it would be you who had to bow out early,” she teases back with a hip check.

“No way, I'm great at pacing myself,” I say as a hiccup escapes, causing us both to break out in full laughter.

I raise my silver can to her red solo, and we cheers. “Love you,” I say with a smile. At the same time, Bell’s eyes go wide.

Arms wrap around my waist, lips reaching the shell of my ear. “Here you are, gorgeous,” Carter says, a slight slur to his tone.

Even though the girls and I only got here about an hour ago, I presume the team has been celebrating their win since they left the stadium.

I spin in his arms and give him a light peck on the cheek. Shifting his mouth so his lips are on mine, he kisses me deeper. We kiss for a few moments, and his hand cups the back of my neck. He’s a great kisser; it’s actually one of the things I like best about him. I just wish there was still a spark between us when his lips were on mine. The one that began to take off at the end of last semester, but unfortunately, I feel as if the flame has been doused in water. As his hands reach for my ass, that my cut-offs give him easy access too, I pull back.

He’s never made such attempts to kiss or be all over each other publicly. I wonder if it’s the liquor I'm smelling that’s fueling such boldness, or it’s the fact that Nate is here too.

It's awkward being in this position with him. Bellamy and some of his friends are all around us, witnessing Carter trying to paw at me, and I'm not having it.

“Alright, settle down, killer,” I say as I try to create some distance between us.

“Aw, come on, babe. I’ve missed you,” he says, attempting to pull me close once more.

“Carter, stop,” I say, a little firmer this time. Hopefully, he’ll pick up how uncomfortable he’s making me feel.

His hands fly up in defense. “Geez, sorry. Was just trying to get a little love from my girl.”

There he goes again, dropping the “my girl” thing.

“Now is not the time. Besides, you’re clearly drunk.”

His eyes flare with anger at my words.

“Not the time… What the hell, B? It’s never the right time, is it? Ever since fucking Outlaw got here, you’ve barely even touched me. Is that why? Is he the reason?”

“If you’d like to talk like an adult, we can have this conversation at another time… Now isnotit,” I grind out through clenched teeth.

“Oh yes, of course, must always be on your terms…” He rolls his eyes.

Placing my hands on my hips, I’m over this. “I suggest you go grab some water and sober up before you say something you’ll regret.”

“Whatever, why don’t you go find Nate and tell him all about how I'm the asshole now.It’s exactly what he’s waiting for anyway.”

I shake my head. “Can you just fucking stop? This has nothing to do with him, and everything to do with your behavior right now. So cut the shit and walk away.” Well, mostly nothing to do with him…

He grabs another beer out of the bin and storms off without another word.

With a huff, I spin back to Bellamy, who unfortunately had to witness that shitshow. I roll my eyes as I sip the Diet Coke in my cup. “Ugh, drunk Carter is so not it,” Bell says with a wince as she throws back another drink.

“You’re telling me,” I scoff.

I'm beyond pissed now. I don’t even want to be here.

Bell eyes me for a minute before putting her arm around me. “You good?”

The expression firmly plastered on my face is answer enough. “I think I'm going to head home.”

She lets out a sigh of disappointment.

“I'm sorry, babe, but there’s no way I'm recovering from this mood. Not here, at least.”

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