Page 23 of Sinful as They Come
“I’m sorry,” I found myself saying. Even as I said it, I still had no ideawhyI was saying it. I knew I had done nothing wrong. But I loved Carter and I wanted him to feel better, even if it meant having to take me down in the process. “I don’t know what I’m saying sometimes.”
“Yeah, I know. You do that a lot.”
The tears welled up in my eyes before I could really stop them. I tugged at the hem of my skirt, wishing that I had just stayed outside. All I had wanted was an easy night with Carter. His arms. His hands. His calming voice.
“I’ll go then,” I suggested, looking at him through my lashes.
“Nah, I’m outta here. You stay and enjoy the show.”
I looked up, watching as Carter snatched his duffel bag from the floor and flung it over his shoulder. I finally got a proper look at him. His hair was drenched with sweat and his face was red as he loomed over me. All he gave me was one last angry look before he walked away, bumping my knees in the process.
I literally gulped. It was all I could do to keep back the sob that was so close to escaping my lips. A quick look around the room told me none ofthe guys had really noticed. They were still talking amongst themselves quietly as if their captain hadn’t just stormed out of the room.
Maybe they were used to it.
“Holly!” Lucas shouted to my right.
I stared at him, quickly turning my frown into a smile as he sat down on the bench next to me. He too was a sweaty mess, but he certainly looked happy with his bright eyes and smile.
“Lucas, hey.” I gave my eyes a quick wipe. “You were so great out there.”
“Thanks. You too. Saw you cheering.” He nudged me. “Where’s your boy?”
“He had to leave early,” I lied.
“Ah. You gonna hang out with us tonight? We’re heading to Fran’s in a few. I know some of the other cheer girls are coming along. Think they’re outside. It was a loss, but it wasn’t that bad. You in?”
“I actually have to get home early. Sorry,” I lied again. Not entirely, at least. I did feel like going home and bawling my eyes out until the pain in my chest stopped. My eyes landed on Brodie in the doorway, his eyes stuck on his paper full of interview questions. God, I had forgotten all about him for a moment. “Do you have time for a quick interview?”
His eyes lit up even more. “You know I love doing that stuff. You doing the sports articles now?”
“Not my thing. You know Brodie Westbrook?”
“That Sawyer kid is his brother, right?”
“They’re cousins. Sawyer’s total opposite if that makes it appealing.”
“I’m cool with Sawyer. Lead the way.”
I directed Lucas over to a nervous looking Brodie. I did all the introductions before I stepped aside, letting Brodie go to town with the interview. As I leaned my back up against the brick wall, I was finally able to let out a shaky breath. I wanted to talk to Carter. I wanted to apologize. I wished I had brought my phone with me. It was stuck in my duffel bag.
I looked out at the empty hallway, spying just a small section of the football field. No Carter, though. He had well and truly taken off without me. I had to give him space, though. Maybe it was a good idea not to callhim. Maybe I could just go around to his tomorrow. And we could spend all day watching movies and making out on the couch, and we would forget all about our fight.
That sounded like heaven.
“Thanks, Holly!” I heard Lucas call out.
Was the interview already over? Lucas gave me a wave which I slowly returned before I locked eyes with Brodie.
“Well, how was it?” I wondered.
“Not too bad. He was a lot easier to talk to than I thought.” Brodie nodded. “Guy’s pretty nice.”
“Not all football players are obnoxious future frat boys.”
“Not all of ‘em… But some are…” Brodie cleared his throat. “You heading home now?”
I realized it then. Carter was my ride home.
