CHAPTER 3

CARTER

“Oh, Carter.” Avery moaned my name, wrapping one leg around my neck as I increased my hard strokes.

Thump! Thump! Thump.

I withdrew quickly, grunting and pouring myself on the floor while Avery trembled in my bed.

I smiled, satisfied with myself.

She loved me rough.

“You’re always so good in bed.” She breathed, scooping up her clothes from the floor while I stepped into my jeans.

“I know.” I leaned against the bedside cabinet, waiting for her to dress up and leave. I heaved an exhausted sigh.

“We do this every other day. Why can’t we just be an actual couple?” I rolled my eyes, weaving my fingers through my tousled mop. She was so clingy and pesky.

“How many times do I have to tell you? I don’t do relationships.” Cocking my head, I smacked my lips together. “I don’t have the time or the energy to date, Avery. Hockey comes first, this is all I can offer.”

“Sleeping with me whenever you’re horny?” I scrapped my fingers across my chin, nodding.

“Asshole!” She jumped up, throwing a pillow into my face and stomping out. I arched my brows and released another sigh, rolling a long length of tissue paper before squatting down and wiping the floor clean from cum.

“CARTER!”

I ambled downstairs in my  jeans, finding Grayson behind the kitchen counter whipping up scrambled eggs. I was exhausted, at least I deserved food after the uneventful sexcapades.

“Yo, Jaxon, did you call me?” I turned towards the corner of the room, waiting for him to finish up his push-ups. “Yo?”

“I didn’t. Maybe ask Bennett.” He wheezed, wiping the sweat from his forehead before taking a long swig of his lemonade, going in for another set.

“Hudson?” I strode into the living room and slumped down into the couch next to him. “Jaxon said you called.”

“What happened with Avery? She stalked out looking upset. I thought you were finally going to stop bringing different girls over and focus on her.”

I blinked, huffing.

“I don’t love her, man.”

“What do you mean?” Grayson asked, slipping a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs into my hand.

“I mean I don’t feel anything for her. It’s just sex.” I shoveled a forkful of eggs into my mouth and choked it down. “I’ve got the final playoff game to think about. I have to get my crazy dad off my back. I can’t deal with a clingy girlfriend.”

“Wasn’t it a girl that got you all riled up yesterday?” Asher strolled over to the couch opposite me, plonking into it with a grin.

“I didn’t tell you guys about that weird girl so you could laugh at me.” I frowned, stabbing a piece of bacon with my fork and pulling angrily into my mouth.

“Finally, a girl who isn’t impressed by your looks or your charm. That’s a first for you, isn’t it?” Jaxon chuckled, heaving himself from the floor and drying his sweat-drenched body before settling beside Asher, exchanging quick teasing glances.

“I don’t know what the hell is wrong with her.” My eyes wandered over my friends’ faces, demanding for some answers. “Why isn’t she obsessed with me?”

This was a feeling I hated so fucking much. She was supposed to be obsessed damn it! Who did she think she was?

“Since you’re so bothered… you might actually like her.”  Hudson whispered, puckering his lips in a mock expression. I burst out laughing, eyeing everyone as the room went quiet on me.

“Seriously, dude.” Asher piped up, taking a sip of his coffee. “You like this girl. Otherwise, why are you so worked up that she doesn’t give a damn about you?”

I flopped my neck back, groaning.

“She’s not different from every other girl. I’ll make her fall for me.”

“Your popularity and looks clearly aren’t working.”

“Shut up, Jaxon.” I shot him a glare, damping my empty plate onto the glass coffee table. “I just have to prove she’s like everyone else.” I scoffed. “She not that special.”

“Except you went on and on talking about how beautiful she is. Pick a struggle, Hayes. Are you upset she doesn’t worship you like everyone or you’re actually afraid to admit you’re smitten?“

“She’s going to fall for me. I’ll make sure of it, Grayson.”

“How?” Asher rasped, running his hand through his blonde, a little smile tugging on his lips. Did they really find my predicament amusing?

“I… I don’t know?” I stuttered, sagging at my shoulders.

“Wow.” Jaxon laughed. “For the first time in the life of Carter Hayes, he has no idea how to get a girl. Must be killing you.”

“Since your usual charm isn’t working…” Asher interjected, scooting to the edge of his seat. “…lie.”

I frowned.

“Lie?” He nodded. “About what?”

“Pretend to like everything she likes and hate everything she hates.” He shrugged. “Chicks love that.” I narrowed my eyes on Asher.

“And that’s gonna work?” I asked in a doubtful tone.

“Aw, the playboy is worried because he’s never had to work to get a girl.” Jaxon teased, tossing a couch cushion at me.

“Shut the fuck up, Jaxon.”

“Or…” Grayson interrupted, “You could just be yourself. Let her get to know the real you. She might actually like you.”

I shook my head.

“No. I don’t have time for that. I need to make her fall hard, bed her and leave her.” I snapped my eyes over at Asher. “Your idea will get me there faster.”

A sly grin spread across my face.

“Step number one… I’m going to lie.”

I let out a soft sigh, smirking.