##Chapter 51: CarterI sit on the grassy bank, staring across the lake. There's not much of a breeze tonight, so the water is calm and serene, which is a direct contrast to everything that riots inside me. It's been more than an hour since I hauled ass from that party and still panic crashes through my veins making it difficult to breathe. I toss the mangled blade of grass I've been twisting in my fingers.If I'd thought a little time and distance would make me feel better about what happened-what almost happened-it doesn't. The pit that has taken up residence in the bottom of my gut continues to churn. I snap off another blade of grass as the situation plays in my head on a constant loop. I'm furious with myself for allowing this to happen. The knowledge that I almost hit someone is enough to knock the breath from my lungs. I was moments away from plowing my fist into that asshole's face. If Daisy hadn't caught my attention, I would have done it without thinking twice.The wa

##Chapter 53: DaisyI hightail it from the classroom and decide to text Olivia to see if she wants to meet for lunch. Just as I'm about to race down the stone steps, my eyes collide with somber gray ones. I pause and my breath hitches.I wasn't expecting him to stick around. Carter raises a tentative hand in greeting and I do the same as I move in his direction. The breeze picks up and the scent of his aftershave hits me. Sadness pools in my belly.Carter shifts his weight from one foot to the other and looks as uncomfortable as I feel. He glances away for a heartbeat and refocuses his gaze on me. I long to reach out and bridge the distance. But it's not just physical, it's emotional as well. He squints against the autumn sunlight. "Do you have a few moments to talk?""Sure." For two weeks, all I've wanted is to have a conversation with Carter and now that I'm being given the opportunity, I don't know what to say."Good." His shoulders tense as he points to a couple of pic

##Chapter 55: CarterFor the past few weeks, I've been camped out at the football house and living on the couch in the living room. And yeah, it's gross as hell. I spend a lot of time trying not to think about the body fluids embedded in the material.If I'm lucky, I can catch a solid four hours of sleep at night. I didn't admit it to Noah, but this shit is getting old. I miss my bed. I miss having Daisy wrapped in my arms. It's the best damn feeling in the world.This place is worse than a frat house. There are six guys who live here, but I swear there's at least quadruple that, coming and going at all hours. We're in the middle of the season and these guys are cracking open cold ones every damn night of the week.Sure, I'll have a few on the weekends but I'm not one to get shitfaced. Being out of control leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If I need to blow off steam, I'd much rather find a willing female to fuck.At least, that was my MO in the past.Daisy and I might not be t