For one thing, they have the tendency to think they’re hilarious. As if everything that spews from their mouth is comedic gold. Let me tell you from experience, it’s not. Far from it. Half the time, you can’t make heads or tails of what they’re slurring.
Two, they’re usually way too handsy for my taste. I’m not a girl who likes to be manhandled. Unless I give you the green light to do it. Then I love it. But otherwise, forget about it. I’m liable to deck you.
And lastly, there is no such thing as letting them down gently. They get all offended if you’re not interested and either end up calling you a bitch or a dyke.
Who needs that?
I glance around for Noah. Where the hell is that guy when I need him?
Any other time, he’s hovering over me, chasing guys away. When I could actually use his assistance, he’s nowhere to be found. So freaking typical.
I raise my brows and shoot Olivia an exasperated look, but her gaze is trained on something over my shoulder.
As I turn to see what’s captured her attention, she mutters, “Incoming.”
Before I can blink, a strong male arm snakes around my body and hauls me close. Carter’s masculine scent hits me all at once. I glance at him, but his eyes aren’t focused on me. He’s glaring at the guy who won’t take no for an answer. I shift my gaze to the drunk guy, hoping he’ll give up and find someone else to harass.
Now that Carter is here, I just want to move on with my evening.
I’m still riding high from the jersey he gave me earlier this afternoon. Truth be told, I don’t have much interest in being at this party. But I figured Carter would want to celebrate with his team. We haven’t been together long. I don’t want to be that girlfriend who wants to sit home and watch Netflix on a Saturday night.
Although, Netflix sounds really good right now.
“Dude,” Drunk guy slurs, “I was in the middle of something here.”
At least that’s what I think he says. It’s hard to tell.
Carter shakes his head. “I don’t think so. You need to move it along. She’s not interested.”
Drunk guy’s unfocused gaze bounces between the pair of us. “She wants me. We were just headed upstairs.”
Unsteady on his feet, he staggers a few steps toward me, and I wince.
“Right?” he asks.
“No, sorry. That was never on the agenda for this evening.”
“Riiight,” he sneers. “Why don’t you tell pretty boy to take a hike and I’ll show you the anaconda that’s hiding in my pants.”
Laughter bubbles up within me. I can’t help it.
Anaconda?
Methinks not.
“It’s a tempting offer,” I lie. “But I’ll take a hard pass.”
Maybe I was annoyed a few minutes ago but now that Carter is here, there’s nothing to worry about.
“Dude,” my cousin says. “Beat it.”
My gaze swings to Noah, not having realized that he was standing behind me. Olivia’s eyes dart between Noah, drunk guy, and Carter. She doesn’t like confrontations. Although, I don’t think Olivia has anything to worry about. Most guys back off when Carter or Noah come into the picture. These two are well known around campus and most people don’t want to mess with them. I’ve given this guy more than enough of my time. If he can’t understand that he’s unwanted, then that’s his problem. Not mine.
Ignoring him, I glance at Carter. “Want to get out of here?”
His muscles loosen as he nods, and a smile touches his lips. “Sure.”
As we turn to leave, fingers tangle in my hair and jerk me back a few steps. My scalp stings as I cry out in surprise. My hands rise to the back of my head wanting to dislodge the hold.
