“You don’t know?—”
“Actually, I do,” she cuts in swiftly, stealing the wind from my sails. “Do you know how?” She doesn’t wait for a response. “Because I knowyou. I’ve watched you for years. You’re not capable of that kind of physical violence. You’re just not. You need to get this out of your head right now.”
She releases my cheeks and I massage the ache in my jaw.
“I know what happened at that party,” she says. “Noah filled me in.”
My eyes dart to hers in surprise.
“I’m glad you were there to protect Daisy. Not that she can’t take care of herself,” Marnie adds. “But some guys have a hard time taking no for an answer. And he was obviously one of them.”
Everything within me deflates. “I don’t want to be anything like my dad.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” Unshed tears shimmer in her eyes. “Why can’t you get it through your thick head that you are nothing like him? All you were trying to do was protect Daisy and there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“It doesn’t feel that way.” I glance away. “Do you have any idea how sick I’ve been about this?”
Her lips lift at the corners. “That only proves my point, Carter. You’re a wonderful man and you deserve joy in your life with a woman who makes you happy. I’ve watched you over the years, always keeping people at a distance. I would hate for you to miss out on all the wonderful opportunities life has to offer because you’re too frightened to open yourself up and take a chance.”
I blow out a long breath knowing that she’s right.
About everything.
I’m just not sure what to do about it.
43
DAISY
How does that old saying go?
Getting back on the horse again is never easy?
Well, it’s true.
I glance behind me and smile at…crap, I’m blanking on his name.
I’m pretty sure it starts with the letter?—
Adam!
There we go.
We met in line at the coffee house on campus and got to talking. By the time we had our javas in hand, he asked if I was interested in grabbing dinner some time. Before Carter, I wouldn’t have given his invitation a second thought. He’s cute with messy chestnut-colored curls and has a few tattoos.
What’s not to like?
And yet I went back and forth about meeting up with him. Believe it or not, it was Olivia who pushed me into going on this date. And she was right. There’s no reason for me to sit home alone pining for someone who doesn’t want me.
It’s time to move on.
And Adam is the perfect one to do that with.
I think.
He made a few odd comments while we were out, but I brushed them aside. If nothing else, he’s a good rebound guy. Someone I can practice on.
I shove my key in the lock and push open the door to the apartment before walking in. Adam is hot on my heels. I frown when his hands settle on my hips. This isn’t the first time he’s touched me this evening. Maybe I’m making too much of it, but the contact feels too intimate for a first date with a stranger.
