Noah glances at me and then goes back to watching the screen. “How should I know?”
I nibble my lip not wanting to ask.
I’m able to hold the question in for about two minutes before it bursts free. “Who do you think the text was from?”
“Dunno.” He shrugs.
I’m tempted to throw something at his head. This is like pulling teeth. Actually, that would probably be easier.
With my foot bouncing, I stare at the TV screen. But the game no longer holds my interest. A possible explanation flits into my head. Once it does, there’s no dismissing it.
Carter must be seeing someone. Maybe it’s not a bona fide girlfriend since I’ve never seen him get serious with anyone. But it’s entirely possible that he has a piece on the side.
I mean, it’s not like we sat down and defined our relationship—and yes, I’m using that term loosely—but I’m certainly not going to sleep with a guy who’s screwing around with other girls. Obviously, I didn’t make that clear from the onset.
What else could have him moving like that?
My mind remains frustratingly blank.
I blurt, “Is Carter seeing someone? Is that why he took off?”
“Hell, no.” Noah snorts like I just asked the stupidest question ever. “Why would he do something like that before heading off to the NFL? That guy has zero interest in being tied down, and who can blame him? He gets more pussy than anyone else I know.”
His words are like a physical blow to my gut. Pain like I’ve never experienced explodes through my body. The breath catches at the back of my throat as I stare sightlessly at the TV.
“Carter’s a player,” he continues, unaware of my mental anguish. “He’s always been a player. That’s not going to change anytime soon.” Noah takes a swig from his water bottle.
My eyes remain glued to the action on the screen, but I couldn’t tell you if the Titans have held onto their lead.
It takes a moment to realize that if I didn’t care about Carter on some level, I wouldn’t be this upset. Noah isn’t telling me anything I didn’t already know. Carterisa player. He’s been a manwhore since I’ve known him. I’ve seen a fair number of girls traipse from his room in the morning looking well sated.
Why did I think sleeping with him was a good idea?
“Daisy?”
I blink and focus on my cousin who is staring at me with narrowed eyes.
“Yeah?” I make a concerted effort to wipe the misery from my expression. The last thing I need is for Noah to ferret out the truth.
His attention shifts to me. “What’s going on?”
A moment ago, that’s exactly what I wanted. Now, not so much.
“What do you mean?” I swallow past the lump in my throat and push all the emotion down where I can’t focus on it.
“You have a strange look on your face.” He pauses as if picking through my expression with more care. Noah knows me better than almost anyone. “Like you’re going to be sick or something.”
I shake my head and flatten a hand over my tummy. “The pizza’s not sitting well, that’s all. I ate too much.”
He grunts.
I hold my breath and wait to see if he’ll ask any more questions. After about thirty seconds of scrutiny, his gaze bounces back to the game. A time out has been called and programming has switched to a commercial.
“Can I ask you a serious question?” His voice drops as he shifts on the couch. “And I want you to be honest with me.”
I send up a quick prayer and hope this has nothing to do with my sneaking around. I hate lying to Noah, but there’s no point in coming clean when I might be ending things with Carter.
My muscles tense. “Sure.”
