I’m Carter Hayes. I’m fucking heartless. I don’t care about the beautiful blue-eyed girl behind me. I don’t want her. She means nothing to me. Besides, all I know of women is that they’re quick to run, just like my mother did. None of them ever stick around.
I’m almost done with my MBA degree, then I’ll take over as CEO of the largest publishing house in the New York. I can’t let Dad down. He’s sacrificed so much for me, letting me study away from home so I could be with my friends. The last heart attack almost took him from me. It’s time for him to retire. I don’t want him dying in that office.
CHAPTER 5
DELLA
My life has returned to normal, which means things have been pretty uneventful. Since the guys fixed my truck, I’ve only seen Rhett a couple of times when he’d come into the diner. I didn’t go to the party and luckily no one asked why. I haven’t seen Carter since the kiss which has also been a bonus.
I know he did it only for show, but my mind keeps playing tricks on me. The kiss felt so real. Honestly, I’ve never been kis
sed like that.
But the thought of the kiss turns sour when I remember his words.
I smell like shit. I taste like shit.
He’s made it pretty clear what he thinks of me. Not like it really matters. For a stupid second, I lost sight of my goals. Never again.
Went I went to visit Jamie, Sue didn’t look well. She kept coughing horribly. She blamed it on the flu, but I could see the worry in Jamie’s eyes. When I asked Jamie how long Sue had been sick for, she said weeks. It feels like I’m running out of time. If something happens to Sue, I don’t know what I’ll do. I can’t bring Jamie here, which means I’ll have to move back to Saluda and commute back here for my exams. The gas money alone will eat up most of my savings.
I need to focus all my energy on my studies. Exams are starting next week. I just have to get through the next few weeks. Everything will be okay. It just has to be.
I ready all the study materials for my first exam, then quickly run to the kitchen. I grab two bottles of water and an apple. On the way back to my room, the front door opens. Willow, Leigh, and Evie all laugh as they come in. The three of them have been spending a lot of time together. Evie tried to include me, but I had to decline. Between working extra hours and studying my ass off, I hardly have time to eat.
When the guys follow the girls inside, I rush into my room and kick my door closed.
I place the bottles and apple at the foot of my bed, then sit down in front of my books and laptop, crossing my legs.
I do my best to block out the voices and laughter, and to focus on the words in front of me.
A knock on my door, makes me sigh miserably. I don’t have time for any of them.
“Della,” Rhett calls from the other side of the door. My shoulders slump in defeat. I really wanted to get a full night of studying in.
There’s a series of knocks, each followed by, “Della.” Knock. “Della.” Knock. “Let me in, Della. You know you want to. You can only resist my charm for so long. Give in, babe. Admit you’re dying to see me.”
I start to laugh at his silliness. Crawling off the bed, I go to open the door. Rhett has a huge smile plastered all over his face.
He wags his eyebrows at me. “Love the shorts and socks, babe. The look totally suits you.”
I glance down at my clothes. I’m wearing a white, long-sleeve shirt, pink striped shorts, and socks that reach to my knees.
“It’s comfy,” I retort.
“How are you doing, babe?” There’s a sincere look in his eyes, which draws a smile to my face.
“I’m good. I just have a lot of studying to do. Exams start next week.”
He leans in, giving me a hug. It feels so good to be held by someone that I close my eyes to absorb the moment. Sometimes I forget how much I miss touching another human.
I’m just about to shut the door behind Rhett, when Carter slams his hand against it. The warm feeling I have from talking with Rhett turns icy when my eyes meet Carter’s.
I try to shove the door closed, but he only moves closer and blocks me with his body. In a hurry to get away from him, I let go of the door and walk over to my bed. I sit down in front of my books and force my eyes to focus on the words.
I hear the door close, but before I can let out a sigh of relief, I hear him move.
Shit!