Careless (Enemies to Lovers 3)

“Yeah, she’s already at Carter’s place. We’ll meet her there.”

“Carter? He’s friends with Rhett, right?” I’m still trying to remember names, never mind who fits in where in their social circle.

“Yep, you’ll meet all of Rhett’s friends tonight. Carter is an asshole, so just make sure you stay out of his way.”

My eyebrows almost dart into my hairline. The fact that Willow thinks the guy is an asshole says a lot. She’s the kindest person I know.

“Okay,” I agree, although I’m curious why she doesn’t like him.

“Come to think of it, just stick to my side tonight. I don’t want any of the Screw Crew getting their hands on you.”

“Why are we going then? If you don’t like any of them, we can do something else.”

Like, stay at home.

I can think of a couple of things I’d rather do than go to a party.

“We’re going because it will be fun. Besides, it’s not that I don’t like them. They’re just too wild and tactless for you. They’re fun to hang out with, but you seriously don’t want to end up in bed with one of them. Believe me when I say they will try. They have this thing going to see who can screw the most girls.”

Worry lines instantly cover my forehead.

“I really don’t think I should go. You know I have zero experience with guys. I wouldn’t know who’s being nice and who’s playing me even if my life depended on it.”

“You’ll be okay. We’ll stick together, and they won’t try anything with you as long as I’m by your side.”

Curious to find out more, I ask, “Have any of them tried to get you into bed?”

Willow scrunches her nose. “Only Marcus has tried. Ugh, he’s the worst of the group.”

I don’t miss the blush creeping up her neck as she quickly leaves to go shower. There’s definitely a story there.

888

We’ve been here twenty minutes, and I’m ready to go.

I can’t dance so I avoid the makeshift dance floor at all costs. The living room is packed with students, some drinking while others are already drunk, and most are in various stages of making out.

Suppressing a yawn, I decide to go outside for some fresh air. I avoid going near the pool which is surrounded by party-goers. The last thing I want is to be thrown in the pool. It would ruin the beautiful dress Willow made me. I smile as I look down at the pale green, silky fabric. She made me a shift dress which might be a little too short for my taste, but it fits perfectly otherwise.

I spot a table with drinks and make my way over to it. I’m surprised the table isn’t crowded with students. When we got here, we couldn’t even get into the kitchen where the drinks were.

When I notice only sodas on the table, I understand why it’s practically deserted. I pour coke in a red solo cup and watch as the tiny bubbles fizz to the top.

“You want ice?” a deep, gravelly voice says from behind me, which startles the hell out of me. I drop the cup, and it falls to the ground, causing soda to splash all over my legs and sandals.

“Damn it,” I groan as I step away from the mess at my feet. I bend to pick up the now empty cup, seeing as the contents are all over me when I hear the voice behind me again.

“And here I thought it would take some foreplay to get you wet.” From the laughter in his voice, it’s clear he thinks my accident is hilarious.

“You must be one of the assholes, thinking it’s funny that I messed all over myself,” I snap as I place the cup on the table and turn around, getting my first look at the guy.

Shit.

I freeze like a deer in oncoming traffic as I take in the perfect specimen of everything that’s male, standing in front of me. Even though his smug smile makes my anger grow, I can’t help but drink in the sight of his dreamily carved, scruffy face. Don’t even get me started on his hair which is a few shades darker than mine, disheveled and sexy.

Ugh. Double shit.

“You must be one of those bitches, unable to take a joke,” he says as the smile around his full mouth curves into a wicked grin which only makes him hotter.