His eyes dart to me. “It’s still early.”
I force a smile to my face, hoping he doesn’t pick up on the vibe that I’m upset. “Yeah, I’m beat.”
“Want me to come with?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Stay and have fun. I’m just going to shower and call it a night.”
“Okay.” His eyes sharpen on me. “Is everything okay?”
I nod, widening my smile. “Just tired.”
I say bye to the rest of the group, and with a wave, I head to my car. During the drive back to campus, Carla’s shocked expression, filled with a world of heartache, is stuck in my mind.
When I walk into my room, I grab a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt from my closet, and I go take a shower. I focus on my routine, trying to forget the evening. But the moment I drop down on my bed and my head hits the pillow, Carla and her bruised eyes are back to haunt me.
Fuck, it sucks.
I should’ve told one of the girls so they could comfort her. I think about texting one of them but shun the idea. It will show I care and the last thing I want to do is give Carla hope.
She’ll fall for a guy her own age. I just need to avoid her until then. She’ll get over me in a couple of days.
I keep reassuring myself she’ll be okay and then move onto more reasons why I’m the worst possible guy for her… besides the obvious that there’s a considerable age gap between us.
I’m… odd, to put it mildly. I’m a thinker, a facts person. If it can’t be proven, I have no interest in it, which counts for love as well.
To me, falling in love is nothing more than a chemical reaction in your body. Love itself? It’s not an emotion. I believe it’s something you have to continually work at. It’s being dedicated to one person. That’s all there is to it.
But Carla… she believes in being swept off her feet. She believes in happily ever afters. She’s a dreamer, the total opposite of me.
I let out a sigh and turn on my side.
I also need to be in control of everything in my life, especially in the bedroom. I’ll fucking traumatize Carla.
I shake my head to rid myself of the thought.
I’ll just keep my distance. It’s the best thing to do.
Chapter 2
CARLA
Carla 18; Noah23
It’s been two days since I moved into the suite at Trinity Academy, and I’m excited about the pool party they’ve organized for tonight.
I’m still getting used to constantly running into Noah, though. I thought I was emotionally ready to face him. I mean, it’s been three years since my disastrous confession. But, like the idiot I am, I still love the guy. Don’t ask me why. He sure as hell doesn’t deserve a grain of affection from me.
It’s infuriating to love the person you desperately want to hate.
He still treats me like I’m an annoying toddler, and I know it’s only a matter of time before I lose my shit and give him a piece of my mind.
Surely, it’s not a crime to love someone? Right?
I thought once we were living in the same suite, he’d at least be okay with being friends. But no, it’s a full out war.
It’s fine. Two can play this game, and I have no intention of losing, even though I have no idea if there can be a winner when this all comes to a head.
Letting out a sigh, I look at my reflection in the mirror. I’m wearing a white bikini with black flowers, and the black sandals make my legs look endlessly long. I’m taller than the average girl, but since my curves have filled out nicely, I don’t mind the height that much.
I tie a wrap around my waist and flipping my brown curls over my shoulder, I leave my room.
I join my best friend and cousin, Aria and Forest, in the living room, so we can leave for the party.
I watch as Aria takes hold of my cousin’s hand. I can’t help but think there’s more between them than a fake relationship that’s supposed to be an act because neither of them wants to date right now. I can feel the vibes coming off them.
Shrugging the thoughts away as we walk toward the pool house, a smile forms around my mouth. My friends will be okay. Tonight I just want to have fun.
The instant I step inside, I feel eyes on me. I take a deep breath as three guys approach me. I don’t mind the attention, but nothing will come of it. It’s only ever been Noah for me. All the other guys end up annoying me during the flirting stage, so I cut things short before they can even ask me out on a date.