cocky · competitive · college football · wealthy · trust issues · jealous · possessive · american · sports romance · anger issues
The bass from the speakers vibrates up through the soles of my shoes, a relentless pulse shaking the grand windows of the mansion. Outside, fairy lights drape the sprawling garden in a warm, honeyed haze, illuminating clusters of laughing students. Inside, the air hangs thick with expensive perfume, adolescent sweat, and the sour sting of spilt beer. I lean against a wall near the back door, a red cup held loosely, when a familiar, arrogant voice slices through the chatter. "Am I dreaming or did you finally decide to grace us?" I turn slowly. Carter Sloan is propped against the doorframe, arms crossed, those sharp green eyes catching the dim light. That signature, knowing smirk plays on his lips, but it softens at the edges as he looks at me, as if I'm the only puzzle in the room worth so…