Page 60 of Love to Hate You
Decision made, I swing around to Carter, who is so hot on my heels that when I turn, my breasts brush against his chest. It’s so embarrassing the way my nipples instantly go on high alert. I take a step back and his hands settle on my shoulders to steady me.
He raises a brow.
I tamp down the heat filling me and shake my empty cup. “Maybe we should get a refill?”
He frowns and eyes my glass. “Exactly how many refills have you had?”
“Not nearly enough to put up with you for the rest of the night,” I mutter.
“Fine. You can have one more.”
I roll my eyes. “Gee, thanks, Dad,” I say.
Who died and made Carter my keeper?
This level of scrutiny is worse than my cousin’s. Usually, at some point in the evening, Noah will get preoccupied with Ashley, and then I’m free to do what I want. I have the sneaking suspicion that won’t happen with Carter. He’s going to take his job as protector a little too seriously.
Instead of arguing, we head toward the makeshift bar on the other side of the room where the keg is set up. I survey the table with every kind of hard liquor imaginable and give Carter a bit of side-eye. “I’m in the mood for a shot,” I declare.
As expected, he groans. “No shots.”
Carter isn’t much of a drinker. He sticks to beer and never has more than one or two.
“One shot,” I cajole.
“Shots are never a good idea.”
Normally, I would agree with his assessment. But I’m not inclined to agree with anything Carter has to say. He’s managed to suck all the fun out of my evening. It’s going to be awfully difficult to hookup with him in tow. I mean, I could…but that would be weird. And I have the feeling Carter would end up chasing away any guy who got too close.
Dylan is still manning the bar.
Once Carter grabs Dylan’s attention, he glances back at me. “What do you want?”
I study the selection and purse my lips. “Fireball.”
Carter nods and raises a finger. “One Fireball.”
“Two,” I cut in.
He scowls. “You are not doing two shots.”
“One for you and one for me.” I give him a look that says duh.
“I hate shots,” he grumbles.
“I know.” A smile spreads across my face. “That’s why I want you to do it.”
If he’s going to inconvenience me, I’m more than happy to do the same. Although, it’s that kind of logic which usually gets me in trouble.
“Fine.” He looks none too happy about the prospect. “Two shots of fireball. But that’s it! No more!”
“Sure, whatever you say.” I have no intention of stopping at just one. But I’m smart enough to keep that information to myself.
For the time being.
Once Dylan fills our glasses, we each grab one. I hold mine up and wait for him to do the same. “Should I give a toast?”
Carter rolls his eyes. “Sure, why not.”