Crushed (Torn #7)(23)

“Where are you going?” he questioned harshly just as the coffee indicated the pot was done.

As much as I loved my coffee in the mornings, I preferred it sweet instead of bitter, thank you very much.

“Back to Carter’s arms, as you can imagine,” I snapped, feeling a million times better.

Amber the doormat, I was not! It was time to show some restraint and backbone. Doormats got used and bitches … Well, they ruled the world.

I ought to take something from Lindsey’s view on life.





Chapter Twelve





It was my second day in Carter’s home, and though he was nice and accommodating, I felt as if I needed to get away and be around different people for a while. I knew he meant well, but seriously, being around Brody and his toxic personality, sober or drunk, was just too much for me. I was still in a fragile state, even if I came off as fine and strong. Deep down, I was still coping from the hurt of my past decisions.

Since it was summer, house parties were abundant. My cell phone had been ringing non-stop since I got there with invitations to one party after the other. Given that parties in Carter Mason’s home were a daily thing, be it small or massive, I wasn’t particularly interested in going somewhere else to live it up while making small talk or pretending to be friendly. Declining the parties wasn’t a major deal, but one invite stood out.

It was Rob’s party. He was a friend, just not a close one. We were mostly party buddies, always chilling when I was in the dumps, and tonight, I needed his casual, laidback self to cheer me up.

Sprawled on the floor in Carter’s room as I sifted through the clothes in my luggage, I heard him come out of the bathroom, freshly showered. Then in came a strong, masculine scent that wafted all over the room. Damn, he smelled yummy.

“Hey, do you have a second?” he questioned as I tried to hide the stupid smile that appeared because my mind was drifting off to pheromone land.

Playing it cool, I used my butt to spin my body to face him with an easy smile. “What’s up, doll?”

The easy smile tapered off the moment I found him in his shorts, showcasing a defined six-pack. Did he not realize I was still a woman, one who hadn’t been laid in ages? Seriously, there should be a rule for that.

He snickered upon hearing me call him doll. “I just got a phone call that I got into this soccer camp in Brazil, and I have to leave first thing tomorrow.”

“Oh, wow! That’s huge! Congratulations!” I exclaimed, knowing that was a major deal for him.

He was all about the sport, and I believed his love for Emma had derailed him from achieving what he truly wanted. Since Emma had dropped him like a hot potato, it was time to focus back on what he was passionate about. I admired him for having the strength and will to keep going. He was young and beautiful; I had great confidence he would bounce back in no time if given, of course, enough distance between Emma and himself. Brazil was the perfect answer.

“Thank you. I’m actually looking forward to it.” He made a genuine smile that indicated he was in a good place, that he truly had thought this out, and it was time to live again. “I think it’ll be a good thing. I need to focus on where I want my life to go. This is a make it or break it deal for me. If I don’t move now and take this opportunity, I might never have another one.”

“Then go for it. f*uk the rest. Do what you gotta do, babe. You know more than anyone what’s best for you.” I beamed before getting up from the floor to embrace him.

Somehow, it felt as though we needed the unforeseen friendship that had blossomed out of nowhere between us, a relationship I was grateful for. He was a good, changed man, and the next woman he decided to commit himself to better know how to cherish him well, or she was going to get it from me. All that aside, I was sincerely happy for him. This was a chance of a lifetime, so screw the rest.

Besides, he was right. It could be what he needed to refocus and concentrate on what he would love to do in the future.

Despite that he was leaving the next day, he made sure I knew I was more than welcome to stay there and carry out the original plan of my two week stay. I was still on the fence about that, because without him, I would have to deal with Brody and Cooper. Coop, I had no problems with. He was an easy, chill guy to be around, but Brody? Well, he seemed to be angry about anything and everything.

Tonight, I had every intention of letting myself go and having some good, ol’ fun to forget about Brody and his moodiness. I desperately needed it more than anything. I literally needed to lighten up, and a joint or two would do anyone wonders when stressed out. With that in mind, I was looking forward to what was in store for tonight.

Hours later, I waited until the clock hit nine before I began getting ready. I was a girly chick with a tomboy edge, and I liked to mix and match this edginess in my clothing and the way I carried myself. Don’t get me wrong; I loved a beautiful dress as much as the next woman, but I also liked to sweat and have it rough at the gym without a complaint. I wasn’t high maintenance. Well, I didn’t think I was.

No offense to my best friends, but the three of them were super girly. Emma wouldn’t be caught dead trying to play soccer, let alone dress in a sporty outfit. Lindsey would rather dye her hair blonde before trying a beer. Trista would rather get lip injections than do a bicycle marathon for some cause. I understood that we were different individuals and had our own quirks; however, I admit there were times when I didn’t feel as if I fit in with them.