Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(54)

“What do you mean?”

"You know, that ‘what if' mentality?" I pull her closer, and she seems a little hesitant. "I just don't want you to say, ‘what if' later." She stares at me with a befuddled expression. "Come on, we're gonna be late for class."





Chapter 36





Emma





What the hell just happened? I walk into history, and I can't stop looking across the room at Carter. First, he acted like it isn't a big deal for me to meet some guy I've been texting. He actually said it was a good idea and that I should do it. Then, he told me he loved me? What? I'm not one to shy away from love, but still! He barely knows me but insists that he does. And that I know him.

Throughout the entire conversation, my insides were twisting like a pretzel because now I'm second guessing what I'm feeling. I mean, I like him, that much I know. But is it more than that? The conversations we've had between classes and at lunch have been nice. And I can't ignore how it feels when we kiss. It's like his lips were made to fit mine.

Then I remember how I felt about Baller. We talked so much. We had no physical contact, and we didn't even see each other, but by the time I was going to meet him I was falling. Hard. That's why I was so devastated when he didn't show. If only I could combine my long conversations I had with Baller and the epic gorgeousness of Carter.

Stop being ridiculous, Emma.

Plus, I shouldn't be thinking like that, should I? That really would be like cheating, right? I look back over at Carter, as he takes notes on something Mrs. Yanick is talking about. He looks over and gives me that incredible smile. It's like he only sees me. It makes my insides go all gooey. But if that's how he feels, and if he really does love me, then why is he so calm about me meeting Baller. Ugh, it's an infinite conundrum, and all I can do is keep going around and around.

Once the bell rings, I make my way outside where Carter’s waiting in his usual spot to walk me to class. As I start to walk, he grabs my hand.

"Hey, I have to get to class early. I need to go over some stuff with Matt."

“Oh.” I look over his shoulder and Matt gives me a friendly wave. “Okay.”

“Look, I’m sorry about everything I said at lunch. Meet him or don’t, it’s up to you. I know I don’t seem jealous, but I just really—” I raise my eyebrow at him, unsure what he’s going to say, and he smirks. “Like you. And I thought you said you liked me too?”

“I do like you.”

“Good,” he says, smiling. “Then, I want you at the game.”

“What?”

"Not to meet some douchebag that didn't meet you. I mean, seriously, how in God's name could anyone who's talked to you for two minutes, whether it's just text or not, not want to meet you?" Okay, see, that sounds like something I thought he'd say originally. "But I want you there. For me."

“Really?” I smile up at him as he wraps his arms around me.

"Yeah. You asked me a question earlier, and we kind of got off topic."

“I did?”

My brain is crammed with Carter’s declaration of love, his nonchalant attitude over a mysterious guy wanting to meet me, and now how he’s acting so adorable and sweet. I thought girls were supposed to be the confusing ones.

“You did. You asked what we were?”

“Oh yeah.”

“Well, we’re together. If that’s okay with you?” He waits for my answer, nervousness across his face as if he thinks I’ll actually say no. I nod and smile. “So, then, I’d like my girlfriend at my last game of the season.”

Okay, I'm not saying I'm in love. I'm not. At least, I don't think I am. But the way he's staring at me, the smile he gives me, the way he's holding me close to him. All topped off by him calling me his girlfriend? Some serious heartstrings are being pulled.

“I’ll be there then,” I say, my grin stretching from ear to ear. “To see my boyfriend.”

My words light him up, brighter than a Christmas tree. He leans in closer, bringing a hand to my cheek. Our eyes lock for a moment before I stare at his lips. Leaning closer to kiss me, I'm not concerned about who's looking, who's whispering, or what rumors are going to be spread. I'm not worried about anything because everything about his lips against mine feels perfect.

When he breaks away, I try not to frown, wanting to kiss him forever.

“I’ll see you tonight at the game.” He smiles and gives me another kiss, much too fast for my liking, before he walks away with Matt.

I'm beaming as I walk to art, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. When my phone vibrates, I pull it out, and my mood suddenly shifts.

BigBaller27: So? What do u say?





I let out a groan because I'm really over this guy now. Especially since Carter just called me his girlfriend. The thought brings back my smile.

Emerald22: No. I'm sorry, but I can't do that

BigBaller27: Okay :(

BigBaller27: Jeez, this must be a good guy. Are u two in love or something?





I don’t know what it is about the text, but I don’t like it. It sounds condescending, even though he’s never come across like that before. Knowing how Carter feels, something else hits me. I don’t know that I’m in love with him right now, but I could be in the future. I know I shared personal things with Baller in the past, but that was the past. Then he stood me up. It’s none of his business who I’m in love with, or not. Like. Who I’m in like with.