As I wait for the bus I scan my newsfeed on my phone. I’m not in the mood for dreary Facebook this morning, but I need something to pass the time since the bus won’t be here for another twenty minutes. I hate how Carter has only been here a few days, and is already disrupting my life.

My head snaps up when I hear the loud rev of a car. I must admit I’m surprised when Carter pulls over to the curb in front of where I’m standing. “Get in the car, kid,” he snarls. His ridiculous command makes me laugh. He’s fucking kidding, right? His eyebrows rise as he waits for me to do as he’s asked. I don’t think so buddy.

Looking back down at my phone, I continue to scan through my page. He’s got a nerve after the way he’s been treating me. I’d never admit it, but I’m a tiny bit thrilled he came looking for me. How dumb is that?

“I’m going to give you to the count of three to get in this car,” he says annoyed. I roll my eyes as I continue to ignore him. I hear him growl and I have to fight back the smile that threatens to come. I like that my defiance is getting to him.

“One … two …” I can’t believe he’s actually counting. I feel the corners of my lips turn up in a grin. When I hear his car door open, my head snaps up. “Three. I warned you,” is all he says as he grabs hold of me and throws me over his shoulder.

“Carter,” I scream. “Put me down.” He ignores my order as he marches around to the passenger side of the car. His hand is sitting at the base of my arse, holding me in place. I shouldn’t like the feel of his hands on me, but I do. It makes me wonder what it would be like if he held me properly. Not like a bag that’s just been thrown over his shoulder. Ugh! I hate that I’m thinking about how it would feel to be held in his arms. I’m sure it would feel amazing.

No it wouldn’t, I’d absolutely hate it. Liar.

Opening the door, he plonks me down on the seat. “Put your seatbelt on,” he growls as he stands over me like a thug. I just look up at him in horror. I can’t believe he just did that to me. Leaning forward, he grabs hold of the seatbelt.

“Give me that,” I snap as I narrow my eyes at him. “I can put my own damn belt on. I’m not a child.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” he says giving me a smug, gorgeous smile. God, he annoys the hell of out me. Why does he have to be so ridiculously handsome?

He waits until my seatbelt is fastened before making his way around to the driver’s side. I have a good mind to make my escape, but going by his antics just now, he’ll probably come after me.

No words are spoken on the drive to school. Unlike yesterday when he dropped me off down the road, today he heads straight to the car park. I want to make a smart remark about his reputation, but I don’t.

“Make sure you’re here this afternoon, or I’ll come to the bus stop and get you again,” he warns. Ignoring him, I get out of the car and slam the door. I hear him laughing as I walk away. I could seriously slap him right now.

••••

“What’s up your arse?” Meg asks when we leave our first class. “It’s unusual to see you in a bad mood.”

“One guess,” I reply as we make our way towards the lockers.

“Your hot neighbour?”

“Yes. And he’s not hot. He’s an arse.” She nudges me with her shoulder and chuckles. This isn’t funny. Doesn’t she realise he’s ruining my life?

“He may be an arse, but you can’t tell me you don’t think he’s good looking.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” I snap. I hear her scoff at my words. She obviously doesn’t believe me. In all honesty, who wouldn’t notice him? He’s very noticeable—for a prick that is.

“You fucking liar,” she laughs.

“He’s okay,” I shrug like I’m not affected by his looks. It’s a lame shrug too. I’m not even fooling myself.

“He’s more than okay.”

“Alright he’s hot,” I admit, rolling my eyes, “but that’s all he’s got going for him.”

“What has he done today to put you in such a fabulous mood?” she asks sarcastically.

“What hasn’t he done is more like it.” When we reach my locker she stops, turning me to face her.

“Well spill,” she demands.

“For starters, just being in his presence annoys me,” I reply. It kind of turns me on too, but I’d never admit it.

“And? There has to be more than that. Your mood is nasty.” She raises an eyebrow impatiently as she waits for my reply. I want to say none of your damn business, but I know that’s just my mood talking. She’s only concerned for me. I can’t remember the last time I was this riled up.

I turn and place the key in the padlock. I’m feeling bad for being so snappy with her now. I’m lucky to have a friend that cares so much. I hate that Carter Reynolds gets under my skin like he does.

“My mood is that bad huh?” I ask with a sigh as I place my books in my locker and get out what I need for my next class.

“Yep.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to take it out on you,” I apologise as I hook my arm through hers as we walk down the corridor towards her locker.

“Tell me what he did to upset you, Indi.”

“He told my dad about Brad. I’ve now been forbidden to see him.”

“What? No way. See, I told you he had the hots for you.” Of course she’d see it like that. It has nothing to do with how he feels about me. He’s a prick, plain and simple.

“He doesn’t have the hots for me,” I state.

“Yes he does. You didn’t see what I saw yesterday. He was definitely cut when you were on Brad’s lap.”

“If he has the hots for me, which I don’t believe for a minute, why did he have that skank, Jennifer Darcy, sneaking in his bedroom window last night?” She stops walking and pulls me over towards the wall so we don’t get bowled over by the other students rushing to get to their next class. Facing me, the first thing I notice is her eyes. They’re almost bugging out of her head from shock. Even in my mood, it brings a smile to my face.

“What? No fucking way. Really? God she’s a whore. Didn’t take her long. I can’t stand that human mattress.”

“I know right. Can you believe it? She was there for hours too. I know exactly what they were up to,” I say angrier than intended.

“Oh. My. God. You like him,” she screeches, slapping my arm in disbelief.

“What? I do not.” I try my best to act unaffected by her comment, but I fail miserably.

“Bullshit. Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t have the hots for him.”

“I don’t,” I answer looking down at the ground. Fuck.

“Holy crap. You do,” she says slapping my arm again. Ouch. I hate that she knows me so well. We’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Inseparable you could say. I guess being in each other’s pockets for the past twelve years will do that.

“Stop hitting me,” I whine as I rub my arm.

“Well admit it then.” She raises her hand likes she’s going to hit me again. I have to hold back my smile. Bitch.

“Fine. I like him, and hate him if that’s even possible,” I admit, finally making eye contact with her. Of course she’s beaming when I do.

“I knew it,” she says smugly. She’s such a know-it-all sometimes.

••••

God I wish she hadn’t figured out this thing, whatever it is, that I have for Carter. She hasn’t shut up about it all day. I’m surprised she isn’t talking weddings and babies, that’s how bad she’s been. At lunch I even threatened to move to another table if she didn’t let up. Thankfully that was enough to get her to stop.

She’s boy crazy. Always has been. She’s not only pretty, but has huge knockers so the guys love her. What is it with them and boobs? Me on the other hand, I like boys, but I’m not obsessed. I guess that’s why she’s so excited now that she knows how I feel about Carter.

Once school’s out, I’m in two minds on what to do. Part of me wants to catch the bus to defy him. How dare he order me around like that? The crazy part of me wants to be near him. Don’t ask me why. It’s not like he’s pleasant to be around.