Obligation, page 10
“Of course I’m happy he wants to spend time with me, but why does he always have to be so mean about it?” Carissa flopped down onto her bed. “He’s always blaming me and making me feel guilty for having a life outside of him.”
Tiffany frowned, scooted off her bed, and sat beside Carissa. “Have you told him how you feel?”
Carissa shook her head. “I can’t. He won’t understand.”
Averting her gaze to her lap, she let out another heavy sigh. Before all the bad stuff happened between them, she used to be able to talk to him, to tell him anything and everything. He’d listen and offer comfort. Now, he just got mad and yelled. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.
“Are you thinking about breaking up with him?”
“Yes,” Carissa whispered.
While the thought had been on her mind since their blow-up fight last weekend, she hadn’t voiced it—until now. And something about admitting out loud that she wanted to end her relationship with Danny was freeing. But could she actually go through with breaking up with him? She honestly had no idea.
“Wow,” Tiffany breathed out the word.
“Yeah.” Carissa picked at her nails, then looked up. “He cheated on me.”
“What?” Tiffany said a little too loudly, eyes wide and jaw hung open. “When? Are you absolutely positive?”
“Yes. He admitted he’d cheated. He swears all he did was kiss her, that they never took off more than their shirts before he stopped it, but I don’t know if I believe that.” Carissa pushed to her feet and paced toward the window. She stared out at the dark night sky. “Happened near the end of last semester, before he went home for the summer.”
“Wow.” Tiffany remained seated on Carissa’s bed.
“I know.” She crossed her arms over her chest and turned to face her friend. “Things haven’t been the same since then.”
For a hell of a lot more reasons than just Danny’s infidelity, but Carissa was not ready to have that conversation just yet.
“I’ve kinda noticed that you two haven’t been quite as close, but I had no idea…” Tiffany shook her head. “Now it makes sense, though.”
“I’ve tried to forgive him, to get past what he did, but I can’t.” Tears pooled in Carissa’s eyes, and when she shook her head, a few of those tears trickled down her face. “He’s like this completely different person now, and…” She chewed on her bottom lip.
“And what?” Tiffany stood and approached Carissa. “Whatever’s going on, you can tell me. You know that, right? I’ve got your back. Always.”
“I know.” She nodded. “I just… I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I guess I’m realizing that I don’t like this person Danny has become. We’re constantly fighting, and sometimes, he scares me. He explodes over the smallest things.”
Tiffany frowned, a glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes. She jerked Carissa into a hug. “Then break up with him,” she mumbled against Carissa’s shoulder. “You don’t need to put up with that from him.” Pulling away, Tiffany held Carissa out at arm’s length. “I’m serious, Carissa. End it with him. I’ll do whatever I can to help, and you know Garrett will, too.”
Carissa forced a smile. “I know. Thanks, Tiff.” She yawned, then wiped her eyes. “Right now, though, I need to sleep. I’ll deal with Danny tomorrow.”
Besides, Carissa wanted to think about the situation more and not do anything rash that she might regret, because deep down, she did love Danny. They’d been through so much together, and in the beginning of their relationship, he’d been the perfect guy—loving, considerate, romantic, funny… He’d been everything she’d ever wanted.
Maybe Tiffany was right, and Carissa needed to try to talk to Danny. He couldn’t necessarily change his behavior toward her if he didn’t know how much it bothered her, and the only way he’d know that was if she told him. Maybe they could work through this.
“Well, whatever you need, I’m here, okay?” Tiffany pulled back the covers on her bed and slid beneath them.
“Thanks, Tiff. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Carissa took off her shoes and socks, wiggled out of her bra, and then climbed into her bed.
“You’ll never have to find out.” Tiffany stretched up and flicked off the lights. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.” Carissa smiled in the darkness, forever grateful for having such an amazing, loyal friend. If only Carissa’s boyfriend wasn’t such a jerk all the time, she’d have close to a picture perfect life.
Her phone buzzed on the shelf above her head. She reached around in the dark until she found her phone, fully expecting to see Danny’s name on the screen.
Bradley: Invite still open to hang at the game and bonfire with you guys?
Carissa’s smiled widened, and her heart fluttered at the thought of Bradley hanging out with them tomorrow. Granted, she’d be occupied during the bonfire, but they could all sit together during the game.
Carissa: Of course. Does this mean you’re coming?
Bradley: Yes, ma’am.
Hugging the phone to her chest, she closed her eyes and could easily hear him saying those words, his deep baritone twinged with that sexy southern drawl. A shiver wiggled down her spine.
Carissa: Can’t wait!
She had no idea why she’d sent that of all things, but she didn’t regret the words one bit. She was excited to see Bradley again, even if Danny would be there, too. That was probably a blessing—at least with Danny around, she wouldn’t do something stupid, like try to kiss Bradley again.
Carissa: I have to work the S’mores table at the bonfire for my sorority.
Bradley: Good. I love S’mores, which means I’ll have a reason to hang around you all night.
She let out a silly laugh, her face heating with a combination of anticipation and excitement.
“What’re you laughing about?” Tiffany asked, half-asleep.
Carissa’s heart jumped at the sound of Tiffany’s voice. “Nothing,” she said, quickly turning off her phone screen and tucking it beneath the blankets. “Night.” But sleep would be elusive for Carissa tonight—she was much too giddy about her conversation with Bradley.
Man, she was in some serious trouble.
Chapter Fourteen
Bradley sat on the packed bleachers and cheered along with the crowd as the Harmony Falls Hawks scored the first touchdown of the game. The noise was deafening as people shouted, whistled, and stomped their feet. Beside him, Jeremy stuck his fingers into his mouth and whistled around them, the sound loud enough to nearly pierce an eardrum. Bradley leaned away to avoid any permanent damage, then shoved his friend, laughing.
Garrett sat on Jeremy’s other side, followed by Tiffany, then Carissa, and finally, Danny. Bradley had hoped he’d be able to snag a spot right next to Carissa, but thanks to an accident on the way to campus, he’d been late arriving. Now he was stuck all the way at the end, the farthest possible seat away from Carissa. At least they’d be at the bonfire together later. He could talk to her then.
He focused his attention on the game until halftime. Harmony Falls was in the lead by a single touchdown, and the opposing team would have possession when the third quarter started. Bradley wasn’t usually a huge football fan, but watching live, surrounded by diehard fans—and his friends—he could understand why the game was addictive to so many. The atmosphere was downright electric.
“I need to get up and move around.” Tiffany stood and stretched her arms above her head, causing her shirt to lift just enough to show some skin.
Jeremy stared, and Bradley elbowed him. Not that Bradley had any room to judge; he’d do the same thing if that was Carissa showing off her stomach. Or any other part of her body, for that matter. Even her slender, delicate, soft hands were attractive to him.
“My ass is numb.” Garrett stood and rubbed his butt.
Bradley laughed and stood, too. A moment later, Jeremy joined them. Glancing down the row of bleachers, Bradley’s gaze stopped on Danny and Carissa. They had their heads bowed together as if deep in conversation they didn’t want anyone to overhear. But then Danny jerked away, his face red with anger. Carissa stood, her back to their group, and then she proceeded to walk away in the opposite direction.
“Hey.” Bradley gently nudged Tiffany and pointed behind her, brows raised.
Tiffany turned to look, muttered, “Shit,” then took off after Carissa.
“Everything alright?” Garrett asked Danny and slapped him on the back.
Danny smacked Garrett’s hand away and abruptly stood. “No. Everything’s not alright. My girlfriend thinks everything is more important than me.” With a scowl, Danny pushed his way down the bleachers.
“Well, he seems super nice,” Jeremy said. “C’mon. I need food and beer.” He patted his stomach.
Bradley watched until Danny was swallowed by the crowd; then he turned and followed Jeremy and Garrett toward the concession stand. The line was a mile long, and Bradley was positive they’d be late getting back to their seats, but he didn’t care. He was more worried about Carissa. Where had she gone? Was she okay? Had Tiffany found her?
“Where’s Cory tonight anyway?” Jeremy asked.
“No idea.” Garrett shrugged. “Last I knew, he was supposed to be here. Maybe he’ll show up at the bonfire.”
“I hope so. He’s a cool guy.” Jeremy nodded and moved forward in line.
Bradley looked around under the guise of people watching but in reality he was hoping to see Carissa. Would she come back to watch the rest of the game? She’d told him last night she had to work the S’mores table at the bonfire, so even if she didn’t return for the second half of the game, at least he’d see her later.
“Hi, Bradley.” A petite girl with dyed blue hair walked by and waved, giving him a flirty smile.
He smiled in return.
“Friend of yours?” Garrett asked.
“We have a couple of classes together, but I wouldn’t exactly call her a friend.” The line moved again, so Bradley stepped forward.
“Seems like she might want to be more than your friend.” Jeremy suggestively nudged Bradley and waggled his eyebrows. “Know what I’m saying?”
“Everyone knows what you’re saying.” Bradley laughed. “And she may want more than friendship, but she’s not getting it from me.”
“Why not?” Garrett leaned to the side in a dramatic way, making his actions clear—he was watching the girl walk away. “She’s cute.”
“She’s not my type.” Bradley crossed his arms, suddenly very uncomfortable with where this conversation was headed.
He shifted on his feet and let out an aggravated sigh, hoping he could divert attention to the fact that they’d only moved three places in line and still weren’t any closer to getting food and drinks.
“Hey.” Tiffany joined them in line—alone—hands shoved into her pockets.
“Where’s Carissa?” Garrett asked.
Relief flooded Bradley that Garrett had asked so that Bradley wouldn’t have to. The last thing he needed was for Garrett or Jeremy to learn about his true feelings for Carissa. The situation was complicated enough without his friends giving him shit about liking her.
“She needed a few minutes alone. She’ll be back soon,” Tiffany said with a small frown. “Any idea where Danny went?” She twisted around as if looking for him.
“Nope. He complained about Carissa thinking everything else is more important than him, and then he took off,” Bradley said with a biting tone.
Tiffany rolled her eyes, but she didn’t say anything further. Bradley wasn’t sure if he was pleased or pissed with her silence. He wanted to know more, to know that Carissa was okay and to know what was truly going on between her and Danny. But he also didn’t want to know, because if he found out Danny was treating Carissa poorly, Bradley might not be able to stop himself from giving Danny a major attitude adjustment.
By the time they reached the concession window, placed their orders, and returned to their seats, Carissa still hadn’t come back. Worry nagged at Bradley. Had she decided to leave? If so, why hadn’t she told anyone? Or had Danny found her? Were those two off arguing somewhere?
Bradley set his food next to him on the bleacher and pulled his phone from his pocket. No message from Carissa. He frowned, disappointment landing in his gut. Unease filled him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that Carissa was in trouble.
“Hey, Tiffany.” Bradley leaned closer to her. “Has Carissa contacted you? She’s been gone a long time.”
Tiffany eyed him, and he held his breath, waiting for her to question why he was so concerned about someone he barely knew. But she didn’t. Instead, she checked her phone and shook her head.
Bradley opened his messages and sent a quick text to Carissa to ask if she was okay. Then he stood, slipped his phone into his back pocket, and said, “I’m going to go look for her.”
“Look for who?”
Bradley whipped around at the sound of Carissa’s voice. “You,” he said, concern furrowing his brow. “We’ve been worried. Are you okay?”
Carissa nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
The fear squeezing his chest loosened, and he took a deep breath. Thank God she was okay. She certainly didn’t look so great, though. Her face was red, and her eyes were puffy. Clearly she’d been crying. Again.
“What did I miss?” Carissa smiled as if nothing was wrong, and then sat on the bleachers in what was his spot a second ago.
He didn’t mind, though. Sitting beside her, he reached for his food—two hotdogs, a bag of chips, and a cup of beer. He held a hotdog out to her. “Want one?”
She graced him with a breathtaking smile, her face lighting up. “You sure?” she asked as she reached for the food.
“Yeah, I’m trying to watch my figure anyway.” He winked, and her face flushed.
Carissa rolled her eyes and took the hotdog. She took a large bite, her tongue peeking out to lick the ketchup from the corner of her mouth. Watching her fascinated him, and he’d sit here all night and watch her if he could. But the whistle blew to signal the start of the second half, and his attention was drawn back to the football field.
Halfway through the third quarter, she poked his arm. “Can we switch spots?”
He tilted his head, confused. “Yeah, sure. Why?”
“I need to talk to Tiff, and I don’t want to shout over you,” she said.
Bradley stood so Carissa could scoot down the bench toward Tiffany, and then he sat back down. But as soon as he did, the crowd was on their feet, cheering on the team for running another touchdown.
“Our team isn’t half bad.” Jeremy laughed. “Wonder if the basketball team is just as good.”
“They’re not.” Garrett shook his head. “Trust me, you do not want to watch one of their games. You’ll walk away hating the game.” He laughed.
From the corner of his eye, Bradley watched Carissa whisper to Tiffany. The girls laughed, and his heart soared at the joy he heard in Carissa’s laughter. That’s how she should always be—happy and carefree. Not sad and in tears. And God help him, he wanted to be the man to make her happy. So what if she had a boyfriend? Bradley could earn her affections fair and square, without playing dirty.
The game ended with Harmony Falls winning by a single field goal, and excited chaos erupted all round. Even Carissa was on her feet, clapping and cheering. He watched her with a smile, wondering what had caused her mood to change so drastically.
Carissa turned to him and clutched his arm. “Tiff and I have to head to the bonfire to help with setup. We’ll see you there, right?”
“Wouldn’t dream of missing it,” Bradley said, momentarily covering her hand with his, and she didn’t try to pull away from his touch. “Do you need a ride there?”
“No. Tiff has her car. I’ll ride with her.” She still didn’t remove her hand from his arm. In fact, she gave his bicep a gentle squeeze.
“Well, do you need an extra pair of hands to help?”
“Uh, I don’t think so,” she said slowly. “TOP is co-hosting with the Betas, so all those guys will be there.”
So much he wanted to say to that, but he bit his tongue. Carissa wasn’t his girlfriend, and even if she was, he had no right to tell her what to do or who she could hang around with. While he didn’t like the thought of her spending any length of time with an entire fraternity, he was powerless to do anything about that.
“Lucky guys,” he finally said.
Laughing, she eased his hand from his arm and propped her hands on her hips. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that they get to be there with you.” He shrugged, trying to act cool and unconcerned when he was anything but.
She tilted her head, a slow, seductive smile curving her lips. “Are you jealous?”
“Should I be?”
“Do you have a reason to be?” she fired back just as quickly.
He grinned. “You know we could stand here all night and go back and forth with these questions. Which, I mean, I don’t mind, but then you’ll be late…”
Carissa narrowed her eyes, the smile never fully leaving her face. “To be continued, then.” She leaned around him to say goodbye to Garrett and Jeremy, and then she patted Bradley’s chest, spun on her heel, and sauntered away with Tiffany.
If Bradley wasn’t mistaken, he could’ve sworn Carissa added a little extra sway to her hips for his benefit. He wasn’t certain, but he certainly enjoyed the view of her leaving.
“We’re gonna hit the bar downtown, grab a drink, then head to the bonfire. You coming?” Jeremy asked.
Bradley nodded and dug his keys from his pocket. He’d driven tonight, which meant he wouldn’t be drinking. That was fine with him. He’d much rather be alert anyway. Who knew what might happen with Carissa later? And he had a sinking suspicion everything was going to change tonight. For better or worse, he couldn’t say, but he was definitely ready to embrace change.
Chapter Fifteen
