Never agree to help Josh with a party again. Never again…

You want anything from inside?

I texted Carter.

Gatorade.

What flavor?

Surprise me.

I grabbed a blue one and walked to the register, setting down my collection. I waited for the attendant to turn around and ring me up, but she didn’t even look at me.

Her gaze was literally fixed on whatever was going on outside and she was mumbling to herself. “Oh my god…He is so perfect.”

I cleared my throat to get her attention. Nothing.

I coughed a few times, even throwing in an “Excuse me?” but I got nothing.

Her manager, another woman, came through a back door and I expected her to say something to me, or at least be kind enough to ring up my stuff, but she joined the attendant’s gaze fest instead.

“Jesus…” she said, making me finally turn around and look at whatever they were gawking at.

I knew it wasn’t Josh. He was on the phone yelling about something that sounded like Jell-O. His fraternity brothers were laughing about something and pumping the gas. They were cute, but nothing drool-worthy, nothing gawk-worthy.

I tapped my chest, preparing to clear my throat again so I could get out of their self-imposed Twilight-Zone, but my eyes suddenly latched onto Carter.

I’d seen him shirtless a million times before, seen his blue eyes gleam in the sunlight many times more, but I’d never felt the slightest bit of attraction. Until now…

And at that moment, it wasn’t “slight” at all…

With his six pack on full display, he was leaning against a different pump—looking off into the distance as beads of sweat trickled down his chest. He was flashing that charming smile he always used on an admirer across from him, but it was working on me from all the way over here.

He ran his hands through his jet black hair and I suddenly envisioned myself helping him with that, envisioned myself running my hands across his abs and lower—down to his perfectly defined “V” that trailed down to—

Oh. My. God…

I immediately looked away.

But then I looked at him again. I couldn’t help myself.

How could I not have noticed this?

“Are you finally ready to check out or are you too busy staring at something out there?” The attendant finally addressed me, literally acting as if she hadn’t been staring at him as well.

“Been ready.” I stole one last glance of Carter and pushed all my stuff across the counter.

When she finished bagging my stuff, I returned to the car and waited for Carter and the other guys to finish stretching.

“Thanks for stopping, Ari.” Josh sounded halfway genuine as he got in.

“No problem…” I said the same to his friends, and when Carter got back into the car, I couldn’t help but take a closer look at him.

He is literally the epitome of sexy…

“You look kind of tired,” he said softly. “Do you need me to drive?”

“No…” I shook my head and faced forward, cranking the engine. “I’m perfectly fine.”

Holy fucking shit…

Track 7. Eyes Open (3:59)

I took a glass mug out of Carter’s cabinet and placed it into a box.

“Is that the last one?” Josh walked over, picking it up.

“Yes, last one,” I said and he immediately turned away and took it outside. Even though I told myself that I would go home after a day of running errands, I decided to stay and help box up Carter’s valuables for the U-Haul truck. (Okay, and I also stayed behind to stare at him a little more so I could figure out what the hell was happening to me and my poor, confused brain.)

I looked over at Carter again and realized he was looking at me, too.

“Do you need me to stay and help with anything else?” I asked.

“I need you to go get some sleep.” He looked concerned. “Everything’s not going to get done tonight. You can come back tomorrow and help.”

“I’m not tired,” I said honestly.

“In that case…” Josh walked back inside at that very moment and pointed to a massive stack of boxes in the corner. “Could you organize all of the alcohol in those boxes by brand and type, please? And then when you get done, could you organize the rest?” He pointed to another stack that was hiding behind the doorframe.”

“On second thought, I could use a break…”

“Don’t break too long, then. The guys and I will be putting together a few of the torches outside if you need us, and while we work, I’ll think about inviting you to our party.”

I waved him away and walked over to the couch, collapsing on the rug instead of sitting next to Carter.

“Too tired to even make it to the couch?” He smirked. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you home?”

That actually might be a great idea right now...

“Come here.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me closer, positioning me between his legs. Then he began to gently massage my shoulders.

I shut my eyes and leaned back a bit, relishing the feel of his hands on my skin—trying hard not to focus on the fact that my nerves were currently on edge.

“How are things with you and Chris?” he asked.

“Things are pretty good actually. We went out for a run yesterday morning…He’s a pretty decent kisser.”

“So does that mean there’s a high chance that the two of you will have pretty decent sex?”

“I think we’ll have amazing sex.” I swallowed as he pressed his palm against the back of my neck. “I also think it will be so amazing that it will make you jealous when I tell you all about it.”

“Please don’t.” He let out a low laugh. “You should definitely invite him to the party.”

“I did.”

“Do I need to loan you my room to make sure you get the job done?”

“No…”

“Why not?”

“Because, although he appreciated the invite, he can’t come. He works the night shift that day…How are things with you and Tina?”

“Nothing is happening,” he said, kneading my shoulders one last time. “I still need to call her back.”

“Any reason why you’re dragging your feet?” I looked up at him.

“I haven’t figured that out yet…”

Silence.

Neither of us said anything for a few minutes, we just stared at one another. His leaned down, moving a strand of hair away from my face and I felt my heart speed up, felt it thump and rock against my chest in a way it never had before.

“EPIC with a capital E!” Josh shouted, making us break away. “We now have the slogan for the party.”

“Congratulations,” Carter said, still looking at me.

“I knew you’d like it.” Josh smiled. “Also, I need a quick reaffirmation from both of you for my friend Martin here.” He pointed to the six foot guy who was standing next to him.

We exchanged confused glances.

“Please tell him that sex is the number one cause of ruin for all male to female friendships.” Josh crossed his arms. “Before you answer, let me state the facts: One, if you sleep with the person who knows you best, you’re creating a potential enemy. Two, once you have sex—the shit is never the same. Three, if you don’t end up together, then you can’t be friends. Ever. Do I sound like I’m making perfect sense or no?”