Dirty Desires

Chapter 10

"How are we going to grab his attention?" I ask Clara, glancing back at Carter, who seems completely absorbed by the other women around him.

Do they ever tire of making out? I cross my arms and try to block them out. I don't know why it's even bothering me this much.

"You really don't have to worry," she replies. "Almost all the guys in here are looking your way right now."

She was already looking more lively than when we first walked in. It made me feel even more determined to continue with this plan of hers.

I let out a fake laugh. "No way, sis, their eyes are on you." I can't agree with her. "You're definitely the prettiest girl here."

That was the truth. No one here could compare.

"I think they're checking out both of you," Jenna chimes in, correcting us. "I've seen a good number of guys glance at each of you separately. You're both stunning. If half of them weren't drunk, you'd have all the attention in the room."

"Yeah, right," I mumble under my breath.

But Carter still wasn't looking our way, and I could see that it frustrated Clara. She was eager for this plan to kick into gear without delay. Patience wasn't her strong suit when it came to revenge; she wanted results fast.

"If there's one thing that'll catch his eye, it's other guys showing interest in you," she suggests as a few guys approach us. "This is perfect. Keep them entertained for as long as you can."

Entertain them?

Was she out of her mind?

I certainly didn't want to play the part of the entertainer for a bunch of rowdy guys just to nudge Carter into looking my way! They assured me that my bikini would do the trick, but it didn't seem to be working! How could they be so certain this plan would succeed when the last one fell flat?

I force a smile and start chatting with the first guy who approaches. This was proving to be one of the toughest challenges I'd ever faced. Just as one guy walked away, another would slide in.

I wasn't just working to catch Carter's attention; it felt like I had to juggle every guy at this party. Okay, maybe not every single one, but it sure felt that way. All I wanted to do was run and hide. I kept reminding myself that Carter deserved whatever was coming to him, assuming he fell for Clara's trap.

Even though he never remained loyal to her, Clara seemed to have a solid grasp on him. She just might pull this off, given how well she knew his preferences and what typically caught his eye.

"Hi," Jason, a guy from my class, greeted me as if we had never spoken before. He was the fifth guy to approach me, and Carter still hadn't noticed I was there.

Honestly, tonight felt like a flop. Why didn't we just call it a night and head home? It would be best for Clara and me if we could pretend this whole evening never happened.

"Can you tell me your name, pretty girl?" he asked.

Did he really forget that we worked on a class project together once? I felt like rolling my eyes, but the look my sister shot me made it clear she wanted me to play along.

"Hi!" I greet him, pretending to be shy. Should I blink my eyes and flip my hair like the other girls were doing? Should I openly flirt and fake another smile?

I wasn't sure how to do it without making a fool of myself. But maybe that wasn't such a bad idea; it would get Jason to leave me alone.

"Jason!" An intense and undeniably sexy voice called out to him. I didn't need to wonder who it was; just moments later, Carter appeared next to us.

He didn't glance at me or even acknowledge my sister. Instead, his gaze was locked on Jason, practically shooting daggers. Though he seemed to be putting on a calm and collected facade, I could see right through it. He might have been fooling Jason, but not me.

The guy looked overjoyed that Carter Prince was talking to him. He was so happy that he must have forgotten about my existence again. I can't say I wasn't glad for the distraction. I didn't like the way Jason looked at my body. The entire time he stood saying hi to me, he wouldn't stop staring at my boobs.

"I'd like to introduce you to some girls," he tells Jason, and Jason looks extremely excited to meet them.

Carter turns to my sister, "Clara," he greets her, and she shows him the finger.

He slowly moves his gaze from her and pins me with his dangerous eyes, just like he did the day he told me he saw my panties. My cheeks turn red at the reminder. Today, he could see much more than just my underwear. I was exposed in every way possible, but unlike Jason, his eyes were glued to mine. He wasn't looking at my body, at least, not yet.

His jaw tightens, and I can sense that something about me is rubbing him the wrong way. He doesn't bother to hide his irritation, yet, unlike the other day, he keeps quiet about my outfit choice today.

I watch as he strolls away with Jason at his side.

"What do you think?" I ask Clara. "He didn't seem to care much about my fit today."

"He was definitely bothered," she replies. "He probably held back because I was here. We might need to leave you alone for a bit to see if he'll come over then."

My jaw drops in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?" I exclaim. “I really don't want to be left here by myself. Have you seen all the creepy stares people are shooting my way? Just imagine what would happen if I'm left alone. I'd rather skip the embarrassment and go home right now."

"It'll only be for a little while," Clara assures me. "I'm convinced that once Carter spots you by yourself, he'll come over to chat. Plus, you won't have to stick around him for long. You'll be more appealing to him if you turn him down or act like he's getting on your nerves."

"His presence already annoys me; there's no need for acting," I tell her flatly.

"We'll be back soon, and if anyone bothers you, we'll swoop in and rescue you," my sister promises.

I bite my bottom lip and reluctantly agree, even though I'm feeling incredibly uneasy about her plan. I can't shake the nagging doubt that Jenna will eventually realize Carter isn't interested in me at all. Just look at how many girls flock to him; they practically throw themselves at his feet. Why would he waste his time on someone like me when neither of us has any real feelings for each other?

"I think I've got a better idea," Jenna chimes in, addressing both of us.

I'm all ears for other suggestions because, frankly, her original plan stinks.

"How about we get you up on the back of Carter's truck?" she proposes.

I stare at my best friend in disbelief, wondering if she's lost her mind.

"What on earth are you talking about?" I ask, incredulous.

I had hoped for a better suggestion, but this was a hundred times worse!

"Just hear me out," she insists. "You don't want anyone coming up to you. If you stay here by yourself, someone will definitely make a move. You look stunning, and guys will be tripping over themselves to be near you. If you're perched on top of Carter's truck, he'll notice you immediately, and you won't have to worry about anyone bothering you."

"That's not a bad idea," Clara agrees, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

I'm about to object when I spot two guys making their way toward us.

"Alright, point me toward his truck," I tell them.

They exchange glances and grin, and I feel like yanking their hair out. They have no clue what it's like to be put through this ridiculous situation for a guy they don't even like.

I followed their direction after memorizing the number plate, even though I knew only one of his kind existed. It's also the only yellow vehicle in the parking lot.

Instead of climbing onto the bed of the truck, I settle for leaning against it. I wasn't sure how long I'd have to wait here for him, but I would be happy if he never showed up.

I fold my arms and stare at the balcony; anyone can look down from the pool area and see me leaning against his truck.

I sigh as I spot him with his arms around another girl; I want to gag in disgust as I see him lean in and kiss her neck. He has no decency, does he?

I narrow my eyes, and at that exact moment, his gaze drifts down to his truck before landing on me. My breath catches in my throat as I try to decipher the expression in his eyes. Is he angry? It's hard to tell.

I attempt to pretend his stare doesn't rattle me, but I sense I'm losing that battle.

I freeze completely as he disentangles himself from the girl, despite her desperate pleas for him to come back. When he starts to move toward me, a wave of panic washes over me.

Oh no.

Please tell me he isn't coming over here!