Claimed For Christmas

Chapter 14-Hello Again

Brooklyn

I peered down at my phone, feeling my stomach drop as the notifications popped up on the screen.

20 missed calls and 10 unread text messages. Every single one of them was from Tyler.

After having his friends show up at my work yesterday, I’ve been feeling super uneasy about all of this. One of them might’ve even tried following me home. That’s totally crossing the line, and it made me realize I need to cut Tyler off completely.

I’d hoped he’d get bored of this and start to move on by now. I mean, I walked in on him kissing another girl, so I figured he was already over me somewhat to do that.

My fingers hovered over the screen, as I looked down at the last message he sent.

Tyler: If you don’t f*****g respond back to me, I’m coming down there Brooklyn. I’m not joking.

I swallowed down the nerves that were caught in my throat. Tyler coming here was the last thing I wanted, and I knew if I didn’t respond back, he actually would come. So I needed to end this now. Clearly avoidance wasn’t working, so I guess I just have to make things very clear to him.

My fingers moved across the keypad quickly as I started to type out the message. Tyler and I were together for almost a year. He was the one who took a lot of my firsts, but truthfully, now that I’m looking back, I never fully felt comfortable with him. There was always this nervous energy that rose up inside of me whenever we were together. Not the good kind with butterflies and warm cheeks. The only time I’ve felt that was…no, I can’t keep going back to that. I feel like such a creep for going back to Carter and the time we spent in the hospital together. He was just doing his job. I need to get a grip.

Me: Tyler, I know you’re trying to tell me that what you did was a part of some game the guys pushed you into playing, but you still kissed someone else and I can’t get over that. That’s why I’m ending things. So please respect that and stop contacting me.

I chewed on the inside of my lip nervously while staring down at the phone. Why do I feel so guilty all of a sudden? This wasn’t even my fault and here I am feeling like I’m the bad guy breaking up with him. How did this get so warped?

He cheated you, remember Brooklyn?!

After reading the message back, I hit send and quickly shoved my phone into my front hoodie pocket. If he keeps contacting me after this, then I’ll block him. Hopefully this will be the end of it though.

Glancing around the store, I let out a sigh before sitting back in the chair behind the counter. I was working the night shift at the convenience store that was located on campus. Since most of the students were gone for winter break, it’s been dead in here for the most part.

Usually I work the evening shift, but since I don’t have classes for another week, I asked my manager if I could pick up some extra shifts. She was more than happy to give them to me.

After a few minutes passed, I pulled my phone back out, wondering if Tyler had responded yet. When I didn’t see a notification, I opened up my insta instead.

Shifting in the chair, my eyes darted towards the sliding door to make sure no one was coming. Once I made sure the coast was clear, I leaned in closer, staring at my phone intently while typing the name, Carter Hayes, into the search bar.

The moment his picture popped up, I swallowed hard, feeling that usual heat start to creep up my neck as I bit down on my lower lip.

He was a god…like literally, he had to be. Real guys don’t look like this. Not unless they’re famous actors or models. I mean, the pictures weren’t even that s****l, but something about him just screamed s*x god. Most of the pictures on his profile were football related. Some were just him posing with his teammates after a win, and then there’s others that were just him. Then there was my favorite one.

I let out a shuddering breath, letting my gaze drift up and down the screen as I took in the photo of Carter Hayes lifting up his football jersey to wipe the sweat off of his sharp jawline. My eyes zeroed in on the perfectly sculpted planes of his abs. It was like a marble statue… My stomach flipped. That warm tingling feeling began to fill my stomach as I pressed my thighs together tightly. I’ve never been attracted to someone so much in my life.

Even with Tyler I knew he was handsome and way out of my league…but there wasn’t that urge there. With Carter…there was more than an urge…there was a hunger.

Suddenly the sound of the door opening had me clicking my phone off in a panic before shoving it into my pocket. That feeling of being caught doing something I shouldn’t have had me jumping to my feet when a familiar face appeared before me.

“Heya, just checking in.” Dave, an older gentleman who was one of the campus security guards said before walking towards the counter where we had the hot food. “Pretty slow night, yeah?” He asked, and I nodded in agreement.

“I-it’ll probably pick up by the end of the week.” I managed to choke out. Why was my throat so dry all of a sudden? This is what looking at pictures of Carter does to me.

God, I feel like such a weirdo.

“I’m not looking forward to it.” Dave laughed before grabbing one of the packaged hotdogs and walked over to the register. “I’ve been enjoying the quiet. I’m sure you have too.” He added with a playful wink.

Yeah, the quiet is nice sometimes, but truthfully, it makes me feel anxious. I grew up with quiet. It wasn’t always the best thing.

After checking Dave out, I watched him give me a wave before walking out and leaving. The sound of music played softly through the store as I let out a sigh before sitting back down.

My hand dove into my hoodie pocket, pulling out my phone once more as I opened it back up and saw Carter’s picture waiting for me. That’s when the warmth started to return. I took in a deep breath, and my heart began to flutter. Ugh, I can even remember the way he smelled. I swear I can even smell it right now.

I’ve never met someone like him before. Someone so kind, and sweet. All of those things he did for me…I just wish I could’ve done something to repay him somehow. I doubt I’ll ever see the guy again though. Not like I’ll be going back to Bridgeview anytime soon.

That’s the last place I want to be at the moment.

Suddenly, a bottle of water was placed on the counter in front of me, making me jump as my eyes darted up to the person who had put it there.

I didn’t even hear anyone come in.

The second my gaze lifted, I felt like my world had been flipped upside down.

I blinked my eyes rapidly, wondering if I was seeing things right now. There’s no way….

I continued to stare up at the spitting image of Carter Hayes. This can’t be him, right? It has to be his doppelganger or something.

“Hello Brooklyn.” His deep voice sent shivers down my spine as all the hair stood up on the back of my neck.

How was he here right now?!

My eyes dragged across Carter’s broad frame, taking in his muscular body. He had on a dark grey hoodie and jeans. His dark brown hair was tussled in the sexiest way, hanging over his forehead and his face was clean shaven.

Heat shot through me before settling deep in my core. Even though I was just looking at his picture mere seconds ago, I had almost forgotten how gorgeous he really was.

“W-what are you doing here?” I rushed, wanting to kick myself for how weird I was acting.

That’s when I glanced up, meeting those chocolate brown eyes as I stared in awe at the gold flecks that swirled within them.

“I’m visiting a friend. He lives on campus here.” He explained, making my heart leap into my throat.

“Really? I didn’t realize you knew someone that went here.” I rushed, before clearing my throat awkwardly.

Carter’s eyes flicked down to the counter, making me follow them when I saw what he was looking at.

The picture of Carter was still on my phone, in full freaking display.

Oh god! How embarrassing!

I shoved my phone into my pocket, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks as I looked away in embarrassment.

“I…um.” What could I even say to explain what he just saw?!

“How’s your head?” He suddenly asked, making my eyes widened. Wait, did he not see it? Or was he just trying not to be weird about it?

“G-good…Better…I mean, it feels a lot better.” I sputtered out. Trying to pull myself back together.

“So it doesn’t hurt anymore?” He asked softly before reaching forward. I froze, unsure of what he was doing when I felt tingles shot across my skin as he touched my forehead gently. Another shiver trembled through me as I felt like I could melt onto the damn floor.

“N-no, it doesn’t.” I breathed, as my body started to lean forward all on its own. It was like I was in some type of trance.

Warmth flooded my body. That feeling of familiarity began to rise up once again as I swear something deep inside of me was reaching towards him.

“I’ve missed you.” Carter said softly, his words making my heart skip a beat.

“You have?” Was I hearing things right now?

Carter nodded his head yes.

“What time do you get off of work?” He asked, and I felt like this was some type of dream.

“Midnight.” I think at least…who knows. My brain isn’t functioning correctly anymore.

“Why don’t we grab something to eat afterwards, so we can catch up.” His warm breath fanned against my lips, making me realize just how close we were.

“Something to eat.” I repeated the words. Unsure if I heard him correctly. I had to be making most of this up in my head, right?

“Yeah. You, me, going out to dinner.” He confirmed before dragging his hand down and moving my hair away from my face.

“Tonight?! I don’t think anything will be open that late.”

“We’ll figure something out.” He said before pulling away and creating some distance between us. “I’ll pick you up after work.” He added, while walking backwards towards the door.

“Wait.” I started but he wasn’t stopping. “You didn’t even get your water.” I rushed, looking down at the bottle still sitting there with a five dollar bill right next to it.

“I bought it for you. See you tonight Brooklyn.” He called out, leaving me standing there with my mouth hanging open because…like, what the hell just happened?!