Hate You, Want You

CHAPTER1

I’m coming, give me two more minutes!” I call out from the bathroom, carefully applying another layer of lip gloss. From the living room, my three friends groan in unison, their patience wearing thin. Finally, I step out with a triumphant smile, twirling playfully in my mini dress.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

Haylee folds her arms. “You do realize we’re already late, right?”

“Fashionably late,” I correct, grabbing my purse. Haylee scored an invite to an exclusive listening session for one of the hottest musicians right now, and of course, she brought us along. Naturally, I took my sweet time getting dressed.

They roll their eyes, but we all laugh as we rush out the door, heels clicking against the pavement. The lounge is buzzing, the dim lights and pulsing music setting the mood. The scent of expensive cologne and champagne lingers in the air as we weave through the crowd, searching for an open spot near the stage.

I scan the room, soaking it all in. Then my eyes land on a familiar face.

Ryan Carter.

My heart stutters before annoyance takes over. What the hell is he doing here?

As if sensing my gaze, his eyes lock onto mine, and his mouth curves into that same irritating smirk I thought I had escaped. The same smirk that used to get under my skin back in high school. My jaw tightens. Of all the people in this city, why did it have to be him?

“What’s wrong?” Haylee leans in, following my gaze. “Oh. Ryan Carter. Wait—isn’t he the guy from your debate days?”

“Unfortunately,” I mutter.

Ryan and I have history. A long, infuriating history of competitions, verbal sparring, and always trying to outdo each other. We first crossed paths during a national debate competition in high school. He was cocky, smart-mouthed, and entirely too good at arguing—which drove me insane because I was supposed to be the best. Ever since then, we’ve been rivals in every space we happened to share.

And now, somehow, he’s here.

I turn away, pretending he doesn’t exist, but it’s too late. He’s already making his way toward me, drink in hand.

“Well, well. If it isn’t my favorite competitor.” His voice is as smooth as ever, laced with that signature arrogance that makes my fingers itch.

I force a smile, the kind that barely hides my irritation. “Ryan. Didn’t know they let just anyone into exclusive events now.”

He chuckles, unfazed. “Didn’t know you still spent hours getting ready just to be late.”

I narrow my eyes. “Still as insufferable as ever, I see.”

“And you’re still as dramatic,” he replies, taking a slow sip of his drink.

Something about his stare feels different tonight. Like he’s studying me, looking for a reaction beyond the usual eye-rolls and sarcastic comebacks. I hate that my pulse speeds up under his gaze.

“Oh God, please tell me he’s not flirting with you,” Haylee whispers, eyeing Ryan with exaggerated horror.

“He’s not,” I say quickly.

Ryan smirks. “I could be.”

I scoff. “In your dreams, Carter.”

“You’d be surprised what happens in my dreams.” His voice drops just enough to make my breath hitch.

My stomach twists—whether from annoyance or something else, I refuse to admit. Before I can come up with a retort, the lights dim further, signaling the start of the event.

Saved by the music.

But as I turn away from him, I feel his eyes still on me—like he knows something I don’t. Like this game we’ve been playing for years is about to change.

And I have no idea if I’m ready for it.