Book IV of the UNC Series
Carter Blake has a bone-deep hatred for the world-and especially for the people in it. All he wants is to keep his head down, focus on school and basketball, and avoid the mess of human connection. After enduring years of...
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three years later
A shiver shudders through me as the autumn winds cut against my skin, causing goosebumps to rise. I'm dressed in simple jeans, a tank top bodysuit, and a knitted cardigan. Despite the early October days, the weather is still chilling to the bone.
Tears accumulate in my eyes as the wind whips my hair behind me, the ponytail dancing to the rhythm. My jeans feel rough against my skin, and my fingers are numb. The cardigan does very little to staunch the cold.
I blink, feeling my cheeks heat as I narrow my eyes at the group of girls standing before me, each cheering and waiting patiently by the exit.
I see a few of them eyeing me, aware of who I am as they study the simplicity of my outfit and struggle to understand why Carter's with me. They must see the gold watch on my wrist—the only luxurious thing I let Carter gift me for my birthday—as they snicker and converse with each other.
I know I shouldn't have to tolerate any of this. I should have waited inside, but I didn't want to get caught up in the media spectacle, so I decided it would be easier for Ryan to find me if I stood outside the facility.
My eyes narrow as I focus on the gossiping girls.
Suddenly, giggling captures my attention as I roll my eyes to direct my glare at Penny, who stands beside me. She's cut her hair again, so it rests just an inch above her shoulders, but she has chosen to dye it a lighter shade of caramel brown, rather than her natural auburn. She is wearing a lace corset crop top with dark-washed jeans. Despite being less covered than I am, the cold seems to have no impact on her.
"What's so funny?" I grumble, crossing my arms before me. I shoot daggers at the girls again. Their laughter and giggles turn obnoxious as they continue whispering behind cupped hands.
"You," Penny chuckles, grabbing my arm and trying to loosen my posture, but I stand rigid. "Come on, Addie. You really think those girls stand a chance?"
"I liked it a lot better when Carter was a recluse," I mutter under my breath.
Carter has changed quite a bit over the past three years since we graduated from Weston Cardill University, but not so much that I can't recognize him. He's still not as outgoing as his brother or Andre, and he still has a smaller social battery compared to the rest of the team. He still remains a bookworm nerd who would much rather stay home with me and Olive than join the team at the bar for a drink or go out partying.
But he's not as closed off as he used to be. He's going to therapy at Ryan's behest and has started opening up about what he's endured since his dad died. Carter's taken on the leadership role his Weston coach wanted him to fill. He's not brushing off his teammates, and he makes an effort to call Andre.
He prioritizes spending quality time with his brother and niece, making a conscious effort to be present in their lives. He always thinks before reacting to situations rather than spouting out the first thing that comes to mind.
