Hate to Date You (Dating #4) - Monica Murphy Page 0,44
get off work. Sometimes there are things I need to do, like run errands. Or I go visit my nonna. Or Caroline. Or even Sarah.
All stall tactics to keep me out of the apartment and away from Carter, who never seems to leave it.
But today, today is different. Today I’m home early and I want to watch Netflix because the movie sequel to To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, which I’ve been waiting for since I watched that cute romcom over a year ago, is finally releasing today, and I want to revel in its sweet, cozy romantic vibes.
I also wanted to watch it on my TV versus my laptop, so I could see the gorgeous male lead actor in all his 4K glory, too. Looks like I’ll have to kick Carter out of the living room.
“I was, uh, hoping to watch something right now.” I wave my hand at the bloody fight scene that’s currently unfolding. “On my TV.”
“Oh. Shit.” He sits up straighter and hits pause on the remote, then sets it down on the coffee table in front of him. “I’ll get out of your hair.” He rises to his feet and stretches his arms over his head, causing the hem of his T-shirt to lift, revealing a slice of firm belly.
My lips part and my mouth goes dry. Pretty sure I licked a path around his navel during our one moment together, not that I need to relive that particular moment yet again.
This is why I stay out of the apartment as much as possible. He’s a distraction. A delicious, sexy distraction, and while I do adore seeing him dressed up a little, I also adore seeing him in all his casual glory. Which means T-shirts that stretch tight across his broad chest and joggers that hang loose from his hips.
Living with Carter Abbott is seriously turning into my worst nightmare. The sexual frustration I’ve been experiencing is unreal.
“Thanks,” I tell him as I drop my bag on the dining table and head into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge. “I don’t mean to be rude, but—”
“No, it’s fine. It’s your house, your television. I’ll go to my room.” He hesitates. “What are you watching?”
I tell him and he frowns, like he’s never heard of it, which doesn’t surprise me at all.
“I mean, you can stay and watch it with me if you want,” I say, knowing full well he won’t want to. No grown man wants to sit around and watch a teen romcom movie, am I right?
He pauses, his brows shooting up. I’m sure my casual invitation shocks the crap out of him. “Maybe I will.”
I exit the kitchen and set the water bottle on the end table closest to me, emphasizing how long I’ve waited to see this movie. I’ve been waiting for this moment for well over a year.
“I never saw the first one,” he tells me when I’m finished.
“Then you probably won’t be able to keep up,” I say, regret in my voice, even though I don’t mean it. I want to enjoy this night all by myself. Maybe even watch the first movie again.
Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. Should I watch it before the second one, to reacquaint myself? I mean, I’ve watched that movie a few times. Like ten times.
Okay, fine, maybe fifteen.
It’s just so dreamy and cute. By outward appearances, I try to act like I’m a jaded bitch who’s seen and done it all. My friends think I’m against long-term romantic relationships, and I am for the most part. But that movie touches all my romantic, swoony buttons.
“I don’t mind watching the new movie with you.” He runs a hand over his hair, then rests both hands on his lean hips. “I’ve got nothing else better to do.”
Oh. Maybe I should be insulted by that last remark.
“Really?” I make a face. “I mean, sure. If you want.”
He raises a brow. “If you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” An idea forms. Maybe it’ll send him packing. “I think I’m going to watch the first movie again too, to catch up so I won’t forget any details.”
He certainly won’t want to sit around and watch two teenage romance movies in a row, will he?
“Perfect. That way I’ll get to see them both after all.” He rubs his hands together and starts for the kitchen. “I’ll put together some snacks for us.”