Chapter 28

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

brENDON

Carter had to run to his mom's house Sunday morning to help her with a couple of things, and as much as I wanted to help, I knew it was good for the two of them to have some time alone.

It also didn't hurt that Carter promised me a surprise at some point today.

Thankfully, my car was booked to go into the shop yesterday, and we were able to pick it up the same day. Carter's is booked to go in on Monday, but it's not like we usually need two vehicles.

I'm busy studying when the buzzer for our apartment goes off on my phone.

My brows pull together because I wasn't expecting anyone, and Artie is out with Izzy again.

With a shrug, I swipe open the app and ask who's there.

"Delivery for Brendon Jackson," a man tells me, and I hit the button to let him up.

Excited energy rushes through my veins as I wait for the man to bring up whatever he is delivering. I didn't order anything, but I think this must be the surprise Carter was talking about. I mean, what else could it be?

It doesn't take long for a knock to come on our door, and I rush over to open it. A guy who looks to be about twenty is holding a giant basket of goodies, and I smile at him as he hands me a tablet to sign, confirming that I have accepted the order.

After that is done, he hands me the basket and gives me a little wave. "Have a good one," he says before walking away.

I'm practically vibrating with excitement as I take the basket to my bedroom.

My brain is going a mile a minute trying to come up with ideas as to what's in the basket. Knowing Carter can be a tease and a brat, I wouldn't put it past him to fill this basket with sex stuff.

I get myself situated on the bed and begin to unwrap the basket, smiling from ear to ear as I pull out each item.

Unfortunately, the basket isn't filled with sex things, but it is filled with all of my favorites. I pull out a Hershey's Symphony milk chocolate with almonds and a giant toffee candy bar first, and my mouth waters, and I want to eat it already. But there are a fuck ton more items inside, so I don't stop to eat the delicious chocolate just yet.

Next, I pull out a bag of animal crackers and snicker because I only allow myself to eat them once in a blue moon. I know they are childish, but they are a comfort snack for me.

I think the last time I ate these was when I was struggling to get my assignment done with Matais last year.

My smile stays permanently in place as I pull out goodie after goodie. There's Sunkist grape soda, a Whatchamacallit bar, a box of Better Cheddars, a bag of Fritos Twists Corn Snacks—in honey BBQ flavor, of course—and a shit ton of my favorite guilty pleasure items.

Along with all the junk food is a stuffed basketball to add to our ever-growing collection and a packet of basketball trading cards.

Clearly, Carter put a lot of thought and effort into this basket, and it really warms my heart. I just wonder when he had the time to put this all together. It's not like we spend a lot of time away from each other these days.

I pull out my phone to send him a text, thanking him for the awesome gift.

It doesn't take him long to respond, but it's not the message I was expecting.

Carter: I didn't send you a gift basket.

I stare at my phone for a minute, thinking he must be joking. Who else would send me a gift like this?

All of the items are very specific to me, so whoever sent this knows me very well.

Wondering if maybe I missed a note I quickly start to dig through the items on my bed. Eventually I find a little envelope with my name on it and quickly snatch it up, tearing it open as fast as possible.

You deserve a man who will treat you as special as you are.

I can be that man for you.

~M

Who the hell is M?

The handwriting looks familiar to me, but I can't put my finger on why at this moment. I scratch my head before taking a screenshot of the note and send it to Carter.

My phone starts to ring a moment later and I quickly answer Carter's call.

"That's the same handwriting as the note that was on my car," he tells me once I pick up.

A pit forms deep in my stomach from his words, and a chill rushes down my spine.

"The cops have that note, right?" I check.

"Yeah. Thankfully, when I crumbled it up, I threw it in my car and was able to give it to them on Friday."

"Do you think I should tell the detective about this?" I ask him.

"Call Sasha first," he suggests, sounding just as freaked out as I feel.

"Okay, I'll do that, then I'll call you back," I inform him.

"Don't worry about that. I'm done helping my mom and will be home soon."

Instant relief floods through my body knowing that my man will be by my side soon.

"Okay. See you soon," I tell him before ending the call and dialing Sasha.

"Hello?" Sasha answers, sounding confused. I don't blame him since I don't think I've ever called him before.

"Hey Sasha, it's Brendon. Carter told me to call you."

"Is he okay?" he asks in a panicky tone.

"He's fine, but I got a gift basket today. I thought it was from Carter because the items inside were all my favorite things but when I thanked him he told me he didn't send it. I found a note and the handwriting is the same as the one that was left on Carter's car," I explain.

"What did the note say?" he asks, and I forward the picture of the note to him. "Well, shit. Clearly, someone is obsessed with you. Do you have any idea who it could be?"

I shake my head even though he can't see me. "Not a fucking clue, and M could literally be anyone. All we know is it's a man. But why would a guy be obsessed with me on this kind of level? As far as anyone knew, I was straight."

"Just because you're straight doesn't mean a guy couldn't fall for you," he points out. "You said the gifts were very specific, do you think it could be a teammate?"

"I don't think so. I mean, you'd think I would have picked up some vibes if it was, don't you?"

"Maybe," he murmurs. "But you haven't exactly seen everyone since you and Carter started seeing each other. It's possible they were able to keep their feelings for you on lock when they thought you were straight, but now that they realize you're bi they are hoping for a shot."

"We start practice tomorrow and have already told the coaches that we are going to announce our relationship to the team then," I inform him. "If it is someone on the team, our announcement should piss them off."

"You're not wrong. Keep a close eye on everyone and tell Carter to do the same."

"Should I bring the note to the cops?" I check, still feeling uneasy about the situation.

"Yes. I would suggest doing it as soon as possible," he tells me. "They could try and trace the basket back to the person who sent it."

"I still can't believe this is happening to us," I murmur.

Sasha sighs. "I know, and I'm sorry you're going through this. It isn't an easy situation for anyone. But if you need a listening ear, I'm always here."

I thank him, end the call, and throw myself back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Who the hell is M, and how do I get them to back the fuck off?