“You matter so much to me, and honestly, this is probably way too fucking fast—I should’ve had more self-control. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every fucking second of it, and I’ll remember this until the day I die, but I don’t want to scare you away before we’ve even started.”
“Do you not wantmeto touchyou?” I tried to quell the tears that immediately pooled in my eyes. “Because if you don’t, it’s really okay. I just want to know.” I started rambling. “Just so we’re on the same page—so there’s no confusion.” I was wrong about what I’d said earlier… this was going to break me clean in half.
“Stop it.” Carter rolled on top of me and kissed me breathless. “I’ve wanted this,wanted youfor so fucking long, and we don’t need to do everything all at once. Please don’t push me away because you’re afraid.” He pleaded, his expression turning boyish, filled with so much concern that I couldn’t help but believehim. “I need you, sweet girl. So damn much. Just let me take my time with you. Can you do that for me?” He asked. “I know we joke, and tease, and flirt, but I’m not going anywhere, I promise. We just need time to figure this out, time to sort this out for ourselves, especially before we tell anyone.”
“Right, Liam.” I nodded, wondering how the hell we were going to tell him. He’d be furious.
Carter groaned. “Pleasedon’t say your brother’s name while you’re lying underneath me naked.”
I laughed softly. “Fair.”
He cupped my face, eyes narrowing. “I’m half tempted to punish you for bringing your brother intoourbed.” I rolled my eyes at him. “Don’t think I won’t do it.” He threatened, walking his fingers up my stomach.
“Carter.” I tensed.
“Yes, sweet girl?” He cocked his head innocently, all while digging his fingers into my rib cage.
“I’m not even ticklish.” I tried to keep a straight face, even as I was squirming.
“I’ll take that under advisement.” He said, a gleam in his eye. “But here’s the thing, if that were true.” He lowered his mouth to mine. “Then this wouldn’t bother you a single bit.”
“It’s the truth.” I squealed as he started tickling me.
“Little liar.” He pinned me, kissing and tickling until I was howling for mercy. “Promise you won’t bring Liam into the bedroom and I’ll stop.” He demanded, grazing his teeth over my jaw more sensuously.
“I promise.” I gasped out, panting for breath.
“Good.” He finally conceded, and I giggled, threading my arms around his neck as he lowered his lips to mine, kissing me slow and deep, holding me like he just couldn’t get enough.
Every plane of sculpted muscle under my fingertips was like a drug to me, the solid, reassuring weight of his body on top of me like a balm to all the pain still buried inside of me, and I wantedmore. Begged for it—for him to start all over.
“Slow.” He pulled back, panting. “We need to slowwaythe fuck down.” His shirt was completely untucked, his hair a mess. I didn’t even want to know whatIlooked like.
“Fine.” I huffed a laugh, teasing, “Just so it’s on the record, this is also a win for me—you may have created an addict.” I warned.
“Lucky me,” he rumbled. “And good thing for you, I’m more than happy to be your dealer.”
“Carter.” I gazed into his molten brown eyes. “I’m scared.” I admitted.Fucking terrified, actually.
“Don’t be. We’re going to figure this out together.” He promised, but what if this didn’t work out? What if we’d just crossed a line that we never should have?
“I don’t want to lose you.” I admitted with a hard swallow.
His expression softened. “Pretty girl, don’t you know, I’vealwaysbeen yours.”
When I woke up the next morning, I had a pleasant ache between my legs, and I blushed as the night before came rushing back in heart-pounding snippets too good to be real,but they were.
And maybe even better, Carter had held me all night long, his heavy arms a warm, comforting band around my stomach. So much so that I could hardly roll over, as if he couldn’t bear the risk that he might lose me.
And maybe even sweeter, I smiled to myself, I’d learned that Carter was a bit of a sleep talker. Every time I’d adjusted, his hands had found my boobs, and he’d hung onto them like a freaking security blanket while he sleepily grumbled at me, complaining I’d takenhisboobs away.
I chuckled to myself, but finally blinking my eyes open, I sat up, heart catching when I realized the bed wasempty.
My heart sank, and then I checked the time and immediately realized why. It was nearlynoon—my eyes lit up when I noticedthe note waiting for me. I rolled over and plucked it off the nightstand so fast I nearly flew off the bed.
You looked too peaceful to wake. Had to run out for a few business meetings. Breakfast is keeping warm in the oven. I already miss you.
Sweet. He was alwayssosweet.
