His request lingered between us as our gazes locked.
“You’re used to getting your way, Mr. St. Patrick.”
“Carter.” His jawline became more pronounced. “Not always.”
“I’m not that woman as much as I would like to be, especially at this very moment.”
He lifted one brow again. “And what type of woman would that be?”
“A woman who can be with a man I don’t really know. It doesn’t matter that it’s Carter St. Patrick, one of the best quarterbacks to ever do it.” I whistled. “If my mama heard me right now, she would pop me good.”
Carter laughed. “Where are you from?”
“Is it that obvious, I’m not from L.A.?”
“The slight twang in your voice gives you away. I’m not judging, I’m a southern man myself.”
“Dallas. I know. I’m a fan.”
His lips slid into the widest grin. “A fan of me or that I used to be in the NFL?”
Blushing, I ducked my head as I softly replied, “A fan of you and I’m from Birmingham.”
“Nice city,” Carter complimented. “Sounds like you know a little about me, let me get to know a little about you. I’ll pick you up tomorrow, and we can decide on what we want for Thanksgiving dinner together. No pressure to do anything except talk and spend time. No expectation for you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
I twisted in my seat to face him. “What if I don’t cook?
He grinned. “My mama taught me how to cook.”
“Why me?”
“Maybe I don’t want to spend another holiday alone. Sounds like you don’t either, New York.”
“Brooklyn,” I corrected.
“I know your name, Dr. Brooklyn Kelley. Noticed you the last time I was here with my son four months ago. Glad you walked into his room today.”
“Can’t believe I’m even considering this.” Unable to stop the grin that spread across my face that he’d noticed me before we ever spoke to one another, I held my hand out. “Give me your phone.”
Carter slowly unlocked and gave me his phone.
I admonished. “Not checking for other women, which I’m sure there are plenty of them. I’m giving you my number, making sure it’s locked in. Don’t want to get ghosted.”
“Just because we have each other’s numbers doesn’t mean that one of us won’t get ghosted.” He said as he watched me add my phone number.
“Still, I want to at least be able to reach out to you and know you received it, even if you choose not to respond. I want you to feelallthe guilt.” When my phone buzzed, I smiled. “I’ll send you my address. What time shall I expect you?”
He reached across the small space and tugged on one of my twists. “I’m free all day. Text me whenever you’re ready, and I’ll come get you.”
Ignoring the desire to stop breathing at his playful touch, I asked, “Should I pack anything in particular?”
“Whatever you want to wear. It’s going to be a chill day. Food and football. Unless there’s some movie you want to see.” His mouth twitched. “Or there’s something else you want to do.”
“Food and football, it is.”
Carter chuckled again and lifted one leg as he rose to stand beside his chair. “I better check on Sekani. Needed a break from his mother. You done for the day?”
“Almost. Make another round. Make sure your discharge papers and crutches are ready so you can get him home. Glad it was only a minor sprain.” I looked up at him, marveling that he and I were speaking like it was the most common occurrence.
