I don’t care, either because now it’s just me and Carson. Alone. In his room.
“How long have you wanted to do that?” He asks.
I grin mischievously. “Since three hours ago.”
He raises a brow, not completely believing me.
I sigh. “Okay, since the day you threw that pie at me.”
“I regret nothing,” he hums, snaking one arm around my waist. “I got to meet you, didn’t I?”
“Yep,” I answer. He leans closer and just as my eyes flutter shut, waiting for our lips to press against each other, something sticky grazes my cheeks. My hands rise to my face and feel the pie filling. I narrow my eyes at Carson. “Oh, it’s on.”
I reach for the pie tin on the floor and grab a handful of pie before smearing it over his face. Some of the goop falls onto the floor, while the rest lies right on top of his shoes.
He retaliates by attempting the same, but I manage to dodge it by ducking under his arm as he attempts to reach for me a second time. Unfortunately, it lands on my hair and I fall onto his bed, with him on top of me, laughing.
With that, Carson brings his hand behind my head and pulls me in for a kiss. Just a peck at first before I place my hand around the back of his and pull him closer, deepening the kiss. I smile against his lips. Even if we weren’t just flinging pie filling at each other, Carson would still taste sweet.
“You know, I’m going to get you back for that,” he murmurs against my lips, causing me to giggle.
I pull away, breaking the kiss. “Nah, you love me too much to tip the scales again,” I joke.
He sighs. “Yeah, you’re right.” His fingers play with my curtain bangs. “I can just call it payback for all my missing sweatshirts.” Carson eyes the one I’m wearing and smirks.
“I think we should just stick to the pies and call it even.” I pat his chest before maneuvering myself around Carson to stand up. I reach for the ceiling, stretching my arms out. “Besides, you promised me another driving lesson.”
Since Marbella Beach, Carson’s made it his mission to teach me how to drive until I feel comfortable enough to take the test. It might be a while until I’m ready but I’m one step closer because of him.
Mom would love that I’m doing this. And she would have loved Carson as much as I do.
“But I also want to spend a few more minutes with my girlfriend,” he insists, taking my hand and pulling me back into his embrace. “While we still have all this space.”
I giggle, resting my head onto his chest. “We’ll still have time later.”
“But we can spare a few minutes before.”
I lift my head slightly to meet his eyes—those pale blues that I’ve familiarized myself with and look forward to seeing everyday because I just know that I’m getting stronger and more confident in myself. And Carson Jameson Ryder will be in my corner.
Granted, I’m a girl who can stand her ground but I couldn’t face a lot of obstacles head-on for years. It helps to surround myself with people who believe in me everyday.
“Alright,” I relent. “Maybe a few minutes.” Smiling, I press my lips to his for only a moment before quickly pulling away, trying to look as serious as I can in the moment. “But then you’re teaching me.”
Carson smirks. “Yes, ma’am.”
