But fuck, I’m ready for something different. Something permanent.
And I’m starting to think June might be the key to all of it.
“You going to stand there staring at the sky, or you going to tell me why you look like you just won the lottery?” Carter descends the porch steps, boots crunching on gravel.
“Better than the lottery.” I pop the trunk. “Come help me with this.”
He rounds the car and stops dead when he sees the contents.
The trunk is stuffed. Shopping bags crammed into every available inch, some of them overflowing, fabric and packaging spilling out in a riot of colors. Mostly pink. A lot of pink. Also some cream and white and soft lavender, but definitely a pink emphasis.
“What the hell did you buy?”
“Everything.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Everything that will make June smile.” I start grabbing bags, loading up my arms.
“Everything that will make her feel like this is her place. Comfortable. Safe. Wanted.”
Carter stares at me for a long moment. Then he starts laughing.
“You’ve lost your mind.”
“Probably, but she’s agreed to move in with us for a few weeks while the plumbing at her place is being fixed. And I’m making the most of it.” I shove a bag into his arms. “Plus, there’s a method to the madness. If she feels at home here, she’ll relax. And if she relaxes…”
“Her true nature might slip out.”
“Exactly.” I wink at him. “See? Strategy.”
“I see a man who spent what looks like too much money on throw pillows.” He peers into one of the bags. “Pink fluffy cushions. And is this a faux-fur blanket?”
“Three with different textures. Women like options.”
“They also like men who aren’t completely unhinged.”
“They like those of us who pay attention to what brings them happiness.” I grab the last of the bags and click the trunk closed. “Now stop judging me and help me get her room ready.”
We head toward the house, arms full of shopping bags, and I can’t stop the grin spreading across my face. Carter notices, because he notices everything.
“You’re really excited about this.”
“Are you not?”
“I didn’t say that. But I just learned about it.”
Carter follows me up to the second floor, his boots heavy on the wooden steps. “I’m cautious.”
“Bullshit. You’re thrilled.”
“I’m… interested.”
“You’re over the moon and trying to play it cool because that’s your whole brand.” I stop at the door to the best bedroom on the floor, the corner room with windows on two walls, an attached bathroom, and enough space for a king bed plus a sitting area. “But I saw your face at the fair and how you looked at her. You’re just as gone as I am.”
Carter doesn’t deny it. He drops his bag with a thud and scans the room like he’s assessing a stallion, or a fight, or both.
“This is Seth’s room.”
