He squinted his eyes, then turned. “Stop staring at my ass.”
“But why? It’s a fine specimen. Buuuut,” I said, “mine is better. Firmer. That’s what rugby does to a man.”
Carson whirled on me again. His eyes were blazing as he got nose to nose. I was tempted to kiss him. Since he didn't push me away or punch me in the airport, I figured it was all good.
“Let’s get something straight right now,” he seethed.
“Okay,” I said, wanting to say he wasn’t. But I held myself back. “What’s got your undies in a twist?”
Carson acted as if he might explode, so I held up my hands. “I’m sorry. I’m listening, Cappy.”
He craned his neck to the side as if relaxing the taut muscles. His neck was thick and muscular, begging for me to drag my tongue across it.
“This team means a lot to me. And if you’re here just to fuck with our dynamic while your lawsuit gets settled, I’m warning you now to get your ass back on a plane.”
I frowned. “What lawsuit? I don’t have one unless Leland didn’t tell me. Asshole.”
Carson seemed confused. “You’re suing the NRL for suspending you.”
My eyes popped open. “I am? Since when? I didn’t know you could do that.”
He studied my face as I gazed into his eyes. There were flecks of gold and brown in them that sparkled in the sunlight. I wondered what he’d do if I kissed him again?
But I didn’t get the chance. Allister started meowing and moving around. I released the handle of my suitcase and squatted down to put his carrier on the ground. Unzipping the top, I put my hand in just enough to soothe him.
“I know, buddy. It won’t be much longer. I promise, sweet boy.”
Allister rubbed his face against my hand and purred. When I had him settled down, I looked up into Carson’s eyes. They had lost some of their fire but taken on an air of understanding.
“He’s been cooped up a long time. And he’s done well for a first-time traveler.”
Carson nodded, then grabbed the handle of my suitcase. He set the bag with my suit on top, then rolled them both, leaving me with only Allister.
“My car is over here,” he said over his shoulder.
As he walked away, I picked up my baby and carried him in my arms.
“Do you like animals?” I asked, closing the distance with long strides.
He smirked. “Yes. I have a dog. She’s a good girl.”
“Really? What kind?”
Carson glanced over his shoulder. “Ironically enough, Bella is an Australian Shepherd. Kinda got hair like yours.”
I found his quip funny. Maybe I should have been insulted by being compared to a dog, but I knew they were beautiful animals.
“You know they’re not from Australia, right? They’re originally from your great state here.”
“Yes, I know. Bella is my baby. She’s black, brown, and white.”
“And good with cats?” I asked.
“Guess we’ll find out. But you’ll be in the guest house. Not mine.”
Carson paused behind a whiteRange Rover, then unlocked the doors. Lifting the hatch, he placed my bags into the back before closing it.
“Let’s put him in the backseat,” he said quietly. “He’ll be more comfortable.”
