“Yeah, I’m sure hanging out with Lewis is going to be a real game-changer.”
Carrie smiles. “When you put it like that… Let’s steer her toward Adam, instead. He’s super charming.”
I tilt my head back, searching her eyes with mine.
“You think he’scharming?”
“Yup.”
“More charming than me?”
“If this conversation veers into a Punisher-measuring contest—”
I frown. “Hold up—you want to measure his dick?”
“I hate when you say that word!”
“?‘Dick.’?” I smile.
“Yeah, Adam is definitely more charming than you are…”
“I’ll have you know Adam says the word ‘dick’ from time to time…”
“Oh my God!” she squeals. “Shut up!”
Impossible. I have too much to say still.
“Thank you, Carrie.”
“For what?”
“For everything.” I think for a second. “You didn’t have to help me out—but here you are. Bullying me, blackmailing my sister… Trying to fix things between us.”
Carrie shoots me a shy smile. Her eyelashes flutter as her gaze drifts down to my lips.
“Hanging out with you isn’t so bad, after all. And you’re easy to housebreak.”
“Wish I could say the same for you.”
She chuckles, and I think she’s going to pull away but her handsstay knotted at the small of my back. Everything in the way she’s holding me—her breath, her stillness, the way she’s looking at my mouth—begs me to close the distance. I lean in, helpless to stop myself.
There’s no mistaking what I’m about to do. Yet she doesn’t move.
She stays right there. It’s like she’s waiting.
Happy birthday, man! Don’t screw this up.
My lips tentatively graze hers when a car horn shatters the moment, exploding through the whole street.
Carrie jolts like she’s been shocked and slips right out of my arms. She hurries down the four porch steps and spins back toward me, wide-eyed.
“Let’s hit the road before Amelia changes her mind!”
My pulse is beating irregularly.
Fuck…
By the time I slide behind the wheel I’m panting, and before I hit the gas, I shoot Carrie a look. I want her to know this is the last time anyone ever interrupts us again. I don’t care how many guests are at that party. Tonight, I’m going for another kiss. Judging by the color rising in her cheeks, Carrie got the message loud and clear.
