We both still stood by the door. “She can hope, but what I want for my future is standing in front of me.”
His words and the way he gazed into my eyes charmed me. Still, I had to call him on his bullshit. “Okay, even I can tell that’s a line.”
“Part cheesy line and part true.” He chuckled, touching his abs, reminding me he was shirtless. And incredibly fine. “You want something to drink? I have water, apple juice, and might have a grape freeze pop.”
At my hesitation, which had more to do with his distracting body than my decision to leave, his hands encircled my waist, trapping me. And the heat that had cooled during the almost fight returned hotter than on the beach. “I could tell you were about to leave, and I really don’t want you to. Thinking that maybe Selena was supposed to stop us before we did something we both might regret.”
“Why would you regret it?” I asked, trying to ignore the way his hands scorched my waist. Or the way his lips were dangerously close to mine. If I tiptoed, our lips would meet.
“Because I like you.”
His simple answer stirred the butterflies in my heart. “If you like me, why would you regret us doing the do?”
“’ Doing the do? Wait, can you say sex or fuck around me? What about boning or getting dicked down?” He snickered. “Laying pipe? Oh...oh, what about being drilled or pounded the fuck out?”
“I’m not scared to say any of that.” I mean, I could and have said those words around Grey and Chelsea in everyday conversation. I would be saying it in front of a man who was more than capable of doing just that, and suddenly, I was prudish.
Carter grinned. “I don’t believe you, but it’s cool because none of that is happening tonight.” He took my hand and led me to his glass kitchen table. “Uno or regular cards?”
“You play Uno?” Definitely didn’t picture Mr. Future Sports Illustrated playing a child’s game.
“Hands down, the undefeatable champion of Oakdale Drive.” He bragged as he pulled a chair out for me to sit.
“Until you played the unbeatable queen of Sherwood Lane.” I flexed both of my muscles.
“Is that a challenge?” He rubbed his hands together, making his biceps flex. “Three out of five. If I win, you owe me a date.”
“Um...that sounds more like a prize for me.” I quirked a brow.
“You’re the one with a man. I can’t, and I won’t make assumptions that I can have a date with you anytime I want. Win or lose, you owe me a date. Deal?” Carter held his fist for me to bump.
“Yeah.” Guilt pricked my soul. I needed to tell him the truth. We could go anywhere at any time. We were both single and free. Yet, I couldn’t. At least not now. “Deal. Now, go put on a shirt. I need to focus.”
“And I’m bringing you one of my hoodies because I need to focus too.” His eyes traveled up and down my body. “This dress...this dress, Darren Brown.”
Blushing at his attention, I eased down in the chair. Carter pushed me under the table and placed a sexy kiss on my shoulder. “I would’ve regretted tonight because whenever I make love to you, I want it to mean more than just sex.”
Numbly, I nodded as he strolled out of the room, whistling. Unexpectedly, Carter St. Patrick was giving me exactly what I asked for. A real chance for love.
