Page 40 of Steamy Ever After

He runs his hand through his hair and exhales a deep sigh. “It’s just that, everything was planned. I don’t want anything to get more complicated than it is." He avoids my gaze, vacantly staring off. "I’ve been looking forward to all of us being together for so long."

I sigh. I can't imagine what it feels like to be inside his head. To crave consistency and order in all things, and to feel like someone drops all the marbles when that sequencing isn't present.

Feeling both my anger and his frustration abating in the placidity of the evening, we sit in companionable silence as the night air envelops us in a comfortable, cool embrace.

"Let’s try to give Marisol a chance, okay? For Declan's sake. Maybe, she isn't as bad as your gut is telling you. Maybe the supermodel thing hasn't gone to her head and she's just a simple girl."

"Yeah, right," he chuckles. "My gut hasn't failed me yet when it comes to first impressions. I don't know why it would start now."

"C'mon. Humor me," I coax. "After all, your brother is the hottest thing in modeling, and he’s still just Declan. No matter how big a billboard he's on, nothing's going to change that."

Carter smiles at me. He stands and holds out his hand.

"What?" I ask, feeling coy.

"Stand up and take my hand."

It's so still. The quiet scene blends with the alcohol and, when I stand, I feel a little off balance. He catches my hand and pulls me into him, then sways.

"What are you doing?"

"Dancing." His arm comes around my waist.

"There's no music." Our eyes lock and I fall into the tenderness I see there.

"Sure, there is. Hear it?"

I catch my bottom lip with my teeth. "All I hear is the ocean."

"That's it. It's playing just for us."

We rock back and forth, moving with small, incremental steps in a circular motion.

"Someday, when I'm awfully low ..."

I smile. "You're singing my favorite song from my favorite movie."

"I know. My Best Friend's Wedding."

"And the Tony Bennett version. Not Frank's."

"The moment I met you, my gut said, 'This one's special.' I've never second-guessed that first impression."

"No? Not even because I'm so plain?"

"You aren't plain. You're the girl next door. An all-American beauty. Natural. Perfect."

"Now, you're flattering me."

"It's the truth, and I'm telling you because I love you."

He kisses me and the world falls away.

CHAPTER 7

Carter

Sleep escapes me, and the little I get did nothing to squelch the remorse I feel. I royally screwed up yesterday, and I should let it go but, now I have to rearrange plans.

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