Page 15 of Taming a Heartbreaker

“Among other things,” Carmen said, grinning widely. “And just so you know, he spent the night. That means I’m not a virgin anymore, Leslie. I feel great. He was great. It was the best night of my life. First, we had a picnic by Gemma Lake, and when it began raining, we came here to finish the wine and then—”

“Wait, hold up, you’re going too fast and my head is spinning. Let’s go back to when Redford committed himself to you. How did he do it?”

Carmen was trying not to let it annoy her that Leslie wasn’t sharing her excitement. A part of her understood. Leslie honestly believed a man like Redford couldn’t change.

“It was at the picnic. Everything about it was beautiful. The lake, the cheese and wine, and our conversation. The stars in the sky were beautiful, big and bright. It was like you could reach out and touch one. He suggested I make a wish upon a star. He did, too. Afterward, I asked what his wish was, and he said he had wished for me. He even said he wanted to make me his.”

Leslie nodded and then said softly, “And of course, your wish was for him.”

“Of course. And I told him I wanted to make him mine, too.”

Leslie didn’t say anything for a moment as she stared at her. “We need to talk, Carmen.”

“What about?” she asked, allowing Leslie to lead her over to the sofa where they sat down.

“Just because Redford told you his wish was for you and that he wanted to make you his, that doesn’t constitute a commitment.”

Carmen rolled her eyes. “Of course, I know that, Leslie. However, for me it was his way of letting me know he’s ready to settle down. Surely you think that as well.”

When Leslie didn’t say anything, Carmen patted her best friend’s hand. “I understand why you’re skeptical. You truly didn’t think Redford was capable of changing and forging a solid relationship with a woman. I know it will be a process, and I’m fine with that. At least last night was a beginning.”

Standing, she wrapped her arms around herself and twirled around the room. “I’m so happy this morning I can’t stand it. A long-distance romance won’t be easy but together we can make it work. We will make it work. I can’t wait to meet his family and for him to meet mine. Be happy for me, Leslie.”

She then checked her watch. “I can’t wait to see Redford, hopefully at breakfast, so we can make plans. I told him I’d be leaving later today. After dinner.”

Leslie stood. “You won’t be seeing Redford at breakfast, Carmen.”

Carmen lifted a brow. “Why? Did the guys decide to play cards through breakfast?”

“No, that’s not the reason. Redford left Westmoreland Country to return to Alaska.”

Shock appeared on Carmen’s face. “He left?”

Leslie nodded. “Yes.”

“But I don’t understand. He’d planned to be here for a couple of days to participate in the card game. I figured that’s why he wasn’t here this morning when I woke up.”

Leslie shook her head. “According to Sloan, Redford never made it to the card game. He sent Sloan a text around four this morning and said he was returning to Alaska.”

Carmen was quiet before she asked, “Did he say why he left?”

Leslie nodded again. “Yes. He said something came up that needed his immediate attention in Anchorage.”

A semblance of a smile touched Carmen’s lips. “I’m sure whatever it was had to have been important, and the reason Redford didn’t wake me up to say goodbye was because he figured I needed my rest. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll hear from him sometime today, and he’ll explain everything.”

Leslie just stared at her and said nothing. Seeing the doubt in her best friend’s eyes, Carmen captured Leslie’s hand in hers. “I know what you’re thinking, but I refuse to believe I was a ‘one and done’ like all those other women. Last night was too special between us for me to think such a thing. Redford will contact me, Leslie. He will. You’ll see.”

Chapter Eight

A month later...

“Will there by anything else, Mr. St. James?”

Redford glanced up at Maurice, the man who usually waited on him whenever he dined at Toni’s, one of the most exclusive restaurants in downtown Anchorage. He’d been caught in deep thought, which was how things had been for the past month, and those thoughts were always on one person. Carmen Golan.

“No, Maurice, that will be all.”

The man nodded and walked off. Redford figured Maurice noticed he wasn’t his usual fun-loving self. Another thing the waiter probably noticed was that he’d been alone again. Usually whenever he dined here to enjoy a great meal and the live entertainment, he would do so with a woman. A woman he usually intended to sleep with before the night was over. Not this time, and not the other few times he’d come here since returning to Anchorage, and all because of Carmen.

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