Carter snaps to, immediately releasing his hold as if I’ve scalded every part of him.
I scramble away and fill my lungs with fresh air. His scent surrounds me, clinging to my skin, making me feel lightheaded and achy. Once I find my footing, my hand rises, nervously fluttering over my shirt and shorts.
Carter rolls onto his back and stares up at me with enough heat to singe the hair right off my arms. I blink in bewilderment and the look disappears, leaving me to wonder if it was ever there to begin with.
When I don’t move, he growls, “Go inside, Daisy. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Part of me wants to stay and figure out what just happened, but I have no idea how to do that. Instead, I nod and flee to the house.
Who would have ever thought that my mother’s presence would feel like safe harbor?
Guess there’s a first time for everything.