Page 62 of A Forever Love

“Jealousy doesn’t really suit you, Merida Adams.” He arches an eyebrow before handing the phone back to me.

“Oh, really? I thought everything looked perfect on me,” I quip, repeating his lines from earlier and fluttering my eyelashes.

“Touché, Adams.” He grins, turning back to his vegetables. “What else did you do other than go hiking with losers and frolicking with your new friends?”

“I volunteered at an animal shelter.” I show him a picture of me cuddling with some adorable baby goats.

This time, Carter’s smile widens. “Now that’s more like my mittens. I was wondering where you were getting your furry-friend fix.”

It feels as though a thousand butterflies have taken flight in my stomach, leaping up to my chest. I can’t remember being this happy in a long time. “Aw, you know me so well.” I playfully bump his shoulder with mine.

“I know you better than yourself. Now, go fix your code and show that loser Brandon he’s got nothing on you.”

There’s a lightness in my step as I return back to my work. “Did I tell you he’s on my team?”

16

CARTER

I’ve just finished my training session with Charlie when I receive a notification on my phone.

Me: Why is your Amex in my bag?

Last night, while she was in the bathroom, I discreetly slipped my card into her handbag.

Carter: The gala is black tie. Buy something for yourself.

I slip my phone back into my pocket and then turn to Charlie.

“You did really well, buddy. How did you enjoy the class?”

“I liked it. I liked it better than shooting.”

I’d anticipated a similar response, given how energetic he had been in the room.

“I had a feeling you’d say that. You were amazing for a beginner.”

“And you look fantastic in that outfit, which is definitely a plus,” Chloe says, releasing Oscar’s hands and sprinting toward us.

“How was the training, Ace?” Oscar fusses with Charlie’s hair before resting his hand on his son’s shoulder.

“I love it, Dad!”

“I’m thrilled to hear that. Now, off you go to get changed. Your mom has prepared some post-training snacks for you.”

Once his kids are out of earshot, Oscar pats my back. “I finally saw his genuine smile after weeks. Thank you so much, Carter.”

“I’m glad he’s enjoying Aikido. Once all of this is over, I can help him find a good dojo and a skilled master, if you’d like.”

“That sounds like a wonderful idea, and I can’t wait for things to return to normal.” Oscar’s lips tighten as he glances at the grand lobby of the Hawthorne mansion, adorned with Victorian-style paintings.

“Is being the richest man in Cherrywood really that awful?”

“At the expense of coming off like an entitled asshole, it’s not my most favorite thing.” His eyes follow his children’s path. “But I genuinely hope Charlie and Chloe will have a better relationship with the Hawthorne name than I do.” He then turns his attention to me once more. “Would you like to join us for some afternoon snacks?”

I shake my head, declining his offer. “Thanks, but I need to pick up Merida.”

“Take care of that girl. My sister is crazy about her.”

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