Page 75 of Above All Else

I choked. “Okay.” I put my hand to my chest. “I feel like I’m saying this a lot, but... wow.”

The glossy black cabinets sat in an L shapewith a center island where the sink and dishwasher took up residence—the fixtures dawned in gold.

“It’s new. I get it.” He dragged me up the stairs with a glass wall banister—the black marbled flooring with matching gold veins bleeding onto the second floor.

Yeah, new...

That’s it.

We stepped into the dark bedroom wrapped in rich charcoal wallpaper, the tranquillity a cocoon from the outside world. In the center of the room was a low and sleek bed with a platform base, giving it the appearance of defying gravity.

“This is the master bedroom.”

I dropped his hand and fell onto the thick, plush comforter tussled on his bed, the coal gray an ominous theme throughout. The abstract black-and-white image of a barren tree hung on the wall, its stark beauty complementing the decor. “I feel like Snow White after she wandered into the Dwarves’ home, except theirs was quaint and dirty, and yours is... awe-inspiring.”

He straddled my waist, his hand brushing my palm. “I think you mean Belle when she ventured into the Beast’s castle.”

A sultry, mischievous smile curled at the corner of my lips. “Are you the beast, then?”

“No.” He shook his head and stole a glance. “I’m the madly in love prince.”

My stomach hurtled a million miles an hour through space and time, the flutters causing my heart to palpitate. “You...” My mouth dropped, and heat struckmy cheeks.

He’s not telling me he loves me.

That isn’t what he meant.

It’s not possible. We barely know each other.

Carter sucked in a breath and hauled himself off of me, dragging me along with him, his change in demeanor a neck-breaking turn. “Anyway. This is the bathroom where I promised you your bath.”

I rushed forward, allowing him to drop the subject, and climbed inside the gray oval bowl-shaped tub, my reflection gleaning back at me. “You can have the bed. I’m sleeping in here.” He laughed as I settled in, my head leaning against the back, my arms resting along the curved edges.

His shirt hit the floor, and his belt buckle jingled as he shucked off his clothes. My heart stopping in my chest. “I have to get ready.” He pointed to the double vanity. “There are soaps and salts under the sink. I wasn’t expecting company when I returned, so I’ll get you some items on my way home.” He leaned over me, his full cock swinging between his legs. “Make yourself at home.” He pressed his lips to mine, his tongue laying claim, then pulled away and walked into an expansive shower with a rainfall showerhead.

The buttons he pressed made atinkandbeep. Moments later, water fell from the gold rectangle suspended from the ceiling. A gentle, cascading waterfall tumbled onto the stone flooring beside a long, sleek bench that ran the shower length.

“Why does this house make me feel pampered?” I rolled my head to the side, checking him out as he dipped his head intothe stream and swiped the water away from his eyes.

“I hope it does. Maybe it will convince you to stay.”

I scoffed. “I’m not materialistic, Carter. You saw my house in Avon.”

He squirted blue body wash onto a loofah, and scrubbed, covering every toned inch in thick bubbles. “I wasn’t implying you were. I just hope that you’ll be happy here.” He rinsed his body and started on his hair. “If not, I don’t mind moving.”

He can’t be smitten with me.

Not like this.

I climbed out of the tub and wandered into the bedroom, my legs aching, the cuts and scrapes a second thought to the muscles screaming. Dropping onto the bed, I laid flat, resuming my previous position, and stared at the recessed lights, the water shutting off moments later.

Sitting in the car for eight hours with a ten-minute bathroom break while he fueled was brutal on the body.

Carter marched through the bedroom, his gaze brushing over me, then disappeared into his closet, his brows furrowed.

That’s strange.

I sat, shucked off my shoes, and brought my knees to my chest. Resting my chin on my knees, I waited, my breaths oscillating with each exhale.

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