Page 71 of Fate

Chapter Sixteen

Kathleen

I adamantly refuseto go home with Carson, Misty, and Cora. Even though my heart is breaking into a million tiny pieces and I want so badly to hold Cora close, watch her sleep, and make sure she is okay, I have to let her mom and dad take care of her. Alone. It is the hardest decision I’ve made in a long time. Carson is totally mad. Mad is not the right word. He is straight-up angry. The stunt Misty pulled by coming to dinner, the after-dinner family time botched, and then laying into me for an accident I have a sneaking suspicion she caused, all sent Carson over the deepend.

Right after the blowup, I ask Chase if he and Gigi could take me home. Of course, they agree. Carson comes after me like hell on wheels when I make it outside before him. The first thing he does is press me into the side of the shiny black limo with his body and gets into my space. Way into my personal space. Leaving zero space, in fact, and nothing but his delectable hips, abdomen, and chest plastered against mine. This is where he cages me in and dips his face downlow.

“You running?” he growls, his warm breath feathering across my cheek.

I shake myhead.

“Words. I need the words.” His voice rumbles like an approaching storm.

With a strength I’ve never experienced before, I wrap my arms around his waist, tilt my head up, and look right into his eyes. I’m letting him see my sadness over the night not going well, my devastation over failing Cora, and most of all, my weakness and hurt over seeing him comfort Misty. It’s all there in onelook.

“Baby…” He rubs his nose against mine. “Please.”

I swallow down the emotion, even though I want to crumble in his arms and let him make the hurt go away. This time though, I’m going to be strong for him. “Carson, I’m not running, but you need to be with your daughter.”

“Yes, I do. I’d like to have my woman by my side to help me through it.” His words hit my heart like a sledgehammer.

I groan. “You have Misty. You two need to talk. Deal with this scare but also set some things straight.”

“What I need is to get her in her own place so I can have my fucking woman in my bed again.” His tone is harsh and grating.

A flutter of excitement ripples through me at the possessiveness and need he’s openly displaying. My body betrays me and shivers under hishold.

“I can feel you like that idea too.” He smiles against my cheek and I close myeyes.

“I do. Very much,” I admit.

“Come home with me.” His plea is like a healing balm over my battered soul. Just knowing he wants me there is enough to get me through this and let himgo.

“No. We’ll be together this weekend. Maybe by then you’ll have some good news forme.”

An animal-like sound leaves his throat. “By this weekend, you’ll be sleeping in my bed, head on my chest, legs wrapped around my body, and my daughter will be in her fucking crib. The next morning we’ll be eating your world-famous waffles. You gotme?”

I smile and nuzzle against his neck, allowing his warmth to seep into my lips. “I got you, honey.”

He curls his hand around my neck and slants his lips over mine. The kiss is long, deep, and so good, I lift a leg up to his waist and he grinds against me, his intent very clear.

Someone behind us clears their throat.

“Kids are coming,” Chase says, bringing us back to the moment.

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” He kisses me once, twice, and a third time. “Forluck.”

I grin. “For luck.” Then I get in the car with Gigi, Chase, and the kids. Claire crawls right up onto my lap and straddles my thighs.

“Why you crying, Auntie Kitty?” Claire purses her lips into a cherub’spout.

I didn’t realize Iwas.

With the back of my hand I wipe the tears away. “No reason. But you should probably get down, I wouldn’t want you to fall like Cora did.” The memory has me wincing and locking my good arm around her little waist just in case there is a shift in the car or we stopfast.

“Kat…” Gigi whispers a warning, her voice soft and unhappy.

Chase, however, has far less tact. “Kathleen, don’t push your niece away. Ever.” He twines his fingers with Gillian’s and hooks an arm around his son, Carter, who’s already falling asleep against his dad’sside.

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