Page 60 of Her Baby His Gift

“Let me give you the address.”

“I know where Harold’s is.”

“Not the one on Wabash but the one on 87th.”

“That was the best one, but they closed it down. We’ll have to hit up the one over in Evergreen Park.”

“Every day, you surprise me.” Harlem was impressed. “You and Damian were such health nuts I can’t imagine you ever eating there.”

“It was a nice treat from time-to-time.” At the mention of Damian’s name, the mood in the car instantly changed to somber. Harlem could kick herself. After her foolish words, the car grew silent again as they drove to the restaurant, both lost in their own thoughts.

It was so quiet that it was easy to hear Carter’s phone blowing up. He kept declining the calls. Harlem figured it was Elaina. She didn’t like that woman and not just because Carter and Elaina were wrong for each other. The icky feeling of disdain had morphed into something else. Something that might resemble jealousy.

At the realization, Harlem slid down in her seat.What is wrong with me?Carter was Damian’s best friend.What kind of slutbucket would I be to even go there, regardless of Damian giving his blessing? Carter was off-limits. Period. She tried to distract herself by focusing on her phone while placing their food order. For now, it was the most immediate distraction. Harlem would figure something else out later.

Carter kept his eyes on the road. He was so damned confused. Elaina had called at least three times. He had zero desire to talk to her. All he could think about was Harlem. He was quickly coming to the realization that he wanted to be a father . . . and maybe even more. Being with Harlem was so easy. It didn’t feel like work. And Carter enjoyed her company and conversation. He wondered if she felt the same. He also wondered what she really thought about their kiss. She hadn’t pushed him away. She also hadn’t said a word about it. Then there was Damian. He was gone but not forgotten. His presence loomed large between them.

Carter glanced over at the woman who occupied the entirety of his thoughts only to see that she had fallen asleep.

After a twenty-minute drive, he pulled up into the parking lot of the plaza. Carter got out of the car. He was about to go into the restaurant when he stopped in front of a florist. He glanced over his shoulder at a sleeping Harlem and then back at the store. It was Valentine’s Day.Should I buy her flowers?He was so mixed up in the head.

Harlem was Damian’s girl.

Something within him pushed past that fact, and Carter walked into the florist anyway. After ten minutes, he emerged carrying one long-stemmed red rose with an order to deliver several dozen to his home within the hour.Friends could give each other flowers.He rationalized.

*****

Carter whispered into Harlem’s ear. “Hey. We’re here.”

She cracked open her eyes. “I fell asleep? I didn’t feel tired.”

“What did you tell me? ‘You’re incubating a whole human.’ I’m sure that requires a lot of energy.” Carter laughed.

“We’re at your house?”

“It was closer than driving all the way back downtown to your condo. I’ll take you back later.”

“I don’t care. I’m just ready to eat!”

“Yeah, you and your cravings got my car smelling like fried chicken.” He laughed as he got out. Carter came around to help Harlem out. He walked her to the door and opened it. “Oh. I forgot something. Go on in. I’ll be there in a second.” Carter jogged back to the car, reached into the backseat, and grabbed the single rose.

When he went back into his home, Harlem was in his kitchen, taking the food out of the bags. She looked very comfortable as if she belonged there. “Carter, your kitchen is beautiful.”

“You’ve never been in here?”

She shook her head. “I always sat in the car when we came over.” Harlem could tell that Carter was hiding something behind his back. Her eyes narrowed. “What you got there?”

“Nothing much. Just this.” He pulled out the red rose.

Harlem stood frozen and just stared at it.

“Did I overstep? I didn’t know . . .”

“N-no.” She stuttered as she reached for the rose. “Thank you.” She didn’t know what else to say. He was sending such mixed signals. Her own feelings were kind of all over the place too.

Carter had never been nervous around a woman before in his life. He always knew exactly what to say to get the desired result. It was different with Harlem. “I just figured, it’s Valentine’s Day.” He lifted a shoulder. “I know that’s important to women. I didn’t want the day to pass and not even acknowledge it.”

“That was very thoughtful. Again, thank you.” She put the rose to her nose and took in the scent as she looked up at him.

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