Page 10 of His Baby Her Gift

He watched her move as she spoke to different people. Graceful was the word that came to mind as he observed her managing the attention of all of their friends and Damian’s former employees. It seemed like everyone wanted to offer words of encouragement. She was radiant and glowing. Carter took pride in knowing that she was carrying his child. He would give her a little more time before walking over.

Every second was a slog to get through. At the thirty-minute mark, Carter figured, it was long enough. He was just about to head over in her direction when Nate stepped into his path.

“C’mon, man, you can’t be looking at Harlem like a whipped puppy.” He said jokingly.

“What?” Carter tore his eyes away from her.

“Harlem got a hold on you,” Nate said. “Never thought I’d see the day that Carter Owens would fall-in-love.”

Carter nodded in agreement. “Me either, and I am not ashamed to admit it.”

“I heard that. I puff my chest out every time I think about Melody. It’s still hard to believe I’m the man she chose.”

It was a surprise to Carter too, when Melody and Nate started dating. It was like the prom queen dating the class geek. Nobody said it, but they all thought it. Over the years, everyone came to realize Nate and Melody were perfect for each other.

“Who would have thought that Mel and I would be celebrating our son’s third birthday?”

“I’m surprised you’re not already on baby number two.”

He winked. “Thanks to you and Damian that night of the accident, we’re working on it. You saved Melody’s life. I will forever be grateful for that.”

Carter was genuinely happy for them. “You would have done the same had either of us been in that accident.”

“I hope you know that you’re right about that.” Nate agreed.

“More than anything, I’m a little nervous about becoming a father.”

Nate thought he was talking about Elaina. “Whoa? Elainaisactually pregnant?”

“Elaina? Why would you–” Then Carter remembered they decided not to tell anyone that he was Harlem’s baby’s donor. “I was referring to Harlem.” He didn’t elaborate. “As far as Elaina, I’ve set up three separate doctor’s appointments for us this past week, and she’s ghosted me on every single one calling later with a bullshit excuse.”

“Damn, man. That’s messed up. I know you want to get that thing off your back.” Nate said.

“Elaina’s lying. That’s why she won’t show up. I just want to stick a fork in that situation and be done.” Elaina was a beautiful woman but not only did they not connect, something about her seemed a little off. At the end of the day, Carter knew Elaina wasn’t pregnant, and he wanted to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible. Harlem was already skittish about them as a couple. He didn’t want to give her any reason to doubt him. He wanted them to have a fresh start.

Carter heard Harlem laugh at something and glanced over in her direction. He’d already stayed away for too long. “I’m going to have to catch up with you later.”

Nate followed Carter’s line of sight. He knew when his friend had locked in on something, and Carter had definitely locked in on Harlem. “Cool. Maybe we can hit the gym again this weekend.”

Carter didn’t really hear Nate. His main focus had turned to getting to Harlem. “Yeah, sounds good.” That was his only goal.

Nate watched him leave. He shook his head.Harlem didn’t stand a chance. He smiled, hoping his friends would find the same kind of happiness he had with Melody.

As Carter walked up behind Harlem, she was in the middle of a discussion with someone. He was only mere inches away and close enough to touch her. Carter caught the eyes of whoever she was talking to. He lifted his chin and tilted his head, waving them away. Silently asking to make themselves scarce. They seemed to get the message loud and clear because seconds later, they left.

Carter hadn’t said a word, but Harlem could feel him the moment he came up behind her. How did she know? She was covered in goosebumps. Lately, they would appear on her body whenever he was around. It was like an internal alarm.

The tips of his fingers hovered over the back of her long silky blouse. It came down mid-thigh and was an interesting shade of hunter-green. Carter was sure it probably brought out the color of her eyes. It also matched the boots that she wore over a pair of black leggings. Carter wasn’t sure how Harlem managed to pull off being both elegant and casual at the same time. He didn’t allow himself the luxury of actually caressing her. Instead, he just performed the movement as he lowered his fingertips down the length of her spine.

Harlem shivered. She could feel him. It was like an electrical current flowing through her body.

Carter placed his lips near her ear. His voice was husky. “Can we go somewhere quiet and talk?”

Harlem turned slightly. She didn’t have to say anything. Her eyes said it all.

Chapter 5

Carter led Harlem out of the main party room into Nate and Melody’s study. It was empty. After they went inside, Carter closed the door.

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