He shrugged. “We’ll figure it out.”
“What about all of your other little girlfriends?”
There’s only you.“I might be willing to give up a few.”
“Elaina?”
“Who?”
“You know, the redhead who walked in on us on Valentine’s Day.”
Carter turned serious. He tucked a piece of hair that had fallen into her face behind her ear. “Technically, we weren’t together. But let me be clear, I only want you.”
She bit her lower lip and whispered, “That’s good to know.”
“So, is that a yes?” He asked.
“Not to throw cold water on this moment, but Elaina dropped a pretty big bomb on us. Did you ever confirm that she was lying?”
Carter kissed the tips of Harlem’s fingers. “Not yet. But I hope you know that she and I always used a condom. Always. But, even if I thought it were possible, Elaina has been playing games. I’ve scheduled several doctor’s appointments with her, and she has no-showed every single time. She called earlier today with excuses.”
“What if she is pregnant?”
“She’s not. But, even if she is, it won’t change a thing for me. But to give us both peace of mind, I scheduled another appointment for this Monday. I’ll get it confirmed so that we can put Elaina firmly in our rearview.”
“That’s two more long days from now.”
“When do you want to move in?” He asked.
Harlem smiled shyly. “How does next weekend sound?”
Carter sat up slightly. “Are you serious?” He didn’t actually think Harlem would say yes on his first ask.
“From the look on your face, I should be asking you that question.” She giggled.
“No, I’m just–”Surprised.Carter stopped midsentence. “Yeah, I’m serious.”
“No take-backs?” She said softly.
“No take-backs.” Gently, Carter pressed Harlem back onto the mattress and rolled over and nestled himself in-between her thighs. “Let’s celebrate.”
Chapter 6
Monday couldn’t arrive fast enough for Carter. He was ready for the entire episode with Elaina to be over.
He had been waiting outside of her townhouse for over twenty minutes before she finally came out.
Elaina had taken her sweet time.
Carter shouldn’t have been surprised to find that she was still playing games.
Elaina got in the car. “You could have at least come to the door, Carter.”
“Why?” He was aggravated. “This isn’t a date.”
The car ride over to the physician’s office was a chore, to say the least. Elaina was like a chatter-box. She talked about everything under the sun as if Carter were interested. He just let her fill up the car with nonsensical bullshit. Soon enough, he would be rid of her.
The experience of sitting in the waiting room with Elaina was a lot different than Carter’s time with Harlem. He figured that was the difference between being with someone out of responsibility and being with someone a person actually loved.