Page 34 of His Baby Her Gift

Carter bent low and swept Harlem up into his arms. He started walking out of the store.

“What are you doing?”

“I only have a few hours. I need to make the most of them.”

“What about the beds?” Harlem laughed.

“I’m rich. We picked them out. Someone else can take care of the rest.”

Chapter 16

It was late when Carter finally brought Harlem home. They walked arm-in-arm past the security located in the lobby of her building.

Carter spoke to the man behind the desk on their way to the elevator. “Hey, Max. How’s it going?”

Max responded. “I can’t complain, Mr. Owens. He shook his head to clear it. “Déjà vu.”

Harlem stopped walking and half-turned. She smiled. “Déjà vu?”

“Don’t mind me. I’m tired. I get off in half an hour. I’ll feel much better then.” Max laughed and pointed to her stomach. “Not much longer, huh?”

Harlem rubbed her belly. “Forever if you ask me.”

Carter laughed. “It’s just a couple more months.”

Max laughed too. “My wife was antsy towards the end. My advice, as a father of six, is to get all the sleep you can. Once the baby comes, you’ll never get a full night's rest again.”

“Will do,” Harlem said as they began to make their way over to the elevator. Harlem leaned into Carter. “God, I’m tired.”

He swept her up off of her feet and into his arms.

Harlem giggled. “You should be tired too.”

“Never too tired for you.” Carter leaned in and kissed her. The elevator doors opened, and they got inside.

Harlem placed her head on his chest as they quietly rode up. She loved to listen to the steady beat of his heart. When the doors opened to her floor, Carter slow-walked Harlem to her front door. He just wasn’t ready to let her go. “You should seriously consider moving in with me.”

“Carter.” Harlem didn’t want to talk about it. “It’s late.”

He knew what was up. Carter knew that Harlem was afraid his feelings might change after Elaina had the baby. They wouldn’t, and every day Carter worked hard to prove it. But it was clear that Harlem was biding her time. Carter wanted to respect her feelings, but it was a challenge. Harlem was the one. She wasn’t perfect but perfect for him.

Slowly, Carter lowered her body to the floor, then placed his hands on her rounded stomach.

Harlem was caught up in his gaze and the feel of his hands. They were heavy and warm and only hours ago had been roaming her entire body. She shivered. Even at seven months pregnant, Carter still made her feel like the sexiest woman he’d ever seen.

“If you don’t stop looking at me like that, you’re going to have to reschedule that damn appointment.”

Harlem tore her eyes from his and lowered them. She turned and opened the door, not really wanting Carter to go either. They walked inside.

“What time is that damn thing over with anyway?” Carter was irritated. Harlem should be in his bed. Period.

“I think around ten.”

“I’ll be here at nine-forty-five. We can hit up Benny’s for breakfast after it’s over.”

“That sounds heavenly.”

“Let me use the bathroom before I get back on the road.” Carter left Harlem alone in the living room. She had a craving and went into the kitchen. Harlem opened the freezer and pulled out a pint of black-walnut ice-cream, then grabbed a spoon.

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