Page 84 of Between Now and Always

He snatches the phone before I even see him reach for it.

“Carter,” I gasp in shock.

He ignores me and looks at the screen and then closes his eyes and lets out a breath before he relaxes.

“Hey, Phil,” he says

“Hey, Carter, you okay, buddy?” Phil asks.

His expression tightens, but he nods. “Yeah, just went for a run. I was going to call you later. I heard from Dean this morning. Susan Kendicott wrote back. She’s agreed to see us,” he says.

“Oh thank fuck,” Phil says and I can hear the smile in his voice.

Carter looks… blank.

I frown at him and mouth. “Are you okay?”

He gives a terse nod, but walks to the window, his back to me now.

“When can we go see her?” Phil asks.

“I don’t know. I’ll check my calendar when I get home. I’ve got a busy few months.” Carter says.

“Few months? We needed to talk to her a few days ago. We can’t wait that long.”

“I said, I’ll let you know.”His voice is heavy with weariness.

“Okay… I take it you haven’t seen the news.” Phil sounds as confused as I am.

“I’ve seen it. They’re assholes,” he responds in a flat voice and then yawns wide enough that his jaw looks like it’s straining on its hinge.

“Yeah, but you know that if he knows where she is…he needs her married or dead. We have to keep an eyes on her.

“She’s fine. I’m keeping her safe, Phil,” he snaps.

“You left her alone,” Phil pushes.

“Yeah in our hotel room with a bodyguard outside, while I went for a fucking run. And now, I’m exhausted. Call you call later.” He hangs up before Phil can respond and tosses my phone on the couch.

“I’m gonna shower, can you order us some breakfast?” he says.

He kicks off his shoes, pulls his sweatpants down, peels his socks off, and turns to walk back into the bedroom.

I step into his path, plant my feet and put my hands on my hips. He bumps into me and has the nerve to look annoyed.

“What are you doing?” he asks and steps around me.

I step into his way again and he scowls.

“Why are you in such a bad mood? You were really rude to Philandto me.” I cross my arms and glare a challenge at him.

He curses under breath and shuts his eyes for three long, anxious heartbeats. When he opens them, his anger is gone. He deflates a little and gives me a smile so sad it makes my heart ache.

“The house in Corsica - - it’s not going to work out,” he says it in a matter of fact voice that I know is hiding real disappointment. I know how much he wanted that house - and what it represented to him.

I wrap my arms around his waist, the cold from outside still clings to his sweat dampened skin, but it feels good against the heated skin of my face and I breathe in the cool, salty smell of him.

“I’m sorry baby, we’ll find you another one,” I murmur. His arms close around me and he holds me close, his face resting on top of my head, his breath coming in long, heavy sighs.

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