Page 7 of Castle's Cards

“Everything I’ve been through? What is that supposed to mean?”

Carter doesn’t say anything and I get a sinking feeling in my stomach.

“Nothing. There’s the diner.” He gets out and comes around the car.

I get out, accidentally bumping the door into him.

“Oh, sorry,” I mutter, a blush rising to my cheek. Carter smiles, seemingly amused.

“I was going to get that for you.”

“Thank you, but I’m more than capable of opening my own car door.”

“Well, Miss Independent, would you mind if I at least opened the door to the diner for you?” Carter grins as we approach the diner.

“That would be perfectly fine.”

Carter grabs the front door and holds it open.

As we walk into the bustling diner the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon fills the air. My nerves are comforted by the sound of chatter and the clinking of plates.

He smiles and grabs my hand as he leads me to a booth in the corner. It surprises me when I slide into one side and he slides in next to me. I’ve never sat next to someone in a booth before.

“Your lip looks a bit less awful than it did yesterday.” I stare at his mouth.

"Oh, thank you, Addy. It’s rare that I receive such a nice compliment.”

I let out a chuckle.

“What can I say? I aim to please.”

He laughs, a deep, melodic sound that sends shivers down my spine.

"If pleasing is your goal, I have other ways that I prefer it to be done.” His eyes darken as they meet mine. I lick my lips and pick up the menu, busying myself looking at the food. “What’s good here?”

Carter leans back, studying the menu with a thoughtful expression.

"Probably scrambled eggs and bacon with a side of toast."

I glance at the menu, searching it before I make up my mind.

"I'll have just a stack of buttermilk pancakes, I think. With extra syrup."

Carter raises an eyebrow, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Extra syrup, huh? Are you trying to sweeten up?"

I laugh, a sound that bubbles up from deep within me.

"Maybe I am,” I reply flirtatiously.

“No need to sweeten up. You’re sweet enough already and it makes me want to take care of you,” Carter gives me an easy smile and my heart flutters.

No one has ever wanted to take care of me before.

Growing up, the absence of my father affected me more than I could explain to anyone. He should have been there for me, but instead he was like a ghost, only spoken about behind closed doors and in whispered conversations.

I spent countless nights staring at the ceiling, wondering why he chose to walk away, leaving behind a shattered family. The questions would swirl in my mind, like a tempestuous storm, but the answers remained elusive, hidden in the depths of silence.

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