Page 47 of Tangled Trust

"You were magnificent last night," he purrs.

"As were you."

"I have to kiss you or I’m going to explode."

I breathe shallowly as he brings his lips to mine. They’re warm and soft, and I automatically open my mouth in anticipation of his skilled tongue. The same feeling of urgency rushes through me as it did last night in the kitchen when Carter and I were locked together.

I jump as someone knocks on the office door. Carter straightens and moves away from me in an instant.

"Come in," he says as soon as he’s behind his desk again.

"Excuse me, Sir."

"Yes, George. What is it?"

"Mrs. Moore, excuse me, Miss Amanda is here, Sir. She’d like a word with you if you’re available."

I sit very still. I’m wearing my official Au Pair face in the hopes that the butler doesn’t notice my burning shame. I feel like I’ve been discovered with my knickers around my ankles.

"I’ll be there in a minute, George. Thank you."

"Yes, Sir," he says and leaves us.

"Terrible timing," Carter groans. "Don’t you disappear," he smiles and kisses me.

"I wouldn’t dream of it, Mr. Moore," I tease.

"Irresistible," he mumbles, runs his gaze over my body, and leaves the room.

He leaves the door open, and I can’t help but hear Amanda’s voice echoing down the passage as she talks to Carter. I can’t help but listen intently as I shamelessly eavesdrop on their conversation. Yes, I know. I’m a bad girl! But I can’t help myself. I suddenly feel invested in their relationship, however fractious it may be.

A part of me feels for the woman, albeit a part that is hidden under many layers of dislike. She must be kicking herself for having let go of such an amazing man. Does she have any regrets? It certainly seems like it if I listen to the tone of her voice. Only someone with regret could be that snarky. I listen intently for any signs in Carter’s voice that he may still be hung up on his ex-wife. I’m relieved when I don’t pick up on any.

"Why didn’t you take Jagger to the doctor, Carter? How can you be so irresponsible? Any number of things could have gone wrong," I hear Amanda fire off the first round. Childhood illnesses are no small thing.

"Honestly. Don’t be ridiculous, Amanda. It was chickenpox, for goodness sake, not the bubonic plague. Look at him out there. He’s fine. Millions of children far less robust than our son have survived the chickenpox virus. See for yourself. He’s back to his busy self again. Besides, Ella is a very capable Au Pair. She had it under control from the very start."

"Seriously? The Au Pair diagnosed our sick child! Are you kidding me? That’s insane! I’m not happy. What the hell does a nanny know about diseases?"

"Oh, I see. I suppose I did that wrong too. I'm glad to see you care about one of us, at least," Carter replies, drolly.

"Oh, please. You’re a grown man. You’ll be fine. Carter is just a little boy," she snaps.

"You know what? Whatever. I’m sorry, Amanda, but I’m busy. Was there something else you wanted to yell at me about? I’d like to get back to work."

"Ugh! Fine. You’re such a child. I’m going to use the bathroom, and then I’m taking our son for a checkup with the doctor before I take him home. "

"You do that. You’re only making a fool of yourself, Amanda."

"Rather a concerned fool than a horny idiot. Yeah, that’s right. Au pair…pathetic."

I move away from the door because I know Amanda will most probably use the guest bathroom down the hall from Carter’s office. The last thing I need is for her to bust me listening in on her and Carter’s conversation.

I make it back to the chair just in time to see her as she storms past the room. She sees me and stops dead in her tracks. She glares at me as if I’m gum stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

"The next time my son is ill, kindly refrain from playing nurse-nurse and take him to a qualified doctor, please," she spits at me.

"Yes, ma’am," I manage. The alternative wording flashing in the forefront of my mind is better left unsaid.

---