Page 55 of Tangled Trust

I shudder through a second orgasm. It’s glorious. Carter collapses onto my back, and we’re the perfect fit once more. The perfectly sculptured pair. I’m not sure how long it is that we remain this way because when I wake up, it’s dark outside and my lover is no longer on top of me.

"Carter," I call out, wrapping myself in a sheet.

"Hello, Jones," the answer comes from the doorway, where Carter is staring at me. "So, what do you think? Shall we buy this place and make it our naughty little love nest?"

"Where do I sign?"

16

ELLA

Idon’t want to leave Las Vegas. It’s too perfect here with Carter. We are in our own bubble without anything or anyone to distract us. But, all good things must come to an end, sayeth the bard, so it’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to The Palms suite where Carter and I made the most of enjoying each other in peace.

The private jet is fuelled and ready to take us home when we get to the airstrip.

“This has been the most amazing three days ever, Carter. Thank you.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I guess it’s back to keeping our distance when we get home,” he sighs.

“I know we’re keeping this on the down low for my sake, but I honestly don’t give a hoot about who says what.”

“Really? You won’t feel awkward around the house?”

“Not at all. We’re grown-ups. You’re not married. Let them say what they like.”

“That’s mighty brave of you, Jones,” Carter smiles. “Okay. I’m in.”

“Good,” I say and kiss him.

“Uhm, there’s just one thing,” he says reluctantly.

“Amanda?”

“That obvious, hey?”

“Yup. Call it a woman’s intuition. She hates my guts. I get that. I’m the plucky Au Pair putting the moves on her ex. I’d probably be a little miffed too if I were in her shoes.”

“Yeah, I don’t get that. What’s up with you women folk?”

“So it’s true. Men are clueless.”

“Ouch. That’s a little rough, isn’t it?” he laughs.

“A tad, but no less true. Amanda is still in love with you, Carter.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. No, she isn’t.”

“Oh, yes she is. Women pick up on these things. I can tell by the way she looks at you.”

“You’re nuts, Ella. Besides, she’s the one who left. Why would she do that if she still loved me?”

“It’s complicated.”

“No kidding.”

“What I want to know is, are you over Amanda?”

This is a tough conversation, but one that is very necessary. If I’m going to invest emotionally in this relationship with Carter. I want to know that I’m not flogging a dead horse. The fact that he’s my boss doesn’t make it any easier. If this goes south, I’m not only going to get hurt emotionally, but it will also ruin me financially. And that isn’t something I can afford. I can’t go back to the UK. This is akin to survival for me.

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