Page 38 of Tangled Trust

"I wish we didn’t have to part," I agree.

"Look after my little nephew. He’s growing way too fast."

"Don’t remind me."

"Oh, and keep me posted on the Au Pair front, will you?"

"You’re like a dog with a bone, Sis."

"You better believe it."

"I love you, Sophie."

"Back at ya, Caboose."

Jagger and I board the jet. It’s a long flight, so he and I settle in. Jagger falls asleep before we're even an hour into the flight. The poor kid is exhausted.

I find myself thinking of Ella. I’m excited to see her. Perhaps my sister has a point. I am lonely. I need a woman in my life. Am I thinking of Ella because I’m lonely, or is she truly someone I could fall in love with?

I guess that’s something I have to explore. I keep telling myself it’s just a crush, but this trip has proven to me that there is something more between us than pure lust on my part.

I wonder how she feels about me.

I fall asleep somewhere during the flight. Ella is in my dream. We’re making love on the beach back home, and I swear it’s as vivid as any dream I’ve ever had. I’m all hot and bothered when I wake up.

You’ve got it bad for this English woman, partner.

Yeah, tell me something I don’t know.

11

ELLA

"Oh, hell, it's worse than I thought," Anna groans as I hang up the call.

"What?"

"You definitely have it bad for your boss."

"Are you starting again?"

"Come on, Ella. How long have we been friends?"

"Okay, fine. I’d love to have someone like Carter in my life. There. Are you happy now?"

"Not as happy as you’re going to be when he gives it to ya good," Anna says in a fake Texan twang.

"Oh, shut up. Are you all packed?"

"Nicely sidestepped, Doc. And, yes. Sadly, I’m ready to go."

"Ugh! I wish you didn’t have to leave. I’m going to miss you so much."

"I can’t believe the time has gone by so fast. I feel better now that I’ve seen where you work and live. Jealous as hell, but better."

"Thank you so much for taking the time to come here, Anna. It’s too soon for me to venture back to London. I know Sebastian will be all over me like a cheap suit. I don’t want to put myself back in that toxic place."

"I get it. You don’t have to explain it to me, my friend. I’m just mad that he’s driven my best friend so far away. Of course, this does seem to be a move up," she winks.

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