Page 58 of Tangled Trust

I fall asleep after the call. Having Jagger home is tiring. Carter and I try our best to have as many late-night dinners together as possible, but as far as sharing a bed, we keep it tidy. Jagger still wanders into Carter’s bed on occasion and the last thing we need is for him to find me in it. That would certainly throw the cat amongst the pigeons.

Carter will touch my hand when the three of us are out together somewhere and give me a knowing grin. His smile sends me into a tailspin still. So, this is what it feels like to be truly in love. It’s grand. I clearly missed this with Sebastian. Ours was more of a congenial meeting of the minds, to torture an old adage.

Not so with Carter. I feel flushed whenever he touches me, be it intentionally or accidentally. If the rest of the staff have noticed no one has said anything. Not to me, anyway. Not that I give a hoot. Carter says he’s happy, Jagger is happy, and I’m walking on air. It’s all so perfect.

Carter is the best lover I’ve ever had. He’s the perfect combination of a raging bull and considerate lover. Our favorite secret nookie spot is on his private beach. There’s a section between the rocks where I can yell out as loudly as I want to during sex without being heard, and I take full advantage of it. We sneak away and go there at least twice a week, away from prying eyes and wagging tongues, and Jagger’s incessant chatter, for a bit of adult time.

Yup. Life is just peachy. I’ve met with Hannah a few times since we met in the park. She and I take the kids for ice cream and playdates often. She’s an interesting girl. She shares her life back in France with me and I try my best not to blab about my exciting sex life with my boss.

Anna hit the ceiling when I told her. She gave me plenty of lip about how she told me this would happen and all of that, but she’s happy for me. I’m jealous when she talks about her work. I miss being a doctor. It’s always been my passion. I wish I could tell Carter. But, inevitably that would lead to the discussion about Sebastain and I’d have to tell my lover that our relationship started off based on a lie.

If it’s a choice between losing Carter or choosing to put my career as a doctor on hold for a while longer, I have to say there’s no competition. I’ll drop the MD like a hot potato before I mess up the good thing I have with Carter and Jagger.

I’ve never seen myself as a woman who would choose love over her career, but then again, I’ve never seen myself as someone who would move halfway across the world to get away from a man either. I suppose it’s best not to plan life too far ahead. No one knows what’s lying in wait just around the next corner. Life is like that. Unpredictable. Best to hold onto what you have and appreciate it for the season you’re in. One day at a time.

17

CARTER

It’s time to upgrade my private plane. I plan on doing a lot more traveling as my business is expanding, and the plane I bought years ago is no longer big enough for my needs. I want to take Ella with me for the trip, but Jagger needs her. So, I’ll be flying solo, so to speak.

"Aaah, do you have to go, Daddy?"

"I’m afraid so, Jagger. But don’t worry. I’ll be back soon, and then I’ll have a surprise for you."

"Okay. But, you’re going to miss my tennis match."

"I’m sorry, buddy."

It’s always hard to say goodbye to my son. He’s at such a crucial age in his development, but sometimes I have to say no. This is one of those times.

"Ella is here with you, darling. You guys are going to have fun. Plus, you have school this week."

I don’t want to homeschool Jagger. I had the privilege to grow up surrounded by peers, and I think it’s important for a boy to learn how to handle himself in the company of other boys and girls. Not that I have anything against homeschooling. It’s just not for Jagger.

"Don’t tell Daddy," Ella whispers just loudly enough for me to hear, "but we’ll sneak off for ice cream."

The magic words bring an instant grin to Jagger’s face. My little sugar junkie is well pleased with the prospect of sneaking in some contraband while I’m away.

"Okay, guys. I’m off. Have a good week at school, my love. Ella, can I speak to you in my office before I go?"

"Sure. Jagger, I’ll be right back, sweetie."

Ella follows me into my office. I close the door behind her. I grab her and kiss her passionately.

"I’ve been dying to do that all morning," I groan when I finally allow her to come up for air.

Ella's bright smile lights up the room.

"I’m going to miss you."

"I wish you could go with me."

"As do I. But, I think the tongue would really wag if we snuck off together while Jagger was here. Besides, poor George and the gang would put a curse on us. And, I suspect the gardener would leave the state."

"All is not lost. I’m planning a trip for the three of us very soon. That way, I can grope you as often as I please."

"Sounds like you have thought this through," Ella giggles.

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