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Carrie’s eyes were wide, and he could tell she was fighting back tears.

“I know you’re worried about your friend, but I need to hear you say you’re not going to go back there, little one.”

Her bottom lip quivered, and he tightened his grip on her shoulders. “We’re not leaving here until you say it, Carrie.”

“Fine. I won’t go back there on my own.”

She was leaving herself some wiggle room, but it was enough. For now. He let go of her shoulders and picked up her hand, walking her back to the vehicle.

After they had a late dinner in his living room, Carrie stood. “I think I’m going to bed.”

Peter nodded. “I’ll join you.”

She shook her head. “Not tonight. I think I need some space. I’m worried about Savannah.”

He stood and pulled her close. “OK. I can respect that. One more thing before you go. Gage is having a party Tuesday night as a dry run for the opening of Exposure. Do you want to come with me?”

“Will Evie be there?”

He tightened his embrace. “Probably. But if she says a fucking word to you, let me know and Gage will toss her out, OK?”

“OK. We can go together.” She pulled out of his arms. “Goodnight, Peter.” Peter stared after her long after the door to his guest bedroom closed. What was this woman doing to him?

16

“THANKS for letting me ride with you guys.”

Carrie looked over her shoulder at Darci who sat in the back seat of Peter’s SUV.

“I’m glad you could make it. I know your new job is keeping you busy.”

Peter had been silent since they picked Darci up and she couldn’t tell what was going through his mind. Carrie hadn’t asked about whether they were going to play tonight. He’d just invited her to the party. And then Darci asked for a ride. Carrie didn’t like not knowing what to expect or how to act at a party. She went to these things to relax.

“I hope I can find someone to tie me up tonight.”

Carrie offered her a small smile. “I’m sure you will. It’s a small party, but Gage invited a variety of people so everyone could have fun.”

Peter glanced in the rear-view mirror. “You know, I’m pretty good at rope.” He winked and flipped his turn signal on.

Carrie frowned. Why was that making her jealous? They weren’t dating. He could flirt with whoever he wanted. And was it really flirting? She’d let plenty of men she had no intention of sleeping with tie her up for consensual impact play and other things.

She faced the road again and stared out the window. Being on edge this way made her antsy, and they still had another twenty minutes until they reached the converted warehouse.

When they finally pulled into the parking lot at nine, it was already full.

“Small party, my ass,” Peter muttered as he shut the engine off.

“Well, the man is from Texas. He doesn’t know what small means.” Darci giggled at her own joke and hopped out of the car.

“You OK?” Peter put a hand on Carrie’s shoulder.

“Just nervous. We haven’t talked about tonight. I’m used to doing my own thing at parties. I’ve never been to one with a date before.”

He cupped her cheek, his intense eyes boring into her. “Just be yourself. We’re getting to know each other, that’s all. There’s no pressure to play, but I wouldn’t turn it down if you decided you want to. And I would prefer if you didn’t play with anyone else.”

She drew in a deep breath and nuzzled his hand. “OK, I can agree with that. We’ll see how the night goes.”

“Stay there.”

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