Page 12 of Wicked Cowboy
The server took her plate too, and Chelsea said, “I wish we’d have met before, but I’ve not changed my mind. I’m staying here.”
Of course. In my house, she’d have to make her own sandwiches. I had my two hands, but servers started bringing in more plates.
Carter said, “The chef made lemon piccata chicken. Your favorite, Chelsea.”
My neck was hot, and I turned toward him and crossed my legs. If I did stay here, then we’d have to discuss sex. My throat became parched and I sipped water fast. Honestly, I couldn’t even fathom how that would feel with him.
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
I saw how his father doubled his serving and added salt. My nose wrinkled.
Carter's leg next to mine sent sparks in my thighs and we were both wearing clothes. My imagination was out of control. I finished my water and a server refilled me.
I stayed quiet until we weren’t interrupted. “I don’t mean to react.”
“You’re not.” He winked and then tapped the table. “Pop, you know you can’t eat that much.”
His father glared at me and my skin practically burned. I had no rights here and pivoted to get up.
Carter wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Sit, stay, and enjoy. Would you like a glass of wine?”
Now my skin had goosebumps. Wow. I glanced up at him. “White would be good. And I should tell you that your father shouldn’t eat too much cream sauce.”
Hudson Rockson’s lips were so downturned that his wrinkles showed. “I eat what I want.”
Carter winked at me. “If you choose to stay, Ridley, I’d love for you to discuss the best foods for my father.”
His father shook his head, but then Chelsea asked, “Stay?”
My heart pattered. Our hands touched and the zap sent adrenaline through me.
I turned toward the young girl. “I’ve not made any decisions. Would that be okay with you, Chelsea?”
She raised her eyebrows and asked, “Would you tell me more about my mom when she lived with you?”
This time my cheeks curled up and a quick memory of Chloe and me swinging in the backyard to see who could get highest played in my mind. “Absolutely.”
She put her food on her fork. “I hope you say yes then.”
I saw her mother in her. Carter might give me the family I always wanted, just not in the traditional sense, but it was more than I expected. Marrying him would be a dream come true, if I was honest with myself.
Carter gently massaged my arm. “Me too, Ridley.”
If I said yes, then I’d find out what being with Carter was like, too.
My stomach had butterflies at the idea, and I said, “We scheduled that discussion for in the morning Carter.”
I shrugged, so he got the message to let me go and he followed my silent direction as he said, “We did.”
Here, with Carter and Chelsea, this was the closest I’d get to a real family of my own.
I ignored that thought. “For now, this is all delicious.”
Tonight, I’d sleep on this and tomorrow I’d give my answer. My lips tingled to taste his kiss again, but I refused to ask for another sample and tempt fate. We weren’t destined for happily-ever-after. If I did marry him for convenience, I’d get to hold my head up high, experience mind-numbing sex, and maybe we could adopt a few more children, just like my parents always did to help other children in need.
This was the best I’d ever get. I’d be foolish to walk away.
Chapter 5
