Page 179 of Debts and Desires
Because I wanted him. I wanted more. Needed more.
I wanted to stay.
Damn him and damn everything.
I wasgoingto stay.
76. BRB
March 11
Carter showed his gratefulness and appreciation for me staying the way he always did; with his mouth between my legs until I came at least three times. With a newfound pep in his step and a broad smile adorning his face, he prepared breakfast for us.
The aroma of sizzling bacon and brewing coffee filled the air. I was glad to be home. I laid on the couch to rest per Carter, with the animals cuddled up next to me. Mac seemed to be beside himself that I was there, like his dad. BJ seemed content, too. Both were up my ass constantly. I was sure part of it was from missing me and the other part of it being the pregnancy.
I cringed, arguing with myself to tell Carter.
As he cooked, we talked. Carter informed me he was heading into the shop to work on a difficult SUV since he’d have the place to himself. They had a set schedule now, closed on the weekends. He’d planned on it before I came back and wanted to stay, but he thought he may have figured out what was wrong and wanted to test it privately.
Apparently, they would tease him if he was wrong, orsomething like that. He told me about the people he’d hired and how awesome they were, but he was looking forward to the quiet. He promised he wouldn’t be long if I wanted to stay at the house or even come with him. I didn’t give an answer, not that I think he was expecting one.
After eating, I made my way upstairs to my old room to call Mia, my thoughts swirling with emotions, unsure of what to say. It took me a few before I dialed.
“Hey. How did it go?” she answered on the third ring. I let out a sigh.
“I’m staying,” I replied, bracing myself for the inevitable lecture.
“Figured,” she responded, the smile evident in her tone.
“You… figured?” I asked, surprised by her calm reaction.
“Yes.”
“And you’re not mad? Or going to lecture me?” I inquired further.
“Nope,” she laughed softly. “It’s obvious you’re still in love with him, Emo. Don’t bother denying it.”
“Idolove him,” I admitted, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as I spoke the truth aloud. I had tried convincing myself that I hadn’t, that it had all been lust.
“I know,” she teased. “So, did he saywhyhe did it?”
“He wanted my number.”
“He—seriously?”
“Seriously,” I confirmed.
“Oh, my God! Keep him.” Mia laughed.
“You’re surprisingly… accepting of all this.”
“I have no room to be judgy or anything. If only you knew exactly what Callum did for me…” she trailed off before clearing her throat. “I’m not saying the dude’s in his right mind. But he loves you. I could see it the moment I met him. Speaking of, have you told him yet?”
“No.”
“Emo…” Mia began.
“I know. I know.”
