Page 57 of Wine & Whiskey
“Oh no, you’re going to get tired of it at that rate.”
He shrugs his shoulders and puts his hands up. “Nah, it’s good. It makes her happy, so what can you do?”
Nick walks in as they talk and rests his hand on her shoulder. She wraps her fingers around his, trying to eradicate her fear, fighting her irrational apprehension. “Spencer majors in facilities management at CSU and works here part-time, taking care of the house and property. He’s going to help us move your things.”
“I appreciate the help. I’ll try not to load you up with too much stuff.”
“No worries. There’s plenty of room in the truck, and I’ve got lots of empty boxes in the back in case we need them.”
Nick nods and glances at his watch. “Okay, I need to make one more phone call. Let’s plan to leave in about an hour.”
Spencer smiles again. “Ready whenever you are, boss.”
After the garage door closes, Nick sits down next to her, his frown conveying another worry. She takes a deep breath. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea for Carrie to stay at your house by herself.”
Her shoulders droop against the guilt weighing on them. The threat extends to her friends, another painful reminder of the cruelty of Nick’s life. “Juan could hurt Carrie.”
“I can’t be sure. I don’t want to take any chances, and there’s no reason she can’t stay here.”
She rubs her fingers across his shirt sleeve, tugging the ribbed fabric on the edge. His bicep flexes as he lifts his arm to stroke her cheek, warming under his gentle touch, stirring her desire to return to his bedroom and let their troubles fade away. “I would love it, but I don’t know if she’ll agree.”
“All we can do is try.”
He starts to stand up, but she grasps his hand. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
“It’s about Spencer.”
His grip tightens around her fingers, his body tense. “What about him?”
Now, she has him worried for no real reason. A look that gives her a weird vibe? She sounds like an egotistical diva saying a fan gives her the creeps. She has to let it go. “Do you think he minds working on a Sunday? He probably has stuff for school.”
He smiles and pulls her up, his fingers gliding around her waist. “From what he’s told me, he can use the money. But I’ll send him home right after we’re finished.”
* * *
Carrie’s stretchedout on her bed flipping through wedding magazines when they arrive at the house. Orange sticky notes with scribbled comments mark several pages. She winks at Nick before smiling. “Sorry, you two. I’m out of condoms, and I… ” She tilts her head and squints at Shae. “What’s wrong?”
Curling her dress around her fingers, Shae purses her lips before speaking. “You might be in danger here by yourself. We want you to stay at Nick’s house too.”
His chest burns at her straightforward explanation. So matter–of-fact about the worry she carries. Almost as if she accepts a life with him guarantees fear and violence. A little bit more of her sweet innocence stolen.
Carrie frowns before shrugging her shoulders. “I’ll be fine. What does Juan care about me?”
“He wants to hurt Nick. Getting to you or me would do that.”
“This is too weird.” Her eyes widen. “Shit! I haven’t even told Nathan yet about what happened. He’s going to freak out about you, let alone me moving in with you guys.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do it.”
Shae sits down next to her on the bed, smoothing her skirt over her knees. “I’m sorry to pull you into this, but I’m scared for you. Please come with us. We’ll talk to Nathan and convince him it’s okay.”
“I don’t know. Won’t it be awkward?”
“I promise it won’t be. Please, Carrie? I want you to stay with us. I don’t know what I’ll do if something happens to you.” Shae’s voice cracks, fear strangling her plea.
He takes over, nodding in agreement. Carrie has to know he means it as much as she does. “We both want you there. I would feel better knowing you’re safe, and you and Shae can keep living together until the wedding.”
