Page 26 of Carver's Obsession

She stood back for a moment and watched the women. They looked like they were having fun, like a family, and she felt like she was on the outside looking in again for some reason. Maybe she was oversensitive, but she would also listen to her gut.

“Are you going to help them, Babe?” Carver asked.

Erica shook her head. “No. They look like they have everything under control. I don’t want to get in the way.”

“What are you talking about?”

She could feel her face heat with a blush. “It’s nothing. I’m not really hungry. I think I’ll go back upstairs and lie down.”

He cupped her chin in his hand. “You will tell me what’s going on eventually.”

She nodded, pulled away from him, turned, and left without saying anything to her sister. Hell, she probably forgot she was even there. Jana had a full life and a man that loved her. The last thing she needed was for her to butt in.

As much as she’d like to call this place home, it was her sister’s, not hers.

She laid down on her mattress, pulled a blanket over herself, and turned toward the wall. Her mind wouldn’t shut down long enough to sleep. As much as she tried and couldn’t let go, she became more tense.

She heard the door crack open a while later and pretended to sleep. Whoever was there whispered and then shut the door. Erica waited until she knew for sure they had left before she turned to face that way.

Eventually, she fell asleep. When she woke, she saw the sun coming directly in the window and knew it was early afternoon. The other thing she noticed was that she was lying on top of Carver’s chest. She gasped and tipped her head up to look at him. He cracked his eyes open, smiled, and continued to travel his fingers up and down her spine.

“I’m so sorry,” she said and tried to scramble off of him. He tightened his arms.

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“This has got to feel uncomfortable,” she said.

He grinned. “I’m enjoying it. You’re better than any blanket I’ve ever used before.”

That almost got her to smile. “What are you doing in here?”

“I needed a nap.”

She snorted. “Really?”

“I wanted to lay with you.”

The breath caught in her throat. She could see the shades of emotion in his eyes.

“Your sister was looking for you.”

Her heart felt heavy. “Do … do you know what for?”

“She was worried. You haven’t eaten all day. She saw you in the kitchen, but when she turned around, you were gone.”

“She doesn’t have to worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

A gasp tore from her mouth when she found herself flat on her back and an angry biker scowling down at her.

He had his leg thrown over hers to keep her in place. “You’re going to listen to me, Babe. I’m not sure what’s going on in your head, but I’m guessing it’s bullshit.”

“You have no idea what I’m thinking. You haven’t lived in my shoes.”

“No, you’re right about that. But I also think I’m seeing things you’re oblivious to.”

Her brows snapped together. “Like what?” She tried to ignore the desire building inside her with his body pressed against hers.

“Like the fact your sister enjoys having you here.”