Page 49 of A Forever Love
“Where would you like us to put it?”
My gaze shifts between them and Carter, as I’ve no clue what’s hidden beneath the thick layers of packaging.
“It’s a bookshelf,” Carter answers, cocking his head toward the two cartons of books that couldn’t find space in the first bookshelf he had delivered.
And suddenly that statement makes my day. “Really?”
When he nods with a grin, I direct the trio, showing them where to place the new addition.
Once they depart, having unpacked and positioned the sturdy, matching bookshelf beside the first, I think I’m in heaven.
All my books will finally have a place.
“Wow, you’ve really stepped up your gift-giving game.”
“I was always good at giving gifts, Mere.”
“Really? Remember when you gave Clem a needle and thread for her birthday?”
“She’s a fashion designer and comes from a wealthy family. What else could I have bought?”
“And what about the cinnamon sticks for Dad and Clem’s anniversary? Or the oversized diapers for my twin sisters’ first birthday?” Laughter bubbles out of me as I revisit the humorous memories. “You—”
“Okay, okay, you’ve made your point. I take back what I said. I may not have been great with gifts for others, but I was always spot-on when it came to you.”
I’m still chuckling, trying to think of a comical and quirky gift Carter has given me over the years, but come up empty-handed. My laughter fades into a warm smile. “You’re right. You always had the best gifts for me. You may not know everyone, but you certainly know me, King.”
Carter briefly glances up from arranging the lasagna in a baking pan. “That’s the reason you love me so much, mittens.”
If only he knew how accurately that single sentence captures my feelings.
After placing our dinner in the oven, Carter walks to the living space. He removes his suit jacket, loosens his tie, then rolls up his sleeves. My eyes inadvertently follow the pronounced veins on his forearms. Holy crap! how the hell did I never notice this before?
You definitely did. You just didn’t let yourself think about it.
“Let’s arrange your books until the food is ready.” He carries the two cartons from the corner of the room. Unlike me, he doesn’t resort to dragging them, choosing instead to lift them in his arms. The sight of his muscles flexing and straining as he does so makes my heart race. Carter, dressed in his crisp white button-down, places my books on the new bookshelf, mimicking the exact color coding of the previous one. My inner darkness finds a voice, reminding me again that I never stood a chance against these feelings.
And even when I ignore it, words leave my mouth. “I think I love you for this, Carter.”
His hand stills for a breath, and I immediately correct myself.
“I mean, for the way you’ve cared for me.”
Carter’s gaze flies to me. “I’ll always care about you, Mere.” His words hold a genuine sincerity, and his voice drops to a soft tone before he breaks into a grin. “I don’t have a choice, you know. You made me promise that, not just once, but for years.”
“You liked it when I looked up to you as if you were some kind of a superhero.”
His grin deepens. “I like it when you look at me as if I’m some kind of a superhero.”
“Come down to earth, King. I’m no longer a kid.” I place the hardcover of Sense and Sensibility on the bottom shelf, hiding my smile.
When Carter remains quiet for several beats, I look up to find him flipping through a book with an innocent-looking cover of poppy flowers on it.
“What are you doing?” I stand up in a rush, but before I can grab the book from his hand, he turns around, holding it high above his head, but still flipping the pages.
“You are definitely not a kid.” Carter’s eyes are as wide as a deer caught in headlights. “What the fuck are you reading?”
“It’s romance. Fiction.” My cheeks heat in embarrassment.