Page 58 of A Forever Love
My mouth dries, and the darkness I’ve kept tightly locked inside me finally finds a way to breathe. A shiver skates down my spine, and I clutch the counter. “I meant more like a crush. What I’m trying to say is, perhaps if I spend time with him, I’ll start seeing him back like a friend.”
“Feelings don’t evaporate in thin air, hon, and your feelings for Carter run deep. He’s played the role of every caring figure in your life at some point. A guardian. A best friend. I’m just worried about you.”
“So, you think it’d be a mistake?” I ask slowly, my heart sinking like a lead weight in my chest, dragging hope down with it.
“I believe matters of the heart exist in shades of gray, not black and white. We can only trust our inner compass. What’s yours telling you?”
“That I should spend this weekend with him. Maybe I need to see him up close once again before I can truly move on.”
“Then listen to your heart, Mere. But don’t get burned by playing close to the fire for too long.”
I can’t help but think of myself as Icarus, drawn to Carter like the sun.
* * *
“Did you think about it?” Carter breaks the silence as I settle into his car.
“I did.” I nod, keeping my gaze fixed ahead.
“And? How long are you going to keep a man sweating?”
“I’ll go with you.” I turn to find his gaze drifting toward me before he looks at the thickening traffic around us. “Hey, that’s not our way,” I squeal when he makes a wrong left turn and parks in a supermarket parking lot.
“No, it’s not. But this conversation demands my full attention.” He adjusts his seat after putting the car into park. “Are you absolutely sure?”
“Do we have a choice?”
“This isn’t your problem, Mere. I’ll figure something out. Forget about my earlier text.” Carter runs a hand through his already tousled hair, as though he’s been doing it repeatedly today.
“But what changed your mind?”
“I might have received a couple of texts from the committee members about my pretty girlfriend. I can’t believe these men are bigger gossipmongers than my grandmother.”
A chuckle escapes me despite my tightening nerves. “Well, then you’re left with no choice. I suppose I can tolerate your company for one evening. But just so you’re aware, I’ll be an expensive fake date. Since we’re at the supermarket, this girl needs some ice cream.”
Carter shakes his head. “You’ve always been a pain in my ass.”
“Don’t worry, your ass is grateful for my knack at keeping you in line.”
He flashes that devilishly handsome smile before sauntering toward the entrance in his perfectly tailored Tom Ford suit. Once he’s out of sight, I lean back, resting my head against the headrest and closing my eyes.
This is good.
This feels right.
I’m doing the right thing…
“What are you? A cat? I was in there for less than ten minutes and you’re already asleep.” Carter flops into the driver’s seat, making me jump at the sound of his voice.
“I was working late last night, you jerk. I’m exhausted,” I retort, stifling a yawn as he dumps a brown grocery bag onto my lap. I peek inside to discover Skittles, M&Ms, and Reese’s. “What’s all this?”
“You can act like an expensive fake girlfriend on the weekend, but I’m sure you’re as cheap as ever on regular days.”
“Call me cheap one more time, and I’ll make sure everyone at the gala knows what an awful boyfriend you are.”
“Fuck! Don’t you dare do that, Mere. I’m already taking a big risk by bringing you with me, and if you start spreading rumors, this whole charade will be useless.”
“What do you mean by risk?”