Page 83 of Above All Else

“I know.” His eyes darkened as he stared down at me. “I saw you thatnight.”

“What night?”

Riiinngg.

“Hold that thought.” The darkness in his eyes lifted as he dug into his pockets. “It’s work.” He spun away. “What is it, Felicity?”

My brows furrowed as I thought of all the endless days being cooped up in the house, listening to music or reading a book. I’d cleaned the bathroom with a toothbrush just to pass the time.

But have I listened to this since I’ve been here?

Dredging the beef in flour, I dropped it into the pot with the roulade and let it sizzle, the combination of odors engulfing me.

“Sorry about that.” Carter walked around the corner, pocketing his phone.

I shrugged. “It’s fine. Strangely enough, I’m used to it by now.”

He frowned and picked up his glass. “I don’t like the sound of that. This isn’t my normal. We’re still catching up from that IT debacle and the hospital dragging their feet.”

My gaze focused on the pot, the steam billowing up to the overhead fans, and the bottom browning with stuck flavor.

“I was thinking about getting a job.”

Carter drew kisses down my neck, his hands cupping my shoulders. “You don’t have to, but I understand your desire.”

“Thanks. The elementary up the street has an opening for first grade.”

“You’ve looked into it already?” His mouth paused on the soft flesh above my collarbone.

“I’ve had nothing but time. Except to unpack my parents’home...” My inner lip sucked in between my teeth. “And to look into Amber’s death.”

He pulled away and spun me toward him. “Why?”

I lifted one shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. “It’s been on my mind. Not to mention, even though it’s an unpleasant thought, it brought us together.”

He drew me into a hug, his arms wrapping around me. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to do that. Besides, I don’t know if I can trust another piece of evidence.” He sighed. “Paul worked a number on my trust issues.”

I frowned, my gaze slipping down. “That’s understandable.” I pulled back and flipped the meat. “I just wanted to see if I could glean some sort of new information. You know?”

“Yeah.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead, his hands falling to my hips. “Let’s not dwell on it though.”

“I just want you to find peace, Carter.”

Sighing, he sipped his wine. “I have, with you. It’s been eleven years, June. If something were to come out of it, I imagine it would have already.”

The sizzling pot of meat drew me away from the warmth of his arms. I dumped the wine over the bottom of the pot and stirred the brown bits off, giving it more flavor.

“Once I put in the broth, I’m going to head over to my parents and unpack a few more boxes.”

He nodded. “I guess I’ll get a few hours of shuteye before dinner. Unless you want some help over there.”

I shook my head and leaned back into him. “No. You needyour rest. Sixteen-hour days without a break will wear on you.”

Carter tucked a crooked finger under my chin and brought my lips to his, his breath caressing and light. “I’m invincible. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that?” His cheeks dimpled as a broad smile blossomed.

“Is that right, Dr. Morgan?”

He growled and pressed his lips to mine, then kissed down my neck. “I love it when you call me that.”