Chapter 29

BLAKE

I don’t know why I am so nervous. I really shouldn’t be. I’ve known Carrie for a few weeks now. And more than that, I’ve lived with her, slept with her and spent hours talking to her. Yet, as I sit in my car, staring at her apartment, I just can’t bring myself to walk up and knock on the front door.

The reason is that she doesn’t know I am here. I haven’t spoken to her since dropping her off on Tuesday, and rather than call, I have decided to surprise her. We’ve texted back and forth, but I’ve been busy with my latest project. But now that I am at her apartment, ready to spring my surprise visit on her, I don’t know if I should.

I haven’t been able to get her out of my head. The last three days, she has been the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. I think of her when I eat and when I shower. I think of her on the way to work and when I am actually at work. I can’t get her out of my head.

I’ve been telling myself that it’s because I am excited about the possible baby. And in truth, that is kind of correct. There is a small chance that she might be pregnant right now, and if that is true, then it will be the best news I have ever heard.

But my inability to stop thinking about her is more than that. It’s all Carrie.

Having her stay at my house was a great idea on my part. Not only did it mean that we were able to have as much sex as possible and increase the chances of having a child, but it also meant that I was able to get to know her on a deeper level.

And better than that even, everything I learned about her only made me like her more. We connected on so many levels, to the point that I felt closer to her than anyone previously. And I am sure she feels the same way.

So why can’t I get out of my car and walk to her front door?

I shake my head. I never used to be this way. I grip the handle to my car door, take a deep breath and climb from my car. As I walk to her front door, I try to think of a funny or clever line I can use on her. But I come up with nothing. I will have to wing it.

“Hey,” I say stupidly as she opens the door.

“Oh, hey!” She beams when she sees me. My heart does a tiny skip at her smile.

She looks beautiful. Stunning even. For a second, my voice gets caught in my throat. I have forgotten just how pretty she is. Those big eyes of hers. That gorgeous smile. Everything about her is out of this world.

“I was in the area and thought I would surprise you,” I say as I give my throat a clear. “And I also thought you might want to go out to dinner.”

“Dinner?” She asks, sounding surprised.

“Of course. What? You didn’t think I had forgotten you, did you?” I chuckle as I look her up and down. “How could I forget you?”

“Good point,” she says, nodding in agreement. “How silly of me to even think that. Well, do you want to come in? I’ll just get changed.”

She opens the door and I step inside. The first thing I notice is how different the place looks. Last time I was here, it was a mess, like a bomb had hit the place. Now, it has been totally transformed. Everything is so neat and tidy. It’s interesting to say the least.

“Did I tell you how stunning you look by the way? Even better than I remember.” I tell her as she rushes back and forth between her bedroom and bathroom.

“Shut up,” she chides. But even as she does, I catch her blushing. “So where are you taking me?”

“It’s up to you. I have a reservation at Las Rambles if you want. It’s that Portuguese place downtown. But I also made a reservation at the nearest McDonald’s, too. Not too sure what mood you were in.”

“Hmm, both sound tempting. But I’ve already had McDonald’s three times today.” She rubs her flat belly. “So, let’s go with the restaurant.”

“Great choice,” I chuckle. Just then, I feel a vibration in my pocket. Fuck. I pull out my phone to see Ben calling me. “Hello?” I answer.

I nod at Carrie and turn my back on her and head to the other side of the apartment.

“Blake! There he is. It’s been a few days and I was worried sick. Janet was, too. In fact, we all were here at the mansion. You left the barbecue early on Saturday and didn’t even call to say you made it home safe.”

“I’m trying this whole independence thing, Ben,” I respond. “And calling you every day goes against that concept. You’re just going to have to learn to trust me.”

“Really? Or are you just so blinded by love that you’ve cut everyone else out of your life?”

As if Carrie might be able to hear, I quickly cover the speaker of the phone with my hand.

“What?” I hiss into the phone. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m just kidding,” Ben says, chuckling at his own joke. “In all seriousness, I really liked her. She’s far better than any of the bimbos you usually date. Those women are more breasts than brains.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“No, seriously. I like her, and I can tell you do, too. So please, Blake, don’t do anything to mess this up.”

“Is this why you called me? Love advice?” I look back and see Carrie is in the bathroom, getting ready.

“No, the youngest is in the bathroom, and I have to hold his hand, literally. I am right now, so I thought I’d call to kill the time.”

“Well, thanks. Glad you thought of me.” Just then, I look up and see Carrie is back. She looks at me and sees me still on the phone. “I’ve got to go, Ben, okay? I’ll talk to you later.”

“You better. I want to hear all about the new love of your life!”

I hang up the phone before he can harass me any further. It’s paranoia, but I don’t want Carrie overhearing. I like Carrie, more than I care to admit. But I have no idea how she feels about me, and I don’t want to ruin that. For now, I need to play it cool.

“Ready to go?” I ask.

“I was born ready,” she says.

She walks across the room, and I take her hand. I then open the door and lead her outside, readying myself for what I am sure will be a good night.