CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - CARRIE
Chance stared at me across the room as I deliberated on fleeing or trusting my best friend. She’d never gone against my wishes before unless she’d had a good reason, and she’s always had my best interest at heart.
“What’s he doing here?” I folded my arms knowing now that the boss hadn’t called me in to talk. I’d assumed I was coming down to hear him beg me back, and instead, there was Chance to say his piece.
“Just listen to him.” She took my arm and walked me to the table. “Oh, and I was right,” she whispered in my ear.
“I don’t have anything to say.” I leaned against the booth and looked out the window.
“Sit. You know we don’t like no standing around in Angelo’s diner.” Lindy encouraged me to take a seat, which I did. “Look, he’s got your favorite. I bet he gives you a bite.” She met my eyes, and I was less than impressed.
He leaned in closer. “Please, Carrie. I tried to get back in time, but it didn’t work out.”
Lindy walked over from where she’d been listening and leaned in. “No time for small talk,” she rolled her hand as if telling him to hurry up.
The two exchanged a glance, and he nodded. I didn’t know when the two had become so chummy, but it was obvious that his charms had her mesmerized.
Without warning, Chance reached across the table and took my hand. “I love you.”
I jerked my hands away and shook my head. “Nice one. But I don’t think so.” He looked crushed, and as I saw the pain in his eyes, I couldn’t help but think he was serious.
“I know I messed up, Carrie, but I’m here, and I want you to know that you changed me. You made me want something that I haven’t wanted in ages, and that’s a real relationship.” He raked his hand through his dark hair and let out a breath. “I’m begging you for a chance. Lindy said you were heartbroken and I want you to know, I’d never do that intentionally. I thought you didn’t want more than the contract agreement.”
I didn’t even know what to say, and I wasn’t sure the words were even registering. I’d stopped hearing everything after I love you.
“I love you too.” I wasn’t sure where the words were coming from, or how I’d managed to speak them, but he practically crawled over the table to kiss me.
His lips crushed against mine and suddenly everyone in Angelo’s was clapping and cheering, including Lindy who had tears in her eyes.
I pulled away, and my cheeks reddened.
Lindy pointed to the parking lot. “Friends of yours?” she asked Chance.
I looked over to see Nate getting out of a car with a short, portly man whose face was so red that he looked like steam might billow out at any moment. They had to be looking for Chance, and as he got to his feet, the two came in.
Chance stood and greeted the angry one. “How are you, Peter?”
“Wondering why I’m down the road bothering with your deal when you’re here chatting it up with the wait staff and eating waffles.” He took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow. “What’s more important than our money, boy?”
Chance was not amused by the endearment, and he stood and squared his shoulders, looking down his nose at the man as he took my hand and pulled me up to stand beside him. “I’d like you to meet Carrie. She’s who’s more important. So, if you’ve come down here to put me in my place or threaten to take your money and run, all I’ve got to say is get moving. But you’ll miss out on a great opportunity to help the people of this community.”
The old man looked around at the eyes on him, most who were upset that he’d killed the tender moment between the handsome stranger and their favorite waitress and his face reddened, this time with embarrassment.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I put my hand out, and he took it, offering a half smile.
“Pleasure.” He glanced toward Lindy who stood with her arms folded in front of her and a sly grin on her face.
Then the order bell rang, and Joe shouted, “Order up,” returning the energy back to normal.
The portly man extended his hand toward Chance and then glanced down to the table. “Is that waffles with maple bacon?”
Lindy stepped up with her order pad. “They’re a house favorite, can I get you some?”
The old man sat in my empty seat and rattled off his order, and Nate sat with him looking like he wasn’t sure what was happening.
Chance pulled me close and kissed me again, causing my heart to do another flip. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” I whispered in his ear as we took another booth.
“I didn’t think you wanted more. You’re strong, and I love the way you want to take care of your father, but I thought that was all that mattered to you, I didn’t think you’d have room for me.” He lifted his shoulder as he squeezed my hand.
“He’s getting his surgery, thanks to you. I called the specialist earlier.” I had hoped I’d be able to share that news with him, and by some miracle I had. Lindy had been right all along.
“That’s not thanks to me, Carrie. You’re the one who was willing to do what it took. But I’m glad you did. I haven’t felt like this before. I want you by my side. I want to take care of you for a change.” He stroked my hair and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. “Will you let me?”
“I’m not sure I can get used to that.” I had always been the one to wait on others and tend to them, and I hadn’t ever had anyone do that kind of thing for me. Not even my stepmother.
“Do you want to try?” He looked at me with hopeful eyes.
“Yes—”
His mouth was on mine before I had a chance to finish the word, and I couldn’t believe that this was all happening for us.
He pulled away and met my eyes. “I want to go meet your father. I’d like to ask his permission to date you.”
“I’m sure he’ll like that. You want to go right now?” I had left my father on the way over, and he’d been in good spirits, and we’d had a good conversation. “Just remember, if he asks, I met you on a girl’s weekend with Lindy. I’d rather him not know.”
“Yeah, me too.” We shared a laugh, and he called Lindy for his check then the two of us headed out to his car where we climbed in back and gave the driver directions to the home. Then as we shut the tinted glass, he pulled me close.
“God, I’ve missed you.” He buried his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply. “You’re scent, your taste.” He kissed me, planting a soft peck on my lips. “I can’t wait to be inside you again.” His words sent chills up my spine and neck and I met his eyes and placed my hand on his thigh.
“Why wait?” His eyes widened, and he grinned, and suddenly his hand was on mine, bringing it against the huge erection in his pants.
“How long will take us to get there?” he asked.
Nothing was far in Viola, Nebraska.
“Long enough if you’re into quickies,” I teased.
He took my free hand and kissed it and shook his head. “Oh, no. When I have you next, I want to take you nice and slow.” He slipped his hands between my legs and rubbed against my mound. The memory of the two of us together that last time, when I was so confused, and the misunderstanding hung over us came back to me, heating me in my most private places.
I squeezed my knees and moaned. “I can’t wait.” I kissed him, and we stroked one another a little longer until we were both turned on, and I was soaked.
By the time we prepared to meet my father, we’d calmed down. But I couldn’t wait to get him alone.
“This is where your father stays?” He asked with his brow raised. I felt a little bad knowing it wasn’t the best facility, but he stopped me and met my eyes.
“I can hire him a nurse, Carrie. I’d like for you to be able to take him home from here.” My heart raced, and I kissed his mouth. It was all I’d ever wanted, was to be able to afford care. Now, not only would he have the surgery, but he’d have care. As quickly as the thoughts sank in, I realized I couldn’t accept the offer.
“I can’t let you do that, Chance. It wouldn’t be right to ask you to do that for us.”
“You didn’t ask, and neither am I.” His eyes narrowed, and suddenly the Dark Prince stood before me. “You’ll be a good little girl and do as I say.” His lips curled in the corner as a smile spread mine and I leaned in close where no one could hear me respond.
“Yes, sir.”
I knew better than to argue with him when it came to taking care of me, and now he’d be sure to look after my father too, whether I wanted it or not, and how could I complain? I’d do anything for my dad.
“Good girl,” he whispered in my ear, and as the chills spread across my flesh, we hurried down the hallway to my father’s room and knocked on his door. And his face lit with surprise as I pushed the door open and peeked inside.
The blush rushed to my cheeks. I’d never brought anyone to meet my father before, especially someone I cared so much about. But then again, I’d never been in love until now.