21. June
Chapter 21
June
Five weeks later
“ And you said their plane gets in tomorrow?”
“Yes, now relax.” He nuzzled my neck as I chopped the carrots, his hard length pressed against my ass.
“I am relaxed.”
He laughed, his chest rumbling, tickling my back. “You’re so tense. I can feel it.” He pressed his thumbs into my shoulders, and I groaned, tipping my head back, my knife steady on the cutting board.
“Am I?” I sighed and glanced at the ceiling, the can lights sagging above us. “You’re the one who hasn’t had a day off in nearly a month.”
“Hmmm. But I’m used to strenuous days and long hours.”
“Are you used to needy girlfriends who lounge around all day?”
His hand slid down my back, the song switching to Marvin Gaye. His hands formed over my hips, and then he pulled me back against him. “I’ll get used to that.” His lips slid over the bridge of my ear, warming my neck. “But I’m not sure I want to. You keep me on my toes.”
My knees wobbled as I resumed cutting the pot on the stove heating with olive oil. “Do I now?”
“I think you know it’s true.”
His lips trailed down my neck, sending gooseflesh down the opposite side. “Carter, you are insatiable, and I want to please you, but this Osso Bucco isn’t going to make itself.” I sighed as his hand slipped around my waist, his palm spanning my belly from stomach to pubic bone. “On top of that, I still need to head to my parents’ house to unpack a few boxes before they arrive.”
“Alright, fine. But I’m taking the rain-check for when I get home.”
His hand slid off my body and leaned against the counter, stealing a piece of raw carrot from the board.
“Deal.” I shot him a megawatt smile and scooped the carrots, then dumped them into the pot with a sizzle .
“Didn’t you go over there already today?”
I nodded and chopped the washed celery. “I got some things done, but I wanted the kitchen to be useful when they land.”
“They can unpack themselves, you know?”
Swallowing, I sliced the last of the stalks then stirred. “I know, but I want to make it a seamless process for them. It’s stressful enough, and convincing them to uproot themselves wasn’t easy. I don’t want them to regret it.”
“I get it. I had the same conversation with my parents.” Carter walked around me—his hand brushed against my lower back before reaching into the cabinet and pulling out a wine glass. “Speaking of... Don’t forget. This Friday, we have dinner with my parents.”
I rolled my lips, a bitterness hitting me in the chest. “Do we—“
“Yes. We have to.” He poured a glass of white wine and placed it in front of me. “I’ve been putting it off for the last two weeks, and my mother wouldn’t take no for an answer this time.”
“She hates me.”
“No, she doesn’t.” He poured himself a glass and sipped.
“Don’t use all of that. I need it for the sauce.” I sipped along with him. “And yes, she does.” I put the cup down—the crystal ringing out in a hollow tone—and picked up the wooden spoon, stirring the concoction. “She told me to let you go.”
“And you did, unfortunately. But things have a way of coming back around. Don’t they?” He kissed my cheek, and I dropped the spoon on the counter .
“She won’t see it that way.” Moving to the sink, I scrubbed the cutting board, avoiding cross-contamination, and then trimmed the meat.
“Let her see it however she wants, June. We’re together, and if she doesn’t like that, then she can kick rocks.”
“ Uh , no.“ A low, rumbling laugh rolled from my chest. “I’m not one of those women who will impede a mother-son relationship.”
“You won’t.” He took another sip and put it on the counter. “Stop worrying.”
“I’m not worried.” I flashed him a smile. “See. Not worried.”
“Good. Glad it’s settled. Friday at six. I’m having it catered, so don’t bother planning a meal.”
My brows hiked high on my forehead. “I don’t mind. I can practice making a roast beef or prime rib.”
He slapped his flat stomach. “I think you’re trying to make me gain weight.”
I bit my bottom lip, heat warming my cheeks. “No.” I focused on the meat in my hands, trimming off a section of silver skin. “I just like taking care of you.”
“Isn’t that my job?” He grabbed the remote and switched the music.
Moonlight Sonata tumbled from the speakers, and my eyes closed, a heaviness settling in my chest. “I love this piece.”
“I know.” His eyes darkened as he stared down at me. “I saw you that night.”
“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 need your 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.”
I tipped my head back and laughed. “Do you have a doctor kink... Dr... Morgan?”
“When you say it that way...” He dipped down between my breasts, my shirt and bra an unnecessary barrier to his hungry touch. His hands tickled the bare skin around my midriff as he tugged my shirt higher and higher. Lifting my arms, he stepped back and swiped the shirt over my head—the snaps on my bra next, his fingers moving with deft confidence.
How many women had he practiced that on?
His mouth covered my nipple, and I whimpered on an exhale, his tongue swirling, his teeth nibbling while he held me tight around my waist.
“Wait. Wait.” I pushed and leaned away, his teeth hanging onto my nipple, causing me to gasp. “Carter. I have to put the broth in.”
He relinquished his hold on me and pressed into my back as I opened the can with the automatic can opener, his hand kneading my breast.
Warmth settled in my belly, tickling my flesh, his kisses moving down my back and pausing at the top of my pants. He dropped to my waistband and pushed them down.
“Carter. What are you doing?”
His wet kisses trailed down my ass cheek as he pulled my hips outward, bending me at the waist with a slight angle, and dove in tongue first, lapping at my center.
I gasped, the can opener releasing the broth. “How am I supposed to—oh God.”
His tongue circled my clit, his hands cupping my butt cheeks as he feasted on me. My elbows hit the counter, and my head dropped to my forearms, my legs widening for easier access.
“Don’t forget about the food, June. We wouldn’t want to miss out on that.”
I sucked in a breath, the reprieve on my clit enough to gather my senses, and dumped the can into the pot, splatters dripping over the pristine stovetop.
I’ll clean it later.
Carter’s hands moved up and down my thighs, his tongue working me into a puddle as I put the lid on the pot and set it to simmer.
“Oh God, Carter.” My hands shook against the countertop, my nerves on fire.
He spun me around and drew my leg over his shoulder, his mouth clamping onto my clit, and sucking, his teeth grazing the swelling nub.
I leaned back, my head tapping the upper cabinet as I closed my eyes, my fingers threading through his hair .
“You taste better than dinner.”
Laughing, I pulled his head away from his assault. “You haven’t had it yet. How would you know?”
“Because I crave you.“ He stood. “See for yourself.” He kissed me, his tongue dragging my taste along mine, his lips coated in my arousal. “Don’t you agree?”
“Mmm. ”
Carter moved, lifting me onto the counter, settling me in the corner, and lifted my legs, my feet resting on each side, baring my wet flesh to him. “Perfection.” He ran his finger down my center. Waves of bliss flooded my system, my clit throbbing with need. His gaze lingered on my exposed body, dark with hunger, and then he reached for a knife in the block resting on the counter.
My breaths stopped, my lungs burning. I clamped my legs shut. “Carter, what are you doing?”
“ Shhh . Trust me.“ He bit into my outer thigh and plunged a finger deep inside me, my legs opening like a flower blooming beneath the spring sun. I gripped the gold handle on the cupboard above me, my teeth biting into my lower lip.
The blade glinted in the sparkling kitchen lights, causing a shiver to decimate my body.
“Do you trust me?”
I swallowed hard, my throat tightening.
He wouldn’t hurt me.
Not now.
Not after everything.
He’s been so good to me.
I nodded, and he smiled. “Good girl.”
Gooseflesh spread over my exposed skin as he brought the knife closer and then ran the blunt edge of the blade along my inner thigh. Cold and hot crashed together, my breaths a chaotic whirlwind, my heart stampeding through my chest.
“You know I can’t resist you.” His warm breath blasted across my skin, the knife moving closer to my soft, parted folds.
I gasped, his other hand sliding up my torso and cupping my breast, pinching my nipping between his index and middle finger.
“You’re so wet, dollface.” He slid the back edge of the knife upward and circled around my swollen clit.
I moaned, my hips bucking against the pressure, the sharpness sending a thrill throughout. The combination of cold steel and his skilled touch had me gripping the edge of sanity.
Carter’s lips found mine, silencing my cries as he tossed the knife aside and thrust his fingers deep inside me—his long fingers gliding along my slick insides, rubbing against the spot that had my legs shaking.
“Oh, god,” I murmured against his lips, my eyes fluttering closed as I lost myself.
His free hand moved to my clit, rubbing slow circles around it while he continued pumping in and out of me. The pressure built, my orgasm threatening to consume me. The first waves of my release crashed down, my stomach clenching, my back arching as I dug my nails against his back .
His fingers moved harder, sending me spiraling into ecstasy.
I cried out, my body quivering as wave after wave of euphoria washed over me.
“Yes, dollface.”
I dropped against him as he drew out every drop of my orgasm with a deep, grumbling growl, vibrating his chest.
“Wow.”
He pulled his fingers from me and swiped against my clit, the silky-smooth arousal gliding against my swollen flesh like ice across a frying pan.
Pulling his hand from my pussy, I put them in my mouth and sucked them clean.
Carter groaned, his cock straining against his pants as he watched me. “You’re so intoxicating.” He buried his face in my neck. “But I think you already know that.”
I popped his fingers from my lips and wrapped my arms around him as my breaths settled into a steady rhythm, stealing a moment with him that I’d wanted my entire life.
Would he tire of this?
Tire of me?
Am I enough for him?
Because when it came to us, there was no such thing as enough.