Chapter 13 Olivia
OLIVIA
Iglance over at Carter for what feels like the millionth time.
We’re finally getting around to preparing tonight’s meal and I put him to work cutting eggplant into one-centimeter thick slices for the vegetarian lasagna I chose for the main course.
After getting over my initial shock at seeing him on my doorstep, we went to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients I didn’t have on hand. Yes, I could have had what I needed delivered, but I wanted to test us together, as a couple, in the real world—my world.
It’s one thing to be together at Boyd’s or Carter’s apartment, or even here in my apartment, but venturing out in public—in my normal stomping grounds—puts a whole new spin on things, and I wanted to see how it felt, how both of us would react to my usual environment.
A slight smile curls my lips.
We did okay—good actually.
He was a perfect gentleman—opening doors, walking between me and the curb. He even tried to pay for my purchases, which still sends a thrill through me in spite of my bone-deep need to be independent after everything my parents and ex put me through.
And when he suggested we stop somewhere for lunch, I loved sharing my favorite waterfront café with him.
In spite of the fact I knew we’d be seen by more than one acquaintance. Several people from my social circle saw me and either waved or smiled, but no one ventured close. Their inquisitive gazes told me I’d be fielding inquiries about the man at my side soon enough.
I’m ready for those calls. And I don’t care how soon word gets back to my mother; although that is one conversation I don’t want to have, I’ll gladly suffer through it over and over to share my favorite smoked tomato risotto with Carter.
I don’t feel as though I owe any explanations about my life or who I’m with to anyone. Not anymore. And it’s not like my parents have bothered to enquire about my life before now. Neither of them has commented on the absence of Colin in the three years he’s been gone.
“Hey.” Carter taps the end of my nose with a fingertip. “Am I doing all the work?”
“What?” I look down at the onion I am supposed to be dicing. “Oh, no. I was just…” What was I doing?
“You were miles away. Want to talk about it?” he asks, going back to slicing the eggplant.
“Not really. It’s not important.”
“Are you sure?”
I sigh, my shoulders dropping as the air leaks out of my chest. “I was contemplating the phone call I’m bound to receive from Mother when it gets back to her that I was out to lunch with a man who is not the one I married.”
“And that’s a problem?”
“Well, it is when you consider no one but you, my lawyer, and my ex know I’m divorced.”
Carter jerks, the knife in his hand smashing through the vegetable under it. His eyes meet mine, confusion clear in his expression. “You didn’t tell your parents? How could they not know?”
I shake my head. “I don’t share my private life with anyone, especially my parents, and no one has ever questioned why Colin is never by my side. He was rarely with me in the five years before we married and nothing changed after. I guess nobody cares enough to be curious.”
I shrug. The lack of interest about my absentee husband from those closest to me has never bothered me that much, certainly not enough that I felt the need to share details of my failed marriage without prompting.
“What the fuck? They’ve never asked why they don’t see him?”
“No. But then I only see them twice a year. Once at Christmas and once at the Sapphire Ball.” Carter stares at me with a scowl on his handsome face. “And honestly, seeing them that often is a hardship.”
He shakes his head as if trying to make sense of my words. “But they’re your parents.”
“Only biologically. My brother and I were raised by a string of nannies.” I can see pity in Carter’s gaze and can’t stand for him to feel that way. “Honestly, Carter, it’s no big deal. There was never any attachment and you can’t miss what you never had.”
“Well, forgive me for being blunt but that’s fucked up.” He puts the knife down and pulls me into his arms, crushing me against his chest. “I don’t understand how anyone could not want to spend every waking moment with you once they met you.”
I chuckle but the sound holds a trace of sadness. “I guess they don’t like what they see.”
“Then they’re fucking blind. Or stupid. Both.” He squeezes me tighter then pushes me to arm’s length. “Let’s get this dinner on and then we can sit and relax. I’ll even massage your feet.”
“I have a hair and nail appointment at four. I’m already cutting the timing close. I’ll have to fix the salad and dessert after I get back, before I get dressed.”
“Oh.” I don’t miss the disappointment in his gaze. “Okay, why don’t you leave me instructions for the salad and dessert, and I’ll get everything done while you’re out getting fancied up?” He grins and goes back to slicing eggplant.
I study him for a moment and wonder why he’s doing this.
He hasn’t once tried to get my clothes off, and while I’ve been aroused all day just being in his company, it isn’t an unbearable discomfort.
And I know he still wants me. The bulge in his jeans is proof of that.
From the moment I found him on my doorstep, his actions have confused me.
“Carter?”
He tips his chin toward me but doesn’t take his eyes off what he’s doing. “Yeah.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else you’d rather be?”
Putting the knife down, he turns toward me and erases the three feet between us. He cradles my face in his cool hands, his thumbs sweeping gently back and forth over the curves of my cheeks. “I told you before. There isn’t any place I’d rather be than here with you, Princess.”
He kisses me then. A slow, soft kiss that fires all my nerve endings and reminds me of the way we usually spend time together.
I can’t hold back a moan when he thrusts his tongue into my mouth, but he doesn’t increase the pace, doesn’t touch me in any way except those big hands carefully cradling my face while his mouth works over mine, and I know to the very center of my soul that this kiss is different.
That today is different. That what we’re doing in this moment has taken us across another line.
We’ve gone from one night of hot, sweaty, no-strings sex to exclusive fuck buddies to…this.
And I have a sinking feeling that this is going to rock my world far more than letting Carter fuck me already has.