Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
Carter
My heart pounds as I sit across from Aiden in the booth at Mario's Pizzeria. The checkered tablecloth blurs before my eyes. I try to steady my breathing. How do I tell him about Eve?
Hey, I fell in love with the one person you warned me against. And I’m fucking your little sister, by the way. We’re having mind-blowing sex.
Aiden’s sharp gaze studies me, calm but intense. I fidget, my fingers tearing the napkin in my lap.
“You seem on edge, Carter,” Aiden says, his tone level. “Everything alright?”
I force a smile. “Just busy with work. You know, the med school.” My voice sounds tight, even to me.
Aiden nods but doesn’t look convinced. I tap an erratic rhythm on the table, willing myself to speak, but the words stick in my throat.
This is Aiden. My friend. Eve’s brother. The man who welcomed me when I joined the faculty. And I’m about to shatter it all.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” I begin, hating how my voice wavers.
Aiden leans forward, relaxed but attentive. Meanwhile, I feel like I might jump out of my skin.
I take a deep breath. It’s now or never. “It’s about Eve,” I say, my heart racing. “There’s something you should know.”
Aiden’s eyebrow lifts, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Eve? What about her?”
His tone is casual, but there’s something else there. Protectiveness, maybe. I swallow, my mouth dry.
“She’s doing well. How’s Olivia? And little Maggie?” I deflect, cursing my own cowardice.
“They’re great,” Aiden says, his face softening. “Maggie’s growing fast, but she barely sleeps. Liv’s exhausted, even though we have a nanny. Our pediatrician says that we should be through the worst of it in a couple of weeks.”
I nod, grateful for the brief distraction. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you both.”
Aiden’s gaze doesn’t waver. “Thanks, Carter. But I get the feeling you didn’t ask me here to talk about my daughter’s sleep schedule.”
My heart hammers in my chest. I feel the weight of his expectation pressing down.
“You’re right,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Aiden leans forward, his eyes intense. “I’m listening.”
I take a deep breath, feeling like I’m on the edge of a cliff. The pizza place fades away, leaving only Aiden and the thundering of my pulse. This is it. No turning back.
“It’s about Eve,” I begin again, my voice steadier. “And me.”
I meet Aiden’s gaze, ready for what’s coming. “Eve and I... we’re together. We’ve been seeing each other for a while.”
The words tumble out, a mix of relief and fear flooding me.
Aiden’s eyes widen, then harden.
I press on, my heart racing. “I know it’s complicated, with her being your sister. But what we have is real. From the moment I laid eyes on her, there was a spark. A connection that neither of us could ignore. She challenges me. She inspires me. She makes me want to be better.”
Aiden’s jaw clenches, his posture stiff. I see the storm building in his eyes, but I can’t stop now.
“I understand your concerns,” I say, before he can say his piece. “I’ve struggled with them too. But Eve is an adult, capable of making her own choices. And I... I love her, Aiden. More than I ever thought possible.”
Silence hangs between us. Then Aiden’s voice cuts through, cold and sharp. “You need to end it. Now.”
My stomach drops. “Aiden, please?—”
“No,” he says, his voice rising. “You don’t get to do this, Carter. She’s my sister. My responsibility.” His fists clench on the table. “It’s either Eve or me. You can’t have both.”
The ultimatum hits like a blow. I struggle to breathe, my mind reeling. How can I choose?
A part of me wants to walk away, to spare Aiden the pain and salvage the family I’ve found. But another part refuses to give up the love I’ve found with Eve.
I know what my heart wants. What my soul needs.
I meet Aiden’s gaze, unwavering. “I’m sorry, man. I love her. I can’t turn my back on her.”
The air between us crackles. A part of me hopes Aiden will understand, that he’ll see what Eve and I mean to each other. But the distance in his eyes cuts me to the core.
“Then I guess you’ve made your choice.” Aiden stands, his chair scraping against the floor. “You’re dead to me, Carter. Don’t even try to contact me.”
With those words, he storms out, the door slamming behind him.
I slump back, my heart pounding. I’ve just lost my best friend for a chance at love with Eve. Was it worth it? Even as I question it, I know the answer.
Yes, it was.
Eve means everything to me. I’m willing to risk it all to be with her.
.5
I brush a stray hair from my face and lean back on the couch. My anatomy textbook is open in front of me. Carter sits cross-legged beside me, his knee barely brushing mine. The warmth of his presence sends a thrill through me.
“So, Dr. Morgan,” I tease, “tell me all about the cardiovascular system.”
Carter’s eyes crinkle with amusement. “I’d be happy to get your heart racing.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks at his playful tone. Before I can respond, an orange blur of fur pounces onto my textbook.
“Valentine!” I laugh, scooping up the kitten. “What am I going to do with you?”
Carter scratches behind her ears. “She’s got perfect timing.”
Valentine purrs as Carter pets her. It feels so natural to have him here, surrounded by my study materials. This is nothing like the sterile perfection my father always demands.
“She approves of our study session,” Carter says softly.
Our eyes meet. My breath catches as I see the tenderness in his gaze.
“Well, she’s a good judge of character,” I say.
Carter chuckles. “And what’s her verdict on me?”
I pretend to consult with Valentine, now batting at a pen. “She says you’re all right. For a professor.”
“High praise,” Carter says, his smile widening. “And what about you, Eve? What’s your verdict?”
The question hangs between us, charged with possibility. I swallow, searching for words. “I think… you’re more than all right.”
He reaches for my hand, our fingers intertwining. The simple touch sends electricity through me.
“I’m glad to hear it,” he murmurs. “Because I think you’re pretty extraordinary too.”
Valentine pounces on our hands, breaking the moment. We both burst out laughing. The tension dissolves into something warmer and softer.
Watching Carter disentangle the kitten from his shirt, I feel a sense of rightness. For the first time, I feel truly seen and accepted.
The doorbell shatters our peaceful bubble. I jolt as my heart leaps into my throat. Carter’s posture changes, instantly alert.
“Are you expecting someone?” he asks, concerned.
I shake my head, my stomach knotting. “No, I’m not.”
I stand to answer the door. Carter rises too, angling protectively toward me. I appreciate it, even as anxiety gnaws at me. Who could it be?
I open the door and freeze. “Dad?”
Michael Moreland stands in the doorway, filling the frame. His cold eyes scan the room and land on Carter, radiating disapproval.
“Eve,” he says, his voice clipped. “I see you have… company.”
I struggle to find my voice. “Dad, this is Dr. Carter Morgan. He’s one of my professors.”
Michael’s eyebrow arches. “A professor? In your home? How… inappropriate.”
Carter steps forward, extending his hand. “Mr. Moreland, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Eve and I were just studying.”
“I’m sure you were,” Michael interrupts, ignoring Carter’s hand. He turns to me, his tone biting. “I thought I raised you better, Eve. Entertaining men in your home, neglecting your studies.”
“That’s not what’s happening, sir,” Carter says firmly.
I see the muscle in my father’s jaw twitch. The tension is suffocating.
“I didn’t ask for your input, Dr. Morgan,” Michael says coldly. “Eve, we need to talk. Alone.”
My mind races. How did he know I was here? Why now? I glance at Carter and see concern in his eyes. I make a decision.
“Whatever you have to say, Dad, you can say it in front of Carter.”
I take a step forward, my heart pounding, my voice steady. “Dad, I appreciate your concern, but I’m an adult now. I can decide who I spend time with and how I study.”
Michael’s eyes narrow, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Decisions? Is that what you call this? Throwing away your future for some fling with a professor?”
His words sting, but I hold my ground. “It’s not a fling. Carter is helping me with my studies. He’s been an incredible mentor.”
“A mentor?” Michael scoffs. “I’ve seen this before, Eve. Men like him, taking advantage of young women.”
“That’s enough,” I say, surprised by my own firmness. “You don’t know Carter. And you don’t know me if you think I’d jeopardize my education for anything.”
Michael’s face flushes with anger. “Don’t I? Then explain why your grades have been slipping. Why you’ve missed classes. Is this the influence of your ‘mentor’?”
A flicker of doubt rises, but I push it away. “My grades are fine, Dad. I’m working harder than ever.”
“Really?” His tone cuts. “Then explain this.”
He pulls a paper from his jacket, waving it in front of me. I recognize the check that the university must have sent back to him only from the staggering number of zeros on the end.
“Ah.” I swallow nervously. “So I’m guessing the university informed you that your contributions are no longer wanted.”
“I had a few words with Dean Mooney to that effect. I told her that she can forget about the pediatric hospital wing I planned to pay for. I’m getting my lawyers involved.”
“Dad, no! You’re proving my point!” I take a deep breath. “I don’t need your money anymore, Dad. I’ve taken out loans. I’m supporting myself now.”
Michael’s eyes widen, then narrow in fury. “You foolish little girl. You have no idea what you’re doing.”
I stand my ground, even as I tremble inside. “I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m living my life. On my terms.”
Michael’s jaw clenches, his eyes flashing with anger and… fear?
“Your terms? You sound just like your mother. Reckless, impulsive, throwing away everything for some misguided notion of independence.”
His words hit hard. My hands shake. I clasp them tightly and say, “Don’t. Don’t bring Mom into this.”
A lump forms in my throat, memories of her warm smile and gentle touch flooding my mind. I blink, fighting back tears.
“Eve,” Carter says softly from behind me, stepping closer. His presence is a comforting warmth at my back. “Mr. Moreland, that’s enough.”
My father’s gaze snaps to Carter, disdain twisting his face. “This doesn’t concern you, Professor. Step away from my daughter.”
Carter doesn’t move. He places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “I can’t do that, sir. Eve is an adult. She can make her own choices. Your behavior right now is unacceptable.”
I lean into Carter’s touch, drawing strength from his support. My voice steadies as I look at my father. “Carter’s right, Dad. This isn’t you. Please, just listen to me.”
Michael’s face contorts with rage. “Listen? To this nonsense? I’ve heard enough. You’ll regret this, Eve. Mark my words.”
He storms toward the door, and I wonder if our relationship is beyond repair. But with Carter beside me, I feel hope. Whatever comes next, I won’t face it alone.
The tension snaps like a rubber band. My father’s eyes flash dangerously. Before I can react, he lunges at Carter. Valentine scurries under the couch, her startled meow piercing the air.
“Dad, stop!” I cry, my heart pounding.
Carter sidesteps, his reflexes quick. He raises his hands defensively. “Mr. Moreland, please. Let’s talk.”
But my father is beyond reason. He swings wildly, barely missing Carter. “You think you can turn my daughter against me?” he snarls, his face twisted in fury.
I watch in horror as Carter dodges another blow, his movements controlled. He doesn’t fight back, just stands his ground. “I don’t want to fight. This isn’t helping.”
My father’s rage only grows. He charges again, aiming to tackle Carter, but Carter deflects him, causing him to stumble.
“Enough!” I scream, desperate. “Dad, please, just leave!”
I step between them, my hands pressing against my father’s chest. “You need to go. Now .”
My father’s breath comes in ragged gasps. “You’re choosing him over your family? After everything I’ve done?”
The words cut deep, and tears well up. “I’m choosing myself, Dad. My future. Please, just go.”
I stand there, caught between these two men, realizing the gravity of this moment. My relationship with my father hangs by a thread, and my feelings for Carter complicate everything. It threatens to crush me, but I hold firm, hoping my father will see reason before it’s too late.
Carter wraps his arms around my father, pinning his arms to his sides. I watch, my heart pounding, as Carter holds him without malice. His voice is calm.
“Mr. Moreland, I know you’re upset, but this has to stop now. I won’t hurt you, but I can’t let you hurt Eve.”
I’m struck by the gentleness in Carter’s eyes, even as he restrains my father. His calmness eases my nerves.
My father struggles, then goes limp.
“Let me go,” he growls.
Carter releases him and steps back. “I think it’s best if you leave now. Eve deserves better than this.”
My father straightens, his eyes darting between us. The silence is thick with unspoken words.
Finally, he turns, heading to the door. He pauses. “This isn’t over, Eve,” he says, his voice low and threatening. “And as for you, professor. Expect a call to the university.”
The door slams, and the apartment feels empty. Carter and I stand frozen, echoes of his words lingering. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to stop trembling.
Carter steps toward me. “Eve, I?—”
I hold up a hand, needing a moment. My mind races, replaying every harsh word. The weight of my father’s disappointment settles over me.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper, unable to meet Carter’s eyes. “You shouldn’t have had to deal with him.”
Carter cups my cheek, and I lean into his hand.
“Look at me,” he says softly. I meet his gaze, finding warmth there. “You have nothing to apologize for. Your father’s actions aren’t your fault.”
I nod, though the conflict still rages inside me. How can I reconcile the love I feel for my father with the hurt he’s caused? And what does this mean for Carter and me?
The silence stretches between us, full of unspoken questions and lingering tension.