Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
CORINNE
After four long hours, Stella's house finally comes into view. It's a welcome sight after being stuck in the backseat with Carter.
Not that he's been annoying or anything. It's being this close to him and knowing I can't have him. I can't be with him the way I want. Or, well, wanted. That ship sailed long ago.
My brother slows down and puts the car in park. There is no hesitation as I open the door and hop out. Dramatic? Maybe, but I've never been a great car rider, and I haven't outgrown it.
"Dang, girl, where's the fire?" Tiffany laughs as she comes down the porch steps. Out of Audrey and her cousins, I think Tiffany is the person I connect with most.
"Just ready to be out of the car," I grin. "It's been forever. How have you been?"
"Good, just trying to keep Stella from going overboard on the wedding planning. Also, looking for a house down here."
"What? You're moving?" Audrey never mentioned this to me.
"Yeah. Spencer and I kind of fell in love with this town when we were trapped in that snowstorm," she shrugs, "and if I'm being honest, I miss the whole small-town vibe."
She isn't the only one. I've been feeling the pull to a small town again.
I hated it growing up, but I'm just not cut out for the speed of life in the city.
I think I enjoy being city adjacent. "Awesome.
Since we're all in the same place this weekend, you want to get some engagement photos with Spencer? I brought my camera."
"I'd love to. We've been trying to work out a time to get them done, but both of our schedules have been nuts."
"Good deal. I should probably grab my bags."
"I don't think you'll need to. It seems like Carter is doing a good job of getting it all on his own." She cocks her head to the side like a confused puppy. "I didn't even know he was coming."
"You and me both." I'm not sure what I would have done had I known, but it definitely puts a strain on the entire weekend.
"I guess things are still not great with y'all." She's the only person who knew we were dating at the time. I couldn't exactly hide it from her when she caught us making out at a concert.
"Nope." And I doubt they ever will be. "My plan for the weekend now includes avoiding him as much as possible."
"That might be a problem." She doesn't stick around to explain why. Instead, she hightails it inside. Most likely looking for Stella.
Carter makes his way to me with his bag over his shoulder and my suitcases in each hand. The only thing he doesn't have is my camera bag. "You didn't have to get my stuff."
He shrugs and his bag strap falls down his shoulder. He can't adjust it, so I lift it back on his shoulder. He relaxes at my touch and I pull my hand back. "I know, but I wanted to. All that's left is your camera, and I didn't want to try to grab that with my hands full."
"Smart man," I smirk.
"Sometimes." His eyes lock on mine and it's hard not to feel the pull between us. I'm not sure why he's here, or what game he's playing at, but whatever it is...it will not work.
"Well, I better grab my camera." I rush back toward the car and leave him behind me. This may prove harder than I imagined. Especially if I keep getting lost in his gaze.
* * *
With my camera bag in tow, I stop in the living room. Everyone is gathered in a huddle and looks worried. "What did I miss?"
"Well," Audrey is wringing her hands, "nobody told Stella that Carter was coming along. And there aren't enough rooms."
Before I have a chance to speak, the man causing all the fuss does. "I can get a hotel room. It's no problem."
"That's nonsense," Stella says. "The couch is available."
Tiffany laughs. "You and Johnny are morning people, unlike the rest of us. You're likely to wake him up coming down the stairs."
"I can make the couch work," Carter glances at it, knowing full well it's not going to be comfortable. He's also not a morning person. That I can attest to because I'm not either.
I could be the bigger person, or let him fold himself onto the too small couch. A part of me wants to make him suffer, but the other part. The part that locked eyes with him on the front porch, and could feel the way old times were, she's the one who wins.
"He can stay in my room."
"Absolutely not," my brother yells. Little does he know I've spent many times with his best friend in a bedroom.
"We'll buy an air mattress," I roll my eyes. "He can sleep there. I'm not giving up my bed for anyone."
"Fine," Justin scoffs. He turns toward Carter and points his finger at him. "You know the rules. No flirting or messing with my sister."
It's kind of him to think he can make that threat.
That ship has sailed for us. But I can do this.
I can resist whatever pull I still feel toward the man I thought I loved.
Everything will be fine. It's not like I'll be in the room for anything else but sleep.
Project stay away from Carter is still in effect.