Chapter 34
VAL
Ten days passed before a decision was reached. I was in my office when Carter burst inside, holding the papers.
“The judge ruled in your favor. They have to pay all your representation fees, plus a hefty fine for defaming you with that article.”
I read every word at least five times until it sunk in, and then I jumped into Carter’s arms. He laughed, holding me tight.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you,” I muttered, surprised when he walked backward, still holding me.
“What are you doing?” I whispered. When he glanced down at me with that smoldering gaze, I had my answer. A delicious tremor ran through me. A sizzle followed as Carter closed the door, then brought his mouth over mine. Oh, God, this kiss.
After pulling back a notch, he drew his thumb over my upper lip, then my lower one. His eyes held the same warmth and emotion they’d held in the courtroom ten days ago.
“You’ve been fantastic throughout all this,” he said.
“Me? You did everything.” We hadn’t spoken about the trial once it was over, because I hadn’t wanted to drive myself crazy trying to guess which way the judge would decide.
Carter drew me closer to him, the hand at my back sliding almost down to my ass.
“You looked ready to rip off the opposing counsel’s head.
But… I have some insider information, so I know there’s more than a ruthless lawyer to you. ”
“How do you want to celebrate?”
“Well… I’m going to treat my entire company to lunch tomorrow, and maybe I can get all the Connors together today for an early dinner?”
“Sounds good to me.”
I knew everyone was waiting with bated breath to hear from me, so I started making phone calls right away.
Twenty minutes later, we had a plan. Carter went to pick up the girls from school and met me at the restaurant, which was half-empty when I arrived.
Two waiters pushed several tables together to form a long one.
My sisters arrived first, and they pulled me into a Connor sandwich hug as soon as they saw me. My brothers arrived soon after.
Everyone came with their better halves and the kids, so we were a huge group, but I did like to celebrate in style. Carter arrived last with Peyton and April.
April grinned at me, giving me a thumbs-up, and Peyton ran straight into my arms.
“Carter explained that the bad guys didn’t win. So you won’t be worried anymore?” she asked.
“No, pumpkin, I won’t.”
She planted a wet kiss on my cheek. I ruffled her curls.
“Ms. Dodger said we’ll have a bake sale next week. Can you help me make cookies?” In a lower voice, she added, “Carter always buys them.”
I laughed, lowering her onto a seat. “We’ll make cookies, don’t you worry.”
While everyone was busy choosing seats and glancing at menus, I pulled Carter toward the back of the restaurant, into a small corridor.
“Val?”
“I have to warn you. Even though you put your skin on the line for me, my brothers might still throw one or two uncomfortable questions your way. It’s who they are. Don’t take it personally.”
“I told you I don’t mind. And if they do grill me, I think they’ll like my answers.” He laughed softly, cupping my head with both hands. “You’re an amazing woman, Val, and I love you.”
I’d hoped, of course, though I hadn’t dared to hope too much, just in case I was making it to be more than it was. “I’m not expecting you to say it back, but I wanted you to know.”
I buried my face in his neck, smiling against his skin. “I love you too. So much.” He wrapped me in his arms, holding me tight.
“I’m not going anywhere, Val. I’m yours.”
I breathed in his masculine scent, melting in his arms. Then Carter brought a hand to the back of my head, tilting it so he had access to my mouth, and kissed me until my center pulsed. I clenched my thighs, but it was impossible to ignore the ache forming there.
“I can’t wait to have you all to myself.”
I shuddered at the sexy promise in his voice. “The party will last about three hours.”
His gaze smoldered. “Three hours. And then you’ll be all mine.”