Chapter Ten #2
As he walked to the front door, it opened and Dylan stepped out, George and Daisy on his heels. Yelping, George ran toward him.
“Look at you,” Dylan said as Carson picked up the puppy. “All domesticated with a dog and I’ve heard Abby is decluttering your house.”
“I had to start at some point. I’m also here to pick up Abby.”
June appeared behind her husband. “I took Abby back to the B last night, she’d barely slept, it had been a busy day and she was bone tired.
Every time she closed her eyes, though, there was Carson with his one blue and one brown eye, both darkened by desire.
She was aching for his touch, his voice, his warm presence, her whole body was on fire.
She checked her phone. Again. No text from Carson. What did she expect? She’d left without telling him, he was probably fed up with her.
By nine o’clock, she gave up and got up, made her bed, and packed her bag.
What Annie would say, she didn’t know, but at this point she didn’t really care.
Her stay until Sunday was paid for, but right now she wanted to be with Carson.
She was returning to Seattle on Sunday. There were only a few days left and those she wanted … needed to spend with Carson.
What if he was out on another date? Or didn’t want to open the door for her? Or …? Picking up the small suitcase, the bags with new clothes, and her handbag, she headed downstairs. There was no way she’d know if she didn’t go.
Annie was coming out of the kitchen as Abby reached the bottom of the stairs.
Annie’s eyes fell to her luggage and she smiled. “I assume you’re moving to the ranch?”
“I am. I’m sorry …”
“Don’t even think about it. I’ll refund you for the days you won’t be here.”
“Please don’t. I may come back.”
Opening her arms, Annie gave her a hug. “I’ll keep your room for you. And if ever you want to visit in the future, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Annie. I’ll see you on Thursday night at the book launch.”
“Of course. I think the whole of Marietta will be there. The news that June’s publicist didn’t organize a caterer has spread all over town and everyone will bring something.”
“Really?”
“That’s how Marietta works,” Annie grinned. “I won’t tell you about all the rumors …”
“Oh, I’ve heard,” Abby grimaced.
“And you haven’t freaked out?”
“Oh, I’m freaking out, but fortunately I won’t be around for much longer.”
“Let me help you with your bags,” Annie offered.
“It’s fine, really. I spent way too much on clothes on Monday. Shopping with those Weston gals is expensive!”
“But so much fun.” Annie grinned as she opened the front door.
Abby gave Annie a hug. “Tell Craig I said goodbye.”
“Will do.”
As the door closed behind her, a truck turned into the driveway. Blinded by the lights, she couldn’t see who it was and quickly moved to where her car was parked.
“Abby!” a very familiar voice called out as the lights were dimmed.
Her heart just about jumped out of her throat as a figure approached her. “Carson?”
Hands on hips, a frown between his eyes, he looked at the luggage. “Where are you going?”
“To the ranch.”
“To stay with June?” In the streetlight his eyes didn’t give anything away.
“No, she doesn’t know I’m on my way.”
“So where are you going?”
He wasn’t making this easy, but okay, she was the one who’d left without telling him. “To … stay with you. If you’ll have me.”
For another second he stared at her before he stepped forward and hauled her into his arms. “Damn it, Abby, you’ll be the death of me.” He kissed her—fervently, deliciously, urgently. By the time he lifted his head, they were both out of breath. “Come on.”
“I’m taking my car, but it will be nice to follow you. I wasn’t quite sure if I’d find the way.”