“Love you, Tabby Cat.”
The drive to the airport was pleasant, and easy. Traffic seemed to part ways as I drove along. Or, it could be the fact that I daydreamed all the way there. Cater asked me if he could look for someplace new for us to share. I should’ve asked when I had the chance, because I still haven’t been told what he did with the house he’s building.
A part of me thought he’d ask me to move and live in it with him. With the new information he received for his company, everything has changed. Now, he’s residing in California. Happy to not have to choose between him and my family, I’m excited to see what he comes up with. I guess we can call this a test of the sexes. Will Carter know what I need in a place? Or will it be a complete disaster?
Thankful my flight was direct and on time, I head towards Model Five. It’s a hotel in Dallas, which opened a few years ago. From Jessica’s notes, they have an issue with the banquet and dining area.
The pictures online show these vast room plans. They bored me and I dread walking into this hotel. All I can think about is how to get in and out fast. Since my flight is scheduled for early tomorrow, I’m going to have to get in and out like Flash Gordon.
Just as I go to step into the foyer, my cell starts blaring, alerting me it’s Angela on the other end.
“Hello.”
“What are you doing?”
“Fixing to turn into Flash. What about you?”
“What?”
“Flash … you know, in and out.”
“You have serious problems, Tabitha.”
“No, it’s just how I roll. Anyway what does little momma need from me today?” I ask in a baby voice.
“Are you in Dallas?
“I am. Why?”
“Oh just got a call from Christopher and he said he saw you.”
“What the hell? Why is douche nozzle calling you and where did he see me?”
“Easy, tiger. He called to see where you were staying. I told you he moved to Dallas, and yes, we talk from time to time.”
“You let that scum bag know it’s none of his business where I’m staying and if he comes near me I will throw a heel at him,” I say, but look down to realize I’m in flats and feel a little down that I don’t have heels on.
“It’s okay, I distracted him and you’re off the hook. Christopher asked if I thought you’d like to have dinner. I closed it down quickly for you.”
“Changing subject now … How’s my prince?” I ask and then slap my forehead realizing I forgot to call my doctor. I hear Angela speaking to me, but for the life of me I don’t know what she just said. I cut her off in mid-conversation, “Look I have to go. I’ll call you later.” I disconnect the call. When I do this, I know I should’ve told her, but I have something important to handle.
I look around and find a spot to sit as I dial my doctor’s office. Setting up an appointment for when I return, I let out all the air I was holding. Satisfied that I finally made it, I head over toward the front desk to check in. After announcing that I need to meet with a Mr. Johnson, I wait.
Carter
Tabitha’s been gone for a few hours and I’ve made significant progress. My truck was just delivered, and I have confirmed with Kelly on the office space that we’ll go take a look at today. I forgot to mention the condos on the list also. When Tabitha landed, she sent me a quick text letting me know she was safe and sound and also reminding me that this weekend is the family barbecue, and that it’s mandatory to attend.
Now, I have to call and change our reservations since we’ll have to push them back for now. She’d asked me to invite Kelly, as she doesn’t want her left alone in a new city. Currently, Kelly is the least of my worries.
I’m not sure what Tabitha has told her family about us. Hell, I don’t even know what to call them, or for that matter who’s attending this family dinner. Tabitha left Seth’s and Cory’s numbers on the table for me, just in case I need anything while she’s away.
Sitting here, I debate whether I should call Cory for some insight. I decide to let that thought vanish, as I’m not sure how he will react to me meeting the parents.
I notice the time and grab my keys to go and pick Kelly up. On the drive over I see a few other places that have caught my eye. They aren’t far from our apartment now, and the shopping center across the street has coffee. Hah, Tabitha thinks I can’t do this. Well I plan to surprise her.
“Hey, Carter. How are you?” Kelly asks as she jumps into the truck.
“Good, you?”
“Wonderful. So where are we off to first?”
“Office, then condo, and one other particular stop.”
“Let’s go, boss man. I’m so ready to get back to a schedule.”
Giving Kelly a quick nod, I completely understand what she means. Things haven’t been normal since the fire, and that’s never good for business. I still have to put a new board together and finish looking into the old ones. It’s been too quiet since it all went down, and that causes the flags to go up. Mr. Edwards, my ex-father-in-law, never lets a thing slide by without his approval.
Was Bethany right when she said the past is done, that we can both now have a future? Only time will tell. Until then, I can promise I’ll keep one eye open on them all. Jack is still working for me, just not following Tabitha this time. . He’s currently living in Seattle at one of my condos. He’s been instructed to lay low while keeping a look out on them all.
We park and head over to an open office space. As we get close, Kelly stops and looks over at me. “Isn’t SHI like across the street?”
“Oh look at that. It is, huh?”
“You are going to be in trouble … Does she know?”
“Nope and I’ll show her when she gets back. It’s perfect, plus you and Jessica can have lunch together now.”
“Oh, I didn’t think about that one. I like this idea,” Kelly says as she opens the door to our new office.
Seeing it, I love the location and have already put a deposit down on it. All I need for her to do is figure out what furniture we will need and order it.
Standing in the open floor plan, I take a look around. It’s not the perfect office, but it’ll work for now.
“You like?”
“I do. It could use more windows for the natural light, but other than that it’s nice and open.”
“Good. It’s ours.”
“Carter, I am not surprised,” she says while shaking her head at me, and I just shrug. Kelly has worked with me long enough to not question my choices.
“Come on, we have a few more things to do.”
Being lost in a new town sucks. Kelly has her map application up on her phone directing me to the jeweler. I’ve already called and spoken to him this morning, as I have a unique design in mind for Tabitha. With us pushing back our trip this weekend, it allows him more time to complete it. All I need to do is run in and put the down payment on the piece.
What seems like hours later, Kelly and I pull into the fifth condominium we will be looking at. The first four were not something I would show to Tabitha. They weren’t us, and I’ll know when I find it.
Kelly sets out to find the agent on site while I take a look around the grounds. I notice a sign for a gym, pool, and tennis court. The only one I care about is the gym; I couldn’t play tennis if my life depended on it.
“Ready?” Kelly asks shaking the keys in front of me.
“Lead the way.”
As Kelly opens the front door and I walk in, I know this is going to be the perfect one, with an open floor plan and a huge sliding door that leads out to a lovely patio. The kitchen is small, but has all the top of the line appliances and granite counter tops. The perfection of this place doesn’t entirely set in until I reach the master bedroom. Not only one, but two master closets flank the bathroom.
At this point I turn towards Kelly and say, “Make this one happen.”
“Ah, Carter, don’t you want to show Tabitha first?” she asks me, her voice la
ced with hesitation.
“After she sees this, it won’t matter,” I say as I point behind me towards the closet.
Kelly steps around me to take a look and then comes out of the massive walk-in. “I stand corrected. She will love it.”
“I know. It’s not about the kitchen or anything with her. Did you see the shoe cabinet in that thing?”
Kelly’s eyes get as big as saucers when she responds. “Yes, and I so need that.”
“Look to see if they have another one open. If so, let me know. You deserve it.”
“Oh, Carter, no, I’ll find something on my own. This place is too big for me.”
“Tabitha’s will be available soon. I’ll ask her about it. You’d love her closet,” I say with a laugh as I walk back out towards my truck.
Satisfied with our day, I drive Kelly back home and head to the empty apartment. I should be used to not having anyone around, but now I can’t stand it. It won’t be soon enough before Tabitha can return to me.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Tabitha
I AM BORED OUT OF my mind. This is one of the downfalls to my job—people walking around, pointing to this and that as they go about with just plain crazy talk. My grandfather walks faster than this guy, and I actually think at one point I mentally dozed off. Somewhere deep inside, I find the will to continue as I listen, but in all reality, I can’t wait to catch my plane.
Last night I tossed and turned, and it wasn’t until I scooted to the other side of the bed that I found sleep. Here I was, thinking I finally had a night on my regular side, but nope, joke was on me. I propped the pillows up to act as if I was lying next to Carter. As soon as I’d done that, I was out into another universe.
“Any questions?” Mr. Johnson asks, bringing me back to the conversation.
“No sir, I think I have all I need,” I respond as I plaster a huge smile on my face.
“Very well, then. I expect to have a full report by the end of next week. Do you feel that will be possible?”
“I don’t see where there will be a problem. I should be able to have it to you before then.”
“It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you have a safe flight home,” Mr. Johnson says as he extends his hand.
Taking his hand into mine, I notice it’s a very firm grip. “Pleased to meet you, too, sir. Thank you and you’ll hear from us soon.”
With that, he’s off, leaving me to stand in the middle of the empty banquet room. I take a moment to look around at the vast area. It’s nice, but cold. I can’t fathom walking into a space such as this and envisioning my wedding. Nothing’s in here, no tables, dance floor, or plants—just bare.
I head out shaking my head, thankful this is over. The concierge has my luggage waiting and has been notified to call the driver. Looking at my watch, I have just enough time to get to the airport and through security.
All I can focus on is getting back home and preparing Carter for the family barbecue. I’m not sure he understands it’s not just Mom, Dad, and Seth. A few cousins, Cory, Jason, Mitch, Ben, and—oh well heck, the whole world. It’s usually a blast, but for some reason I feel this will end up a ‘tell all’ kind of an event. Angela, Logan, and Graham are due to arrive tomorrow and I have to say, I’m excited.
I hate that they live so far and I don’t get to see my best friend much. Cory picks on me since Angela always traveled before, “What’s different? She was always gone, Firecracker. Now she’s gone and you still talk all the time.” Of course he’s right, it’s just … different. Jessica and I have become closer than before, which is nice since I can’t hang with guys all the time. I mean, I’m a girl, and require a certain amount of ‘girl talk’.
Should I prep Carter for my family? Or allow him to figure it out on his own? This is what I ask myself during the entire flight. As I step off the plane, I’ve come to the conclusion that I will have him suck it up. He needs to be put to the test by my family. It’s surprising that Seth gave up so easily on him. Pretty sure if he didn’t have his drama, Carter would have been put through hell.
When I reach the parking lot to my apartment, I allow a smile to break out. My heart speeds up as I stride towards the door. Just as I reach out to turn the knob, the door opens itself and I am face to face with the man that has stolen my heart.
Carter Northwood has definitely weaseled himself into my life. This time, I hope it’s forever.
Carter
Knowing she landed a little over forty-five minutes ago, you could say I’m stalking the window. It’s been a little over twenty-four hours since the last time I held her. In my opinion, that’s twenty-three hours too long.
I open the door and catch her off guard, but the smile that’s displayed on her face is worth it.
Reaching out to grab Tabitha by the arm, I pull her inside and shut the door. Once I have her locked in my arms, I take what I need.
My mouth seeks hers, and in return she gives back just as much. Slowly, I back her into the door and run my fingers up to the nape of her neck. She lets out a little groan from within her throat, only fueling my need for her.
Breaking away to look into her eyes, it’s as if I need to see them to reassure myself that she’s mine. Tabitha is here with me and this is where she wants to be. No goodbye, no pain, just love.
“I missed you,” I announce as I brace the sides of her face in my hands.
She turns her face to the side and places a gentle kiss on the inside of my wrist and responds as she looks up. “Missed you.”
“Did you have a safe flight?” I whisper as I lean my head to hers.
“I did, but I’m glad to be home.”
“Home … I like when you say that.”
“Okay … You’re being weird.”
“No, I just didn’t think I’d miss you this much. It’s never been a problem before, but you changed me, Tabitha.”
“Same here, and I have no idea what we’re doing.”
“What we’re doing is loving each other. Learning to let each other in and bare our souls to one another.”
“Too deep, Carter. Remember, slowly.”
“Not possible. I have some news though. Let me take your things into the room and you get comfortable.”
“Just put my bags in the closet. I’ll unpack this weekend.”
I hear her explain where to put her luggage as I head off towards the back of the apartment. As I reach the room, I pray she’s still welcoming after I explain everything.
Easing into the living room I notice Tabitha has made herself comfortable.
“Need anything?” I ask.
“Nope, just tell me the news so I can relax,” she says, leaning her head back to glance up at me.
Sitting down, I pull her to me as I have the need to hold her against my chest. Before I start, I take a brief moment to soak in my surroundings and her. “I have news of the office.”
“That’s great, Carter. Where?”
“Across the street from SHI. It’s the old real estate office. Kelly and I signed the paperwork today. Once she has furniture delivered, we’re back open.”
“That’s fast. Are you excited?” She beams up at me.
“I am and nervous. Still have some things to work out. My license is not good here, yet. I need to file all the paperwork and then we can get started. Plus, I still have all the property in Seattle.”
“True, but I know you’ll figure it out. Things will work out for you.”
“I have something else. You ready for it?”
“Spill, mister.”
“I found us a place and we can move in whenever you’d like.”
“What! How could you pick out a place and not let me see where I’ll be living? I thought we were going to do this together. You know, work on the couple thing, instead of you being all demanding and stuff,” she exclaims while pushing off my chest to stare me down the way she does.
I put my phone in front of her and say, “Just take a look and then you can finish yelling a
t me.”
Watching her flip through the pictures, I notice the tiny hint of a smile. She’s so cute when she tries to hide it. It’s just a little upward lift on one side, but her eyes glow.
Tabitha looks up at me, trying to hide her excitement and points to the phone. “It’s all closet. Where’s the rest? I mean, what does the bathroom look like, and the kitchen?”
With a deadpanned look, I ask, “You’re really worried about the kitchen? I told Kelly I needed to take pictures of the whole place. Don’t worry, Tabby Cat, I’ll call tomorrow and cancel the contract. I already informed them you had final say,” I explain, and it’s then that I have her.
“Oh, well you know … We could make it work, I guess.”
“I thought so. Now come here.”
Leaning back on my side, I wrap my arm around her. I take a deep breath and hope she doesn’t blow her lid when I explain the email from Bethany. We promised no more secrets and I still have one to explain.
“I have one other thing I need to tell you. But first … you need to listen before you get upset, okay?”
“Okay, but I will not promise to not yell when you’re done.”
“I’ll take it and I’ll just jump right into it. The last time I left here, I saw Bethany in the airport. She’s the one who told me everything about the board members.” Just as I finish that sentence, Tabitha leans up and sits sideways to examine my face. She’s pulled her lip in as she does, to bite the inside.
I take her in and continue, “She also needed money. Tabitha, when I married Bethany, her family gave me money to set up my company. I placed it in our bank account back then. After I graduated, I knew I had to find a way out, but also had to protect myself at the same time. Robert wasn’t only my lawyer, but an investor in Georgia’s Inc., just as Jack is. Robert helped me set up a separate account, and we made it look as if I used that money for the startup. In reality, it was saved for a rainy day. I knew a day would come that I’d need it, deciding to not strap myself. I waited for the right time. It was blood money to me, nothing else, and I wanted no part of it. Bethany needing me for something, it felt good. Kelly transferred all the money to a new account and we closed the one I had it sitting in. No harm done and now the Edwards family has it back.” I stop for a brief moment, to remember my dear friend and thank him for being smarter than I was. As I go back in time, I wish he was here now. Just so he can see that all the years of hard work finally paid off. I’m free.
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