"I wish you were doing those things on Beacon Street, then going to bed early with me," he said quietly.
"I know, but just give me some time."
"Okay… I miss you though," his voice ached over the phone.
"I know. I miss you too." I wanted to run into his arms and squeeze him tightly to me, never letting go. He heaved a big sigh.
"My sister wants us to come over this weekend. She wants to meet you. My parents are having a barbeque before the weather gets cold."
"Okay…" I trailed off.
"Will you go?" He sounded worried.
"I would love to."
"I have to get back to work," he sighed.
"Okay."
"I love you," he whispered.
"I know."
"Move in with me," he demanded.
"Not yet." I smiled.
I heard him chuckle as I hung up the phone.
***
"I'm sorry, Eva."
I sat perched on my bed with my laptop an hour later when Cate got home from the lunch I'd stormed out of.
"It's okay, I know you're concerned. I just didn't appreciate being ambushed by you and Sawyer." I set my laptop on the bed next to me.
"I know. I didn't mean for it to be like that. Sawyer's really upset, I think he had some delusion that he still had a chance with you." She shrugged, "I'm worried about you." She frowned.
"I know, but I'm not just going to walk away from him, and I don't want to. I married him, Cate. That's important. We just have some things to work out. I want you to support me, though, and not tell Sawyer everything." I glared at her.
"I know. I'm sorry. And I do support you, one hundred percent. Do you forgive me?" She gave me a small smile.
"Of course. Promise no more telling Sawyer stuff?" I gave her a stern glare.
"Promise." She embraced me in a tight hug. "I brought food home for you." She pulled away and passed me a brown paper bag. I scrunched my nose as my stomach lurched.
"No thanks. I don't have much of an appetite these days. My brain has been consumed by this whole situation. Even when I do eat I feel nauseous. I think I'm going to have a breakdown." I gave her a small smile.
"I saw on the news that there's a nasty strain of the flu going around. Maybe you're getting sick."
"Maybe. My immune system is probably out of whack from all the stress."
"You should take a nap."
"I can't do that either. I'm exhausted but when I finally lie down I can't sleep. My brain races."
"I have some sleeping pills. Maybe you should take one and get a good night's rest. You need it. You look exhausted."
"I am." I heaved a tired sigh.
"Here, I'll go get one and bring you some water." She jumped up and headed for the kitchen.
"No, it's okay. Sleeping pills scare me. I'll be fine, Carter and I just need to work this out." I pulled my laptop back into my lap.
"Are you sure? If you're getting sick sleep is the best thing for you." Cate stood at the doorway with a hand on her hip.
"I'm sure." I gave her my best reassuring smile.
"Okay. If you need anything let me know."
"Will do, mom." I smiled before she rolled her eyes and left the room.
Five
- I made reservations for dinner tonight. Be ready in twenty minutes. Carter's text flashed across my screen the following evening.
- You are unbelievably demanding. Maybe I have plans tonight. I grinned as I texted back.
- Do you like to make me angry?
- Maybe :)
- Be ready, MRS. Morgan.
- Yes dear. I rolled my eyes at the phone.
We hadn't seen each other since I’d left his house Wednesday morning. We'd left on good terms, and I wasn’t mad at him. I knew he didn't understand that, despite the number of times I'd tried to tell him we both needed time if we wanted this to work. I wished we could avoid talking and live purely in the moment. I just wanted to be with Carter, without having monumental discussions about us, although I knew it was something we needed to do.
I gazed down at the ring I was now wearing on my right hand and twisted it thoughtfully. On second thought, maybe we'd done more than enough living in the moment and were paying the consequences for it now. The all-consuming lust we had for each other was what had landed this ring on my finger in the first place.
"Is there a special occasion, Mr. Morgan?" I slid into the back of the Bentley. I wore a plain black top tucked into a leather and lace knee-length skirt and black leather booties. I knew the juxtaposition of sweet and sexy would not go unnoticed by Carter. He hauled me across the seat and into his lap, pressing my lips to his roughly.
"Del Frisco's." Carter pulled away from my lips and instructed Parker before the privacy screen went up. His hands went up my thighs and squeezed tightly. He fingered the lace of my panties and I wondered if he'd rip them off right here in the back of the car. He palmed the cheeks of my ass and squeezed as he kissed me so hard he left my lips tender.
"Do I need an excuse to see my wife?" he mumbled against my lips.
"No," I croaked in response.
"Don't you look tempting tonight, Mrs. Morgan?" He continued to knead the flesh of my upper thighs with his fingers.
"Why do you keep calling me that?" I whispered against his lips as I fisted my fingers in his hair and pulled.
"Because that's your name." He kissed and nipped at my lips.
"Not technically." I rocked my body into his.
"We'll have to remedy that. I've already got the paperwork started." He held my head firmly with his hand as he kissed me.
"What?" My breathing came out in pants, my brain hazy with lust.
"Your name change. I started the paperwork. Just need you to sign it," he informed me between heady kisses.
"I don't know that I want to change my name." I continued to grind into him.
"What?" His lips pulled away from mine in a flash.
"I hadn't thought about it, but professionally, I’m Eva Austin. I don't know if I want to change that."
"So don't change it professionally, but you're doing it personally."
I heaved a sigh in exasperation. "I’ll think about it."
"You'll do it. You're mine and I want the entire world to know it. Speaking of which, are you wearing your ring?" He lifted my left hand to find it empty. His eyes flashed in fury to mine.
"It's over here." I lifted my right hand.
His jaw clenched. "Not good enough." He continued to glare.
"I’m wearing it, aren't I?"
"On the wrong fucking finger. It means nothing on that finger. It should be on your left hand, Evangeline."
I bit my lip as my brain processed his words.
"Do you not want to be married to me?"
I could see the hurt in his bright blue eyes.
"I do." I caressed the five o'clock shadow along his jawline.
"Could have fucking fooled me. No ring, you won't change your name, you won't live with me. Actions speak much louder than words, Evangeline, and yours are crystal clear." He lifted me off his lap as the car pulled up to the curb of the restaurant. Parker opened the door and Carter stepped out, hauling me behind him, his hand locked firmly with mine.
"I won't let you get rid of me." He growled in my ear as he placed a firm hand on my back.
"I don't want to." I stared into his eyes imploring him to understand. I never wanted him out of my life—I just needed time.
We walked into the low-lit restaurant and the server led us to the table Carter had reserved in an intimate corner with a view of the harbor. I slid into the circular booth and Carter slid in next to me. He held my hand firmly as he ordered a scotch for himself and white wine for me.
"I don't mean to push you away, Carter." I turned to him and squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Good, because you don't have the option. You're my wife and I’m determined to show you in every way that I want all of you, all of the time. And
that you can't live without me." His voice lowered seductively. My heart thudded in my chest as he slid his hand up my thigh. The server stepped up and before he could say a word Carter ordered for both of us in a clipped tone. I sent an apologetic smile to the server as he nodded and stepped away.
"You are being insufferable tonight," I snipped at him.
"Every night is insufferable without you." He took another sip of his scotch.
I sighed in defeat. "I want you, Carter. I know it looks like I don't, but I do," I whispered.
"Then give me something, Evangeline. The ring, the name, something," he growled.
"I'm just afraid, Carter."
"Afraid of what?" He turned and shot me a glare.
"Afraid that if we jump right in... we won't last. We have a history of misunderstanding each other, and I don't take marriage lightly," I mumbled.
"Do you think I do? I told you about my childhood, do you think I'd really take marriage lightly? When I married you it was forever. I fully intend to keep my vow," he growled.
"You think I don't intend to?" I shot at him under my breath.
"I think you're running scared."
My mouth dropped open in shock. Tears sprang to my eyes and my heart thudded in my chest. I started to defend myself and then thought better of it. God, was he right? Was I running without even realizing it?
Understanding choked my breathing when it dawned on me what my greatest fear had been all along. It wasn't anything Carter had done, or anything we'd done together. I was afraid that he would run back to Nikki or Madeleine the minute we hit a bump in the road, even though he'd never given me a reason to think that. I was the one sabotaging our relationship because of my own fear and insecurity.
"Carter, I—" Just as I was about to answer we were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Carter, nice to see you." Carter's eyes darted to the edge of the table as John Davis smiled brightly down at us. The man from the gala. The one who was now with Madeleine, Carter's psycho ex-fiancée. My heart sped in my chest as my eyes darted around the restaurant looking for her. Please God don't let her be here.
"John." Carter nodded to him.
"And your lovely companion. Evangeline was it?"
"Yes. My wife, actually." Carter squeezed my thigh under the table. Although John couldn’t see I knew it was meant as a possessive gesture for my benefit.
"Wife? I hadn't heard. Madeleine didn't say anything."
"It was last minute."
"I see. Well, congratulations. I'll be sure to tell Madeleine the wonderful news."
"Is she here?" I managed to choke out before Carter could interrupt me.
"Madeleine? No. I'm here with a client. Congratulations again. It was lovely to see you, Evangeline." He cast a genuine smile to me. I smiled as Carter nodded back.
"I can't believe you told him," I whispered as he walked away.
"Why? It's what you are. I'm sick of keeping it a secret."
"My parents don't even know, Carter. God, what if it gets back to them?"
"Then I guess you should tell them sooner rather than later." He took a casual swig of his scotch.
"You are so immature."
"Why?" His eyes shot to mine.
"You're trying to force my hand."
"If that's what it takes," he shrugged as the server brought our food. He kept his hand on my thigh as he took a bite of his lobster. I rolled my eyes and pushed the food around on the plate. I had no appetite after our constant head-to-head.
"Eat, Evangeline."
"I’m not hungry," I sighed and sipped my wine. My earlier revelation was swirling around in my brain. Should we move in together then? Should I wear his ring on my left hand? Should I abandon all of the fears I had and give Carter everything? I was terrified of the pain I'd feel if he walked away.
"Eat, and then I’m going to take you home, our home, and we're going to talk this all out."
I narrowed my eyes at him as I slid my thigh away to try and loosen his grasp on it. I needed to go home and process everything that had happened tonight. Or maybe it was a good idea to talk it through with Carter, although I knew what his opinion would be on the matter. I was more confused than ever.
He squeezed my thigh tighter and slid his hand further up. He was testing the boundary; he was trying to show me I was his in any situation. And I wouldn't have let him have his way if he hadn't already made it to edge of my panties. His fingers rubbed across the fabric covering the sensitive flesh and my breathing hitched.
"Are you insane?" I glared at him.
"Only with you," he gritted and lifted another bite to his mouth. His full lips closed around the utensil and my breathing hitched as I imagined his mouth going down on me. Those full lips sucking and his soft tongue swirling. My heart beat frantically in my chest as a wave of arousal flooded between my thighs. His thumb and finger continued to press and knead the flesh through the lace.
"Tell me you don't like it and I’ll stop."
"I don't like it." I squirmed in my seat and my eyes darted to the tables around us. We were completely hidden from prying eyes. I wasn't sure if I was disappointed or elated.
"Your body says otherwise. You're soaking wet, Evangeline." He slipped his hand under the fabric and ran a finger up the slick flesh. My breathing hitched.
"Fuck you," I moaned softly.
"I plan to do just that to my wife, repeatedly, tonight." He slid one finger inside me and began to move back and forth with slow, deliberate strokes. My heart sped up and my breathing came out in quick pants. My fingernails dug into the fabric of his dress pants and the hard muscle of his thigh.
"Carter," I moaned softly and faced him so my hair curtained around my face and hid my expression.
"Is everything to your liking, sir?" the server was suddenly asking politely.
"Everything is delicious. Thank you." Carter continued to thrust his finger in and out of me as he spoke to the server. I bit my lip to keep composure and prayed the man would leave.
"Can you be quiet while I make you come at the table, Evangeline?"
"Oh God," I moaned as his thumb massaged my clit with aching precision and my orgasm flooded through my body with all of my nerve endings exploding in pleasure. My head lay on Carter's shoulder for a few silent moments as my breathing calmed and my brain came down from the high.
"I hate you," I whispered when I finally lifted my head.
"But no one can make you come like I can." He slid his hand out from underneath my skirt and lifted his fingers to his lips, swirling them in his mouth. No one around would know the difference but his eyes sparkled and I could see the wetness from my arousal glistening on his lips. My nerve endings tingled again.
"You know what I think, Evangeline?"
I only continued to glare at him.
He shook his head and chuckled. "I think you're not sure if you love to hate me, or hate to love me. Maybe it's both," he shrugged with a smirk. I smiled right back at him and palmed his rock hard erection beneath the table. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Everything okay, Mr. Morgan?" I continued to rub up and down his length firmly, pressing my palm flat against him. I could see his breathing speed up and his eyes darken with arousal.
"Come." He hauled me out of the booth by the hand.
"I just did." I gave him a wry grin.
He dragged me through the restaurant with strong and confident steps. We headed down a dimmed hallway, passed the doors labeled as the restrooms before Carter opened a door and we ducked into a small closet.
"What are you doing?" I whispered frantically.
"I’m going to fuck some sense into my wife." He flicked a low light on in the closet and then his hand went up under my skirt and tore the dainty lace of my panties. I heard the zipper of his pants come down roughly and then I was heaved up into his arms.
"There's a bar above your head. Hold tight and don't let go," he growled. I did as I was told and as soon as I had a good grip Carter thrust
into me with both hands holding my thighs in his tight grip. I clenched my teeth together at the overwhelming sensation.
Carter drove into my body relentlessly as I held on to the bar above my head. I was stretched taut before him and had an odd sense of weightlessness as my body was alternately suspended by my hands and then supported by his body ramming into me.
"You. Are. Moving. In. With. Me. Tonight," he ground out through thrusts. "I won't live separately from my wife anymore. I gave you all of the time I can give you. You’re mine and I want everyone to know it."
"Oh, Carter." The gasp of pleasure escaped my throat.
"You’re moving in with me. Say it."
"Carter," I panted.
"No." He pumped faster, barreling into me with all of the force he had in his body. "You're moving in, say it."
"Carter, please." A choked moan escaped my throat.
"Say it," he ground through his teeth as his finger pressed and pulled on my clit.
"Yes, Carter. God, yessss," I hissed as my orgasm tore through my body.
"Fuck, Eva." He thrust in and out then his own release hit him as I felt him shudder inside me. His chest heaved breathless pants and his hands slid up my torso, past the exposed flesh of my arms until the reached my wrists. He smoothed over the sensitive skin there and then slowly released them from the bar.
"Are you okay?" he whispered as he held me against his body.
"Mhmm," I sighed as my head lay against his shoulder.
"I love you, beautiful girl." He worked his thumbs over my wrists, soothing the muscles.
"Mhmm."
"Tell me you love me." His palm rubbed the muscles at my neck.
"I love you, you unbearable and controlling man." I smiled up at him.
"There's my girl." He ran a hand down my hair. "Let's finish dinner." He flicked the light off and we exited the closet as if we had every right to be there in the first place.
"How did you know that closet was there?" I whispered as we walked back to the table hand in hand.
Precious Lace (Lace #4) Page 3
