I pick up a book near me and throw it at him. “Get out!” He holds up his hands, backing out of the door. I close and lock it after he’s gone. “I don’t know why I agreed to this.”
Elijah laughs as he picks up his suitcase and sets it on the bed. “It’s going to be great. I wish my brother was around more.”
I flop down on my bed. “When was the last time you saw him?”
He pinches his face as he considers. “Probably seven or eight months ago. It wasn’t long after we got together. He’s as busy as I am, so it’s hard to make the time.”
“He’s a solicitor right?” He nods. “Is that pretty much the same as a lawyer in the states?”
“I think so. We really don’t talk much about work when we are together.” He chuckles. “Actually, we normally complain about our dad when we are together.”
I smile, but I don’t really understand. I mean, I lost my parents as a little kid. I can’t imagine complaining about them no matter what they had done. “Maybe you guys can get together before we start filming the movie for my book.”
“Yeah. We could probably swing that.” He leans over and gives me a quick kiss. “Do you mind if I shower real quick?”
“Of course not. It’s right through there.” I point to the door at the back of my room.
After he disappears into the bathroom, I set to work getting my dresses hung up and unpacking a few things for ease of access. I also take down all the pictures of Carter. I know I don’t have to, but he’s right, I see reminders of him and other women all the time, even if it’s fake. But, that doesn’t mean he should be subjected to my past relationship, which was very much real. After he showers, I take a turn, then we both cuddle in my double bed. It’s a little tight, but I don’t mind and he doesn’t seem to either.
“I love you,” he says as he pulls me close.
“I love you, too.”
We lie in the quiet darkness for a long time. So long that I assume he’s fallen asleep, but the silence is broken when he asks, “Sophie?”
“Yeah?”
He doesn’t answer right away, and I’m about to ask what’s up when he asks, “Do you still have feelings for Carter?”
I sit up and turn towards him. The light is shining through the window beside my bed so I can clearly see his face. “Why would you ask that?”
“The way your brothers talk about him, he seems to be very much a part of their lives. Plus, he’s coming with you to New York. Thanks for telling me by the way.” He gives me a look of contempt.
I grimace. My stupid brother let it slip that Carter would be joining me, but I don’t blame Elijah for being a little upset by my omission. It was wrong of me to not at least mention the possibility of Carter tagging along for my tour. It had honestly just slipped my mind. I sigh and run my fingers through my hair as I sit up cross-legged on the bed.
“It wasn’t a sure thing until yesterday. I should have mentioned it. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?” I bat my eyelashes at him, making him smile.
“Forgiven.” He tugs a piece of my hair playfully. “What about my other question?”
I groan. I hate discussing my feelings for Carter. It’s so complicated. But I know it’s not fair to ask Elijah to drop this. “Eli, I don’t know what to say. I mean it’s not a yes or no answer. Carter has been my best friend for twenty years. Yes, we dated or tried to several times. I love him, but I’m not in love with him. I’m in love with you. Carter is so much like Jared, loud, obnoxious, and flirty. He’ll say stuff to get a rise out of you, or maybe even try to kiss me.” I grimace at the thought, but I know it’s something Carter will try. “That’s just him. If it makes you uncomfortable, I’ll ask him to stay back.”
He copies my position on the bed and takes my hands into his. “Don’t do that. I’ll get over this jealousy. He’s just been such a huge part of your life that it’s intimidating. He knows you better than I know you. I can’t ask you to give up your best friend, but I also kind of hate him for hurting you.”
I smile. “I hated him too, for years, but we’ve reconnected and talked over this past year, and I’m ready to have him back in my life. But I promise you, it will only be as a friend. That’s all we are good at doing.”
He leans forward and gives me a quick kiss. “I trust you. I don’t trust him, but I’ll try.”
“That’s all I ask.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I don’t want to talk about him anymore.”
“No?” He gives me my favorite smirk.
I shake my head no and lean into him, kissing him deeply and letting out a little squeal when he flips us so he’s hovering over me. “Hope your door is locked.”
7 Carter
T he next morning, I wake up alone in my bed. I stretch out wide. I forgot how much I loved this bed. The sound of boisterous laughter meets my ears from below me. I’m sure Elijah has already made his way downstairs. I hope my family hasn’t embarrassed me. I hurry and get ready for the day before heading downstairs to the kitchen.
“Peaches!” Carter calls as he jumps up from his seat and flies at me. He picks me up and swings me around. “I’ve missed you like crazy!”
I laugh as my arms wrap around his neck. “I’ve missed you too.”
He sets me down. “Poppy was right, you’re no bigger than a minute.” His southern accent drawls.
I smack his well-toned chest and look up into his icy blue eyes. “I’d appreciate it if you’d all leave my weight alone. I’m fine.”
“You leave her alone.” Gran says, pushing Carter toward the table. “Sit yourself down.”
“Morning, Gran.” I kiss her cheek.
“Morning, sweetie-pie.”
I sit next to Elijah, who is looking at me with trepidation. I smile. “Morning, baby.” Leaning in, I kiss him.
His face melts from apprehensive to a soft smile. “Morning. Did you sleep well?”
Jared barks out a laugh. I turn and raise an eyebrow at him. “I’m sure she did.” He snickers.
Carter catches Jared waggling his eyebrows and turns with open eyes. “You guys slept together?”
I blow out a frustrated breath. “Shut up.”
“I’d say they did more than slept,” Jared continues.
I open my mouth to fuss at him, but Pops beats me to it. “You leave my great niece alone. As far as I’m concerned, she’s as pure as the first driven snow.”
Jared snorts and mumbles something I can’t understand, but Carter guffaws loudly. My face flames red. I glare at Carter. “For your information, I am snowy white. We’ve decided to wait until we get married. Unlike you, who couldn’t keep it in his pants even when you promised me you’d wait.” I stand and storm out of the room.
Why am I crying? I’m so over Carter, but he and Jared always do this. They are both so loud and obnoxious. They don’t think before they speak. I sit out on the back deck, dangling my legs off the side as I stare out at the view below me. It’s almost entirely flat land as far as the eye can see, with a smattering of trees here or there. It looks peaceful and serene. I hear footsteps but don’t bother turning around. I wipe at my eyes as Carter sits down beside me.
“I’m sorry,” he says. I don’t respond. “That was thoughtless, especially given our past. I’ve apologized before, but I am very sorry I broke my promise to you. I’ll regret that the rest of my life.”
I turn and glance around to be sure we are alone before I tell him. “Elijah doesn’t really understand why I’d still be friends with you. When you act like my stupid brother, I wonder why myself.”
He rubs my back. “I am sorry. I’ll do better.”
I look up at him and his stupid beautiful tanned face with his bright sky blue eyes and see he is sincere in his remorse. I can’t stay mad. Which is one reason I kept trying to date him; I can’t seem to tell him no or be angry for long. I nod as I lean against his shoulder. He kisses my head.
“I’m nervous about New York,” I mumble changing the subject.
“W
hy?”
“I’ve been before, but not like this. I have an interview with Wake Up America.”
He moves me back, staring at me in shock. “That’s amazing, Peaches.”
“Thanks. I’m afraid they’ll ask me something I can’t answer, or bring up Elijah. It’s so nerve-wracking.”
“Dating him?”
I gaze at my fingers and shake my head. “No, not at all. I love him. I meant dealing with fame and all the consequences that it brings. I would do it a hundred times over to be with Elijah, but it’s exhausting.”
He purses his lips. “Are you still trying to hide the relationship? Because I saw you on Lesley Winters, and deny it all you want, but you guys are clearly in love. I’ve never in my life seen you look at a guy like that, not even me.”
“I do love him.” I pause for a moment. “I’ve never loved anyone like I love him.”
“You don’t have to worry about my feelings. I know you love me, and I know that neither of us felt that type of love for each other.” I nod, agreeing. “Are we good?” He asks, wrapping his arms around me again and squeezing tightly, making me squeak.
“Yes,” I wheeze.
“I’ve missed you so freakin’ much, Soph. I’m really excited about tagging along with you.”
I smile. “I’ve missed you too. Will you do me a favor?”
“Anything, Peaches.”
“Please don’t rile Elijah up too much.” He throws his head back and laughs.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job as your best friend if I didn’t get him riled up.” He winks. I roll my eyes and shove him playfully.
“Just don’t make him hate me,” I say.
“I’ll never hate you.” I look up to see Elijah walking toward us. He sits down on my other side.
“How much did you hear?” Not that I care if he heard anything we’ve said, just curious.
“Just the last bit about riling me up.” He smiles as he bumps into my shoulder.
“What’s going on in there?” I ask, tilting my head back toward the kitchen.
“Your grandmother gave your brother a very stern talking to, your uncle popped him upside the head, and your grandpa told him not to embarrass you and he was making him sleep in the barn.”
I giggle. “I’ve heard and seen all of that before.”
“After his scolding and before he left for work, Jared said we should go to the swimming hole. Do you wanna go?” Elijah asks.
“Yes. You’ll love it. Won’t he, Carter?”
Carter smiles. “Yep, and so will I. You in a bikini.” He mimics touching something hot. I shove him off the porch. Standing up, I hold my hand out for Elijah.
“Brat!” Carter calls up. It’s only about six feet down, and Carter has grown up, so I’m not worried that he’s hurt.
“You deserve it,” I tell him. “Come on, baby. Let’s go change.” Elijah laughs as he takes my hand.
Once we are up in my room, I turn to Elijah. “You might want to put on some hiking clothes. We have a pretty good trek before we get to the swimming hole.”
He nods and pulls out a pair of pants along with his swim trunks. He smiles at me. “Are you really going to wear a bikini?”
I chuckle. “You know I don’t like to wear those in public.”
He pouts. “You look hot in them.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “You want me to wear basically a bra and panties in front of our bodyguards and my ex-boyfriend?”
He stiffens. “Nevermind, here wear this.” He hands me one of his long-sleeved flannels.
I throw it back at him. “You’re hilarious,” I deadpan.
I grab my hiking clothes and swimsuit, which looks like I’m wearing a bikini with a tank top over it, but it’s actually all connected. I like that it gives the illusion of something skimpy, but all the important bits are totally covered. It doesn’t take me long in the bathroom, and I’m ready to go.
Elijah looks a little unsure. “Are you okay?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
I take his hand in mine. “Tell me.”
He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. Chuckling humorlessly he says, “I’m trying really hard to tamp down my jealousy. We are going swimming, and you are the only girl. The guys are going to ogle you.”
I try to suppress my smile. I’m secretly pleased he’s so jealous. “I can wear my shorts if that will help.”
He shakes his head. “Sophie, you are a gorgeous woman. Nothing will help, trust me.”
“Just remember that I love you, and I’m with you.” I kiss him, meaning for it to be a sweet, soft peck, but he pulls me closer to him, deepening it.
“Let’s go.” He pulls back and picks up the bag I packed with our swimming essentials.
Once we are all outside and heading down the path, Josh asks, “So, how long does it take to get there?”
“About an hour,” I answer.
His eyes grow wide. I wink and he shakes his head. Carter, Jared, Liam, and I spent a lot of time at the watering hole. It’s a natural hot spring. There aren’t many of them in this area, and I’m not sure if this one has ever been publicized, since it’s on my grandparents’ property. Pops and Poppy keep the land relatively cleared, but there’s still a lot of brush as we go, which is one of the reasons the hike is so long.
“Man, it’s hot!” Brody says after we’ve been hiking at least fifteen minutes.
“You shouldn’t have dressed like you were going hiking in the Alaskan wilderness. We are far south, you know.”
“There was a chill in the air,” he defends as he peels off his long sleeved tee-shirt, leaving him in an undershirt. Carter and I laugh at him.
“So, the two of you dated?” Hutch asks.
I nod. “Yep.” It will always be an awkward subject.
“I don’t mean to pry. I know you value your privacy,” he adds after a few moments of silence.
“No, no. It’s okay. I know you guys work for Eli, but I consider you friends. Car and I grew up best friends, dated on and off through high school, and in college we broke up permanently. Over the past year we have rebuilt our friendship.” I give a shrug. That’s the simple explanation, but I’m sure it sounds a little strange to most people.
“Was it difficult going back to friends?” Josh asks.
I shake my head. “Not in high school. It really wasn’t much different. We just didn’t kiss as much. Everything else stayed the same. Which really annoyed his girlfriends.”
“As much?” Elijah asks.
Carter laughs. “I’m very affectionate.” He winks, running his hand across my back and down my arm.
I shove him. “He really is. He’s always been touchy feely.” Elijah snorts unhappily. I know he’s worried about that, so am I honestly. The media is brutal.
“Why did you guys break up? I mean, if you loved each other, why didn’t it work?” I turn to Elijah, seeing that he looks genuinely confused. We’ve talked about this.
“She broke up with me,” Carter says vaguely.
I stare at him for a long moment. Turning to Elijah I say, “He cheated on me, and that’s not okay. We’ve talked about that.”
“I know, but you said you had an off and on relationship. What made you guys break up before the last time?”
“Oh, just stupid stuff. We’d get mad at each other, make up the next day or week.”
Elijah nods. “And now, you’re back to being friends.”
I nod. “I know we have had a rocky dating relationship, but the last time was the total end.”
“She walked in on me having sex with her college roommate,” Carter tells them. “I’ve never been so disgusted with myself in my life. I tried everything I could to make it up to her, but I’d gone too far. It wasn’t until this past year that she took one of my calls. It’s still been slow moving to get back on friendly terms.” He turns to Elijah. “She didn’t want you to worry.” Carter meets Elijah’s eyes, seeming to make sure he understands he’s always been my first thoug
ht.
I glance up at Carter. “I missed you. We can be friends, we’re good at friends. Elijah is way better at being a boyfriend than you ever were.”
He throws his head back and laughs. He wraps his arm around my neck, putting me in a headlock and musing my hair. I yell and push him away, smoothing my hair. “See it’s malarkey like that. You suck!”
“Malarkey!” He laughs again. “I’ve missed you and your silly curse words.”
He holds his hand out in a peace offering, but I give him a five instead of holding it, and take Elijah’s hand into mine. He holds his hands up in surrender, but the smile on his face tells me he’s genuinely happy for me. The subject of Carter and I ends and we talk about silly non-important things as we make our way to the water.
During a lull in the conversation, Carter comes up behind me and whispers, “You two make a great couple. I never believe anything I read, but some of those pictures of the two of you speaks volumes.”
I turn to Carter and smile, giving him a huge hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, that truly means a lot.”
Elijah gives me a crooked smile, and I know he’s heard us. I reach out my hand to him and we continue through the woods.
“Wow!” Elijah says as we break through the trees to the water’s edge. “This is beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever been to some place so serene.”
I smile. ”It’s perfect, isn’t it? This is my favorite place.”
We drop our bags, and I pull out my beach blanket and he helps me spread it on the ground so we can sit and catch our breath. Elijah pulls me into his side and kisses my temple.
“I can see why.” He takes a deep breath. “You’re beautiful.”
I look at him for a long moment. He’s staring at me so intensely that it’s a little much to take in, but I don’t look away. He sweeps my hair out of my eyes, cupping my face in his hand.
“Sophie.” He swallows. “I love you. I’ve never, in my life, felt for anyone what I feel for you. You devastate me in the best of ways.” He pauses and reaches into his pocket. “I don’t know that this is the best timing, but I’ve been carrying this around for a while now.” My heart rate spikes as I see the little velvet box. He pops it open as he moves to kneel in front of me. My hands fly to my mouth in shock. “Marry me.”
Fame & Consequences Page 8
