Fumbled Love

by Lila Rose

  “You’re perfect.”

  She grinned. “Thank you.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Reagan

  “Are you sitting down?” Carter asked through the phone. He’d just gotten off his plane, and I was already missing him. Seeing him walk out of the house and knowing I wouldn’t see him for a while longer was harder because I knew he was mine.

  Thinking he was mine didn’t make me so nervous anymore. What helped was the amount of affection Carter showered upon me, which made me believe it so much more.

  Carter Anthony was mine.

  Openly showing Carter affection was something easily done, and it was also because I couldn’t resist. I wanted to show Carter I wanted to touch, kiss, and hug him. I didn’t think he minded though. I loved the way his eyes would warm each time I initiated the contact between us.

  “Reagan?” he called.

  “Sorry.” I shook my head. “I’m still half asleep. I’m sitting down now and turning on the TV.”

  “Quickly, woman.”

  “I’m going as fast as my sleepy self will let me.” I turned to the channel Carter was talking about.

  “It’s going to start.”

  “I have it on. What am I watching and why was it urgent I had to get up for it and more importantly, where are you watching it from?”

  “The airport and you’ll see.”

  A presenter came on. “Today we have a sweet story for you all about Carter Anthony. You all heard earlier he’s leaving the Wolves to begin a coaching career. Many will be sad to see him finishing his career in football, but we can all hope he’ll be coaching more talent for our future. Carter was spotted shopping with a Reagan Wild, who is confirmed to be his girlfriend. He stopped to sign an autograph for a child and from this photo, we can all see the caring man and his proud girlfriend as she watches on. But that’s not what we’re all talking about in the studios. It’s the video that I’m sure will go viral of Carter about to defend his girlfriend when someone called her fat. Yes, I know you’re all hoping for a fight in the video, but it doesn’t happen. Something even better does. Watch it for yourself and hit up the site to tell me what you think.” The video of me standing beside Carter and saying what I did started.

  I was surprised I actually didn’t look how I’d felt in that moment. Scared out of my mind. I looked happy and calm. Content, even after I’d heard something harsh being shouted at me. All I could think about was saving Carter from beating someone’s head in, so I had to step in and say my piece. Honestly, I didn’t really take it all in at the time, but I could see others in the video, how they smiled and laughed with me.

  The presenter came back on. “I know I won’t be the only one supporting this new relationship. As far as I’m concerned, Carter Anthony has made the right choice with Reagan Wild. She’s inspiring, I’m glad she’s out there teaching the children of our city.”

  Carter chuckled in my ear. “Lucky they don’t know about you threatening to throw up on them.”

  I laughed. “I’m unique in my teaching ways.”

  “You are, and that makes you more loveable. Only now it won’t be just your family, your students, and me loving you. You’ll have so many in the country too. Not sure how that makes me feel.”

  I snorted. “I think you’re over exaggerating. Nothing will change.”

  It was Carter’s turn to snort. “You’ll see. Now I’ll let you get back to sleep. Don’t forget to set that other alarm I got you.” I grinned. While Carter and I had been down the street, he’d found an alarm that guaranteed to wake the most difficult person. He’d grinned at me, and said, “Just until I get home,” before purchasing it.

  “It’s all set,” I told him.

  “Good, it should help while I’m away. Then you won’t need it when I’m beside you.”

  Oh, wow.

  For some stupid reason, I hadn’t thought of Carter sleeping beside me in my room, which could be our room when he got home. I hadn’t really thought past the day.

  “Ree?”

  “Yes?” I whispered into the phone, gripping it tightly.

  “Are you okay with me saying that?”

  “What?” I pretended I didn’t understand him, just so I could hear him say it again.

  “Sleeping in your bed when I get home?”

  God, yes. But… “Are you sure we aren’t moving too fast?”

  “Sweetheart, I know where I’m at in the relationship, but I don’t want to scare you off. So, if you want to slow things down I can stay in my room until you’re ready,” he said gently.

  “Where are you in the relationship?”

  A pause, and then he replied, “I don’t want to scare you more. Maybe it’s best we leave it until I get home and then talk about it.”

  “I’m not scared, just worried if we jump into things too fast, then things will… I don’t know, fizzle out maybe?”

  “I can’t predict the future, but I want you to know I’ll try and do anything in my power to keep us going.”

  It was my turn to pause. I was constantly amazed at how open he was with me, and how sweet. To me, it sounded like Carter could already see a future for us beyond dating, and I liked that thought a lot.

  “I’ll do the same.”

  “Good. For now, we’ll leave it at that and talk more when I get home.”

  “Okay.” I nodded to myself, though I was already picturing waking up to Carter. Only instead of him waking me standing over me beside my bed, he was in it and touching me in ways that made me hot all over.

  “Get some sleep so you can mold kids’ minds tomorrow.” I could hear the smile in his voice.

  “I will, and you too, except about the kids’ part, but, um… enjoy your day.”

  He chuckled. “I will.” A breath, and then he added, “I love you, Ree.”

  My heart stopped and then took off flying over the invisible rainbow to happiness. “Love you too. Night.”

  “Night, sweetheart.”

  When he hung up, I sank back into the couch and sighed. Then I smiled and did a giddy little dance. Thankfully, no one was around to see it.

  “OMGeeee, Miss. I saw you on TV, and I was like so excited I texted everyone I knew, and they were all like wow that is super cool, and it is, like really super cool because you said hi to us. In front of millions. It was the best thing ever!” Penny, another of my students, exclaimed.

  Murmurs started up around the room of my favorite class. My hands came up in front of me. They quieted. “First, Penny, what were you doing up so late? You really need to get at least eight hours of sleep each night to rest your brain for learning.”

  She rolled her eyes, but did it smiling. “I was working on my math homework.”

  “That late?” I asked.

  Bradly scoffed. “She was up late wanting to be the first to view Conor Maynard’s video.”

  “Shut up, Bradly.”

  “Who’s Conor Maynard?” I asked.

  Penny gasped. “Who’s Conor Maynard? Miss, are you for real?”

  Was that a trick question? Would it lead me into hearing all about Conor Maynard? Probably.

  “Yes?”

  “He’s like the best. A singer and a blogger on YouTube. Totally the best. I love his songs, all of them.”

  “He is really good, Miss,” Jenifer added.

  “Then I have a feeling that no matter what I say to you, Penny, about your late nights that you won’t listen.”

  She grinned. “Not when it comes to the love of my life.”

  Dear God.

  “Okay then, let’s move on.”

  Wesley’s hand shot up.

  I wanted to groan, but I refrained. “Yes, Wesley?”

  “So you are dating Mr. Anthony?”

  “Duh, stupid, it was all over TV,” Penny snapped.

  Wesley glared. “I don’t stay up late, Penny. I get the right amount of sleep because I don’t want to be dumb when I’m older.”

  “You—”

&
nbsp; “Class,” I shouted. “Enough. No name-calling in here. You both know this.” They still acted like they were six and not in their teens. Then again, I still had my moments, but what I hated the most was name-calling. I’d had enough of that myself when I was younger. I wouldn’t have it in my classroom.

  “Sorry, Miss,” Penny said.

  “Yeah, sorry,” Wesley called.

  “Okay, how about I tell you all what happened, and then we can actually get some work done?” They eagerly sat forward in their seats. “I’d been out with Carter shopping, after my dentist appointment, when a reporter said something about me that wasn’t very nice. I stopped and told him how I liked myself as I am. Which really everyone should, no matter how you look or act. You should be the first to like who you are. I know it’s hard sometimes, but you shouldn’t care what others think.” I gave them a pointed look, letting that sink in. It was advice my mom had always given me, but she was my mom, and I hadn’t listened to her back in the day. I wished I had because I knew it to be true. “People seemed to like what I said, and it was aired on TV. The end.”

  “And Mr. Anthony?” Wesley pressed.

  Shaking my head, I said, “Mr. Anthony and I would like our private—”

  “They’re so dating. It’s all over the Internet, and you could totally tell he’s like 100 percent in love with her by the way he was looking at her. I’ll show you the video later,” Penny exclaimed.

  Wesley nodded.

  A knock sounded on the door, then it opened and… crap, Elena poked her head in. “Sorry, Miss Wild, but may I have a quick word?”

  My brows shot up. She managed to say that without glaring or a snarl in her voice. I suddenly felt wary. Didn’t all murderers become pleasant before striking?

  “Of course,” I said, and made my way to the door. Before I closed it, I added to the class, “How about you all pretend to study and then watch the video?”

  “Yes, Miss,” was called out. I knew I wouldn’t have their attention until their curiosity was dulled.

  Closing the door, I stepped to the side to face Elena. Her eyes narrowed for a second before she shook her head. “Look, I know you played me. You have one up on me for once, but did you have to make me look like such a fool?”

  My head jerked back. “What are you talking about?”

  “Saying you and Carter were just friends. Lying to me so I looked like an idiot.”

  Sighing, I said, “The world doesn’t revolve around you, Elena. At the time we spoke, Carter and I were just friends. I honestly didn’t think anything would happen. I mean how could I when you were the one who drilled into my mind no one like him could see something in someone like me.”

  She actually winced. “I know I’m a bitch. You just need to ignore it. I said those things because I always saw the way Carter looked at you.”

  I gasped. “What?”

  She rolled her eyes. “He never thought I noticed and I know he used to listen to his friends too much, but I’m glad he did, else he wouldn’t have dated me. But it didn’t mean I was blind to the fact that if you walked into a room, his eyes were on you. It pissed me off. Still does. But I know when I’m beaten. I just wished you’d said something earlier.”

  “I… um…. You’ve shocked me. I don’t know what to say.” And I didn’t. Elena wasn’t as stupid as I thought. She knew what she was doing all along. She was only with Carter and wanted him recently because she was jealous of me.

  Mind blown.

  Never would have expected that.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She shrugged. “Yeah, well, whatever. Just take care of him.”

  I smiled softly. “I will.”

  She huffed and then walked off.

  My phone in my pocket vibrated. I took it out.

  Brooke: WTF, you didn’t tell me you’d been on TV. Stinky Steve just showed me.

  Me: I tried to call you. I assumed you must have seen that by now, but you didn’t answer. Where were you when I was in crisis mode? I have so much to tell you.

  Brooke: I was at home.

  Me: LIAR!!!

  Hearing heels clicking on the floor, I looked up to see Brooke coming down the hall. My hands went to my hips and I narrowed my eyes at her. “Where were you?”

  She snorted. “That look may work on your students, but I’ve known you too long, it does nothing for me.”

  Damn.

  “Fine. At least tell me where you were last night?”

  She waved her phone at me. “You rang at 1:00 a.m. It was the middle of the night and I was in bed. My phone was on silent.”

  I crossed my arms over my chest. “I rang your house phone too.”

  She tensed, then sighed. “Fine. I was doing a favor for Dustin while he was away and his ex was out of town. I was at his place minding Benjie.”

  “Why didn’t you just tell me?”

  She threw her hands up in the air. “I don’t know. He confuses me. I confuse myself, and sleeping in his bed which smells like him confused me even more.” She shook her head. “I won’t date him and I know you want me to give him a chance.”

  Fisting my hand, I reached out and punched her in the shoulder. “If you tell me not to say anything or hound you about dating him, I won’t. You just have to tell me.”

  She groaned. “I know. I’m just being silly.”

  “Yes, you are.”

  “Okay, no need to agree so fast. We’ll talk more about it later, but for now, tell me what’s happened with Carter before your kids start lighting things on fire.”

  “That was one time, and I was…” She raised her brows. “Okay, two, but I was there both times and we were reenacting—”

  “Yes, yes. I know the story, but spill about Carter, woman.”

  I smiled. “We’re dating.”

  She groaned and thumped her forehead. “I know that. It’s all over everywhere, but I want the best friend details. Have you slept with him? Is he a good kisser? What size is his cock?”

  “Shush,” I hissed and looked around the empty hall. “No, yes, and I’m not saying, but I will tell you there was some dry humping going on, and it was amazing.”

  She grinned, rubbing her hands together. “Really?”

  “Oh yes.”

  “Yay!” Her hand went up in the air just as my classroom door opened and Jenifer poked her head out.

  “Miss, Penny’s going to gut Bradly because he’s talking trash about Conor Maynard.”

  Shaking my head, I said, “I’m coming.” Looking back to Brooke, I said, “I’ll talk to you soon.”

  She grabbed me in a quick hug. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you,” I whispered back before I went back in and had to break up a fight.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Reagan

  Carter was coming home. I stood at the terminal waiting with Brooke, who had Benjie with her and she was right; he was an amazing kid. She’d been minding him again while Emily, Dustin’s ex, was out of town on business once again. At first, I thought it was strange how a mother could leave her child with a complete stranger, until Brooke told me she’d met with Emily and took all her credentials with her, so she knew Brooke wasn’t a criminal. Carter’s mom had also called Emily since she’d known her from back in the day and praised Brooke to her. Which I thought was sweet.

  Beth had got to know Brooke over the time Carter was gone. We’d had even spent one day talking, drinking tea and then in the evening drinking tequila. I was floored by the amount Beth could drink and hadn’t realized how funny she was until that night.

  When Patty had come to pick her up, I was standing at the front door yelling my goodbyes, as Beth turned and raced back up to me for a hug.

  “Thank you,” she’d whispered.

  “What for?”

  “For making Carter happy.”

  My heart had warmed. “Then you’re welcome.”

  Of course, Mom had also been touched, and when she’d heard our exchange, she burst into
tears. Dad arrived just after they’d left, Mom still crying. He took one look and hung his head, grinning. Mom had always been an emotional drunk.

  Around us, the noise grew, so I knew the team had arrived.

  Carter had arrived.

  He was home.

  People filed off the plane. I searched and searched, ignoring the camera trained on me. I didn’t care if I looked crazed. I was eager to see him, to hold him and kiss him. The phone calls hadn’t been enough, not since I’d had the chance to taste Carter. He was like my favorite candy, and I was addicted.

  When I saw him through the crowd, he was already looking at me and grinning brightly. I let out an excited squeak and dodged through the people. He watched me coming and braced. I leaped into his arms and wrapped mine around his neck, his went around my waist, and I was lifted off the floor.

  “Carter,” I breathed into his neck. A sudden swirl of raw emotions clogged my throat.

  “Sweetheart,” he murmured against my neck. He placed me back on my feet, a hand of his threading through my loose hair and he tugged my head back a little to capture my gaze.

  “Happy tears?” he asked, worry causing his brows to dip.

  I nodded. “Very happy tears.”

  His smile was back. “Good.” Then he kissed me. I heard a few catcalls, but I ignored everything except the feeling of Carter’s lips on mine. The warm kiss soon turned heated when I opened my mouth under his tongue trailing over my lips. I wrapped him up tighter in my embrace, still, it wasn’t enough.

  Someone cleared their throat, and then I heard, “Benjie.”

  “Daddy!” was yelled.

  Carter pecked my lips once more and then straightened, beaming his grin down at me. “Glad to be home.”

  “So am I.”

  I glanced beside us to see Dustin as he bent low and swooped his son up into his arms for a warm hug before planting him back on his feet.

  “How’s my boy?” Dustin asked.

  “Awesome. Miss Brooke took me to the library yesterday after school. I got so many comics it’s not funny. We can read them when you’re not playing.”