by C. M. Steele
“Are you buying anything? If not get the fuck out. I’ve got a brother and a Magnum that can help you decide.”
“Sorry, see you later, baby,” he tells Amelia. The creepy way he looks at her bothers me.
“Girl, are you okay?” I ask as soon as he’s out of sight.
“Yes, he just doesn’t get it. I don’t want shit to do with him,” she exclaims, clenching her fists in frustration. I can see she’s on her last straw with that ass.
“Well, if he comes around again, I’m calling the police. That POS needs to learn the hard way that I’m a great shot and will protect my friends, I dare him to come back.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen you all ‘rawr,’” she confesses, pretending to claw towards me. I laugh it off because the only one who gets to see me like that is Carter and my brother, Blake. They are the only ones to try my nerves. This bastard did more than that and made me itch to pull out my pretty gun and put a bullet in his ass.
The timer goes off and I shake away the frustration. “How about you get the goodies and I man the front?”
“You’re the boss. Don’t want to get on your bad side,” she laughs, playing like she’s scared of me. I roll my eyes and put away the treats. My phone buzzes and this time my hands are clutter free.
“Hey mom, how’s it going?”
“It’s wonderful. I miss you. Can you come over tonight?”
“I can’t,” I answer quickly without thinking. I was going to tell her that I had a date. Just as I am, the phone buzzes. It’s a text from Carter. I’m pulling a double. It’s a madhouse here.
“Actually mom, never mind. I can make it.”
“Great. I can’t wait to see you. Blake’s too.”
“Good. I haven’t seen him since I opened.”
I end the call and go back to work, forgetting about messaging Carter back.
My phone rings ten minutes later. “Hello,” I answer. I know it’s Carter, but I’m not acting like a love-sick puppy even though I feel like one.
“You didn’t message me back. I feel like a dick for having to cancel dinner tonight.”
“It’s fine. I’m going to my parents’ house instead.”
“Oh,”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I just thought you’d be upset, but you’re okay with the change of plans.”
“You want me upset?” I know that’s not what he meant. I’m acting like I couldn’t care less, but in truth, my chest hurts. It aches knowing it’s going to be a long time before we see each other again.
“No, but I am. I fucking miss you like crazy, Carly.”
“Carter, I miss you too. I was hurt when I got your message, but what can I do? You’re a doctor, the head of the Pediatric department. It sucks, but I understand.”
“I can’t wait to see you. I’m off and not on call for the next two days.”
“Perfect. We can spend the day together, then you can drive to the shop with me. If you’d like, of course.”
“I want to spend every moment with you, Carly. I’ve got to go, but, woman, take care of yourself.”
~~~~
A few hours later I’m at my parents, but I feel like death warmed over. My heart is pounding, I’m vomiting, and covered in sweat. My phone buzzes and I go to check it because I know it’s got to be Carter, but I drop it in the toilet. Damn it, I reach for it because even though it’s essentially a funky paperweight, I can’t flush it. Taking it out sends me into another vomiting fit. I come out of the bathroom and my brother catches me as I get dizzy. My mom goes into Dr. Mom mode as Blake carries me to my old bedroom.
“Shit,” I grumble. “Get away from me. I’m contagious. I think I’ve got the flu.”
“Damn it. Are you serious, Carly?”
“Yes, several kids at the hospital had it and they didn’t tell me until it was too late.”
“I’ve gotten my shots, Blake, but please go Lysol everything you can. Open the windows,” I hear our mom tell him.
“Yes, mom.”
“Mom, I’ll be fine,” I slur.
Chapter 8
Carter
I’m fucking freaking out. I messaged Carly last night but didn’t get a response. It was pretty early, so I thought she would have texted me back. Then her phone kept going to voicemail. I don’t have her family information, so I have no idea where they live or how to get in contact with them.
I go home and wait. We were perfectly fine the last time we spoke. I hope she calls me soon. I can barely sleep because I know something’s wrong. It’s about eleven when I get a call from the hospital.
“Ivy, what’s going on?”
“Carter, I thought you should know, Carly’s in the hospital. She tested positive for the flu. She came in around one this morning.”
“I’m on my way. Thank you, Ivy.”
“No problem. She woke up and asked if someone could get a hold of you. Something about her phone breaking. It’s hard to understand her.”
I’m out of the condo and on my way to her side. Fuck, I can’t believe she’s sick. My heart’s thundering in my chest. As soon as I get there, I park in my spot and rush inside. I ask for her room at the security desk and head to it.
I get to her room and her parents are sitting there with masks on their face. I’m not going to bother because I spent the night before last inside her. If I didn’t get it then, I won’t now. It doesn’t even matter at this moment because I need to see if she’s okay.
“Carter,” she chokes out. Her voice is harsh, probably from the vomiting. I’m sitting on the bed, caressing Carly’s cheek. My heart’s breaking as I look down at her.
"Carter," she moans again. Fuck, I’m sending up prayers that she’ll be okay.
"My sweetheart, I'm sorry." I brush a sweaty strand of hair out of her face.
"Don't say I told you so."
"I'm not. You had no clue the kids had it. I just want you to feel better. Damn, sweetheart, I need you to be okay.”
“Don’t leave me, please."
"Never." I watch her vitals which are under control. A thought that she’s pregnant flashes across my mind, but I know it’s too soon to tell. At least not definitively, but we made love more than once without anything between us.
Her parents finally approach me as she falls asleep. “Hello, Carter. I’m so glad to finally meet you,” her mother says.
“Sorry, Mrs. Reynolds, I had to check on her. I forgot my manners.”
“That’s not what I meant. It’s wonderful to see how you care for her. She has mentioned her frustrations once or twice.”
“Oh.”
“I told her it wasn’t what she thought, but one can’t see what’s in front of them.”
“So, when are you going to marry my daughter?”
“When she’s ready.” I’d do it tomorrow, but she’s sick and probably needs a little persuading. I’ll get her to see my way when I have her in my arms and bed.
“Oh goodness. She’s stubborn. That may never happen,” her mother bemoans. I laugh because I agree. She may be a sweetheart, but she’s tough as well. Carly is the perfect mix of sweet and strong.
“It will.”
“Way to go, son,” her father says, patting my shoulder.
“I know she has a brother. Where is he?”
“He was here earlier. He had to leave because Carly wants him to take over the bakery, so he’s got a lot to do before tomorrow morning.”
“Okay, I’m going to be in the hospital, so I’d like her to stay at least another day or two. Her vitals look good and from her chart, I can see she’s been given meds. If she’s improving they’ll let her go, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“She can come home with us. You can as well.”
“Thank you, I’ll do what I can. I’m on duty for several days starting tomorrow morning.”
“We’re going to get something to eat. Are you staying with her?”
“I’ll be here all day and night. I already have spare
clothes here for my shift.”
“You’re going to be good for her.”
“She’s great for me.” I love and need her. They leave, and I bend my head down to her chest, listening to her breathe. It’s a little rough, which tears me apart. I long to hold her, but I don’t want rumors flying around this place. I cover my sweet Carly with the blanket and kiss her forehead. She needs her rest no matter how much I want to just talk to her. I get up and take a seat in the chair near the window. It’s too far away for me. I lift it, then set it next to her bed. I take her hand and hold it in mine as I sit and watch her.
Hours pass with her parents coming in and out. They go home for the night and I promise to keep them up to date should anything change. Carly wakes up several times, but only long enough for a few smiles.
“Doctor, here you go.” Ivy comes in with two orderlies and a rollaway bed. “Thought you could use this.”
“Thanks, Ivy. You’re not as bad as I thought.”
She flips me off, then says, “We need you to be on your toes. We already know your mind is going to be focused on her, but at least you can get some sleep.”
Chapter 9
Carly
I push the covers off me. I’ve been in my old bedroom at my parents for almost a week, and I hate it. I’m missing Carter every second I'm here. It's frustrating and gut-wrenching. He's called several times a day and has come over before or after work, and will be here tonight, but I'm feeling so lonely that my heart hurts all the time.
My face feels wet and I realize I'm crying, silent tears streaming down my face. We haven’t made love all week. My body longs for him, but he’s been so good at avoiding me. I feel like driving to his place to see if there’s anyone else. I don’t believe there is, but he refuses to make love to me.
I jump in the shower. Maybe I can wash away the pain. What’s wrong with me? I know I’m in love with him. There’s no doubt about that.
“Carly,” I hear my mother call out.
“I’m in the shower,” I yell.
“Your father and I are meeting your brother for dinner before he goes back to Palace. Do you want to go?”
“No, mom. I don’t feel like it. Besides, Carter said he was going to stop by.”
“Okay. I love you, my angel.”
“I love you too, mom.” I hear the front door close and then open again. They probably forgot something. Wrapping a towel around my chest and one to cover my hair, I step out of the bathroom. I gasp, shocked to see Carter sitting on my bed.
“Wow, I didn’t mean to frighten you. Your mom let me in.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I missed you.” I rush to him, jumping into his arms and knocking him on his back. He chuckles before grasping my ass. I moan, pressing my hands to his chest then grinding on his length. He grabs my hips and lifts me off him, setting me on the bed. A flicker of sadness crosses my face before I can hide it.
“Don’t look sad. I want you more than you can even fathom.”
“Then why? Are you afraid of catching something?”
“Sweetheart, I’ve been around you almost every day. I’m not worried about getting sick, but making you worse.”
“Lord, I’m ready to go back to work. I’ve been cleared,” I complain, hoping to persuade him. “Why are you being so…so…? Never mind.”
“Yes, you have been cleared, but I don’t want to be the reason you relapse. Please calm down before you raise your blood pressure.” I’m so mad that I want him to leave. He’s being ridiculous. Having to persuade him feels terrible.
I stand without a word and walk to my large chair near the window and pick up the clothes I’d laid out. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll get dressed. Please wait downstairs.”
“What? It’s not like I haven’t seen you naked.”
“I’m not saying that. But you don’t get to pretend to be attracted to me, then make me feel like I’m begging for it. I’m not going to entertain you with a peep show. If that’s not good for you, you can leave. I’ll join my parents for dinner.” I take the towel off my head, letting my hair fall over my shoulder.
“The fuck if I’m going anywhere.” He rises to his feet and with three steps he’s on me. His mouth comes down on mine, while his right hand snakes around my hair and the left on my ass, tugging me to his body. “You want me to show how much I need you? Be prepared. I’m going to make you come all night.” He carries me to the bed pulling the towel off my body, then climbs above me. His body dominating mine. He grinds his cock against my pussy. I arch up, searching for more. Carter drops his pants, then slides into me without hesitation.
He bends his head, taking my breast into his mouth, sucking the last bit of water off it. Carter’s tongue moves to the other, treating it with the same attention. I buck my hips wildly, my orgasm dancing on the edge. I claw his back, marking him as mine. He looks up, then kisses me with such passion I don’t ever want this to end. A rush of possessiveness blankets me. “Mine,” I growl in his ear, causing him to lose it. He thrusts into me repeatedly until I’m coming and he’s emptying into me.
There’s a huge chance that I could get pregnant, and I welcome it. Fuck me, I’m obsessed with Carter. I can’t even understand why I ever hated him. I’m irrationally needy for all things Carter. Having his baby would be perfect.
Chapter 10
Carter
I call her father to ask for permission. He tells me it’s given and a date is marked on their calendar for next month. The only one I haven’t met is her older brother, Blake. Apparently, no one’s told him about us because Carly wants to introduce me to him. Even if he doesn’t like me, it’s not going to stop me. Her parents are already planning our wedding.
I’m back on when I get a call from security. “Dr. James, Ms. Reynolds came in with her parents in tears.”
“What?”
“I don’t know who they’re here to see, but the only major emergency to come through the door was a gunshot victim. He just came out of surgery.”
“Thank you, Edgar.”
“No problem.”
I pull up the lists of patients and the victim’s name is Blake Reynolds. Shit, Carly’s brother has been brought in with a GSW. I make my way there as soon as I can. It takes me longer than I’d like, but when I get there, Carly’s pacing back and forth, her face flushed. She doesn’t look good. The flu is dangerous, and the worst is over for her, but she’s getting overly excited, and that’s putting me on edge. She could be pregnant with my kid. We’ve fucked like bunnies with no protection. I’d been thinking about it when she was in the hospital. The vision of her round with my kid would be so fucking sexy. I never thought about finding a woman I’d want to have my babies before, but now it’s all I can think about with Carly.
“Carly, sweetheart,” I whisper, running into the room and wrapping my arms around her. She sobs into my chest. “Calm down. You’re going to get sick.”
“I’m fine. He’s not. I’m worried about him.” She’s looking up at me and I want to kiss away her pain.
I wipe her tears, kissing her softly. “I’m worried more about you.”
“How many times do I have to tell you I’m all better.”
“You don’t fucking look like it. I don’t want you pacing. You need to remain calm.”
She scrunches her face, pulling out of my arms. Then she lets loose on me. “You idiot. That’s my brother. Fix him or I’ll…”
I tug her back into my arms, slamming her roughly against my chest. “You’ll what, sweetheart. He’s going to be fine, but you, on the other hand, should be fucking laying down and resting.” She’s being irrational; something I completely understand.
“I don’t need to lay down,” she snaps at me. I roll my eyes because she has no idea that she’s pushing my limits. No one means more than she does.
“You’re carrying my kid. You’ll do as I fucking say,” I warn her, grabbing her arm and taking her out of the room. As soon as we get into the
hall, I throw her over my shoulder. She fidgets, so I smack her round bottom. She’s lucky she’s wearing pants because if someone were to see her luscious ass she’d get spanked. “Quit squirming around.”
“Let me down,” she screeches.
“Nope.” Catcalls and cheers erupt in the hallway as I wait for the elevator.
“Where are you taking me?” she asks, slapping my ass when the door closes.
“To my office where we can talk.”
“You can put me down now.”
“Are you going to fight me?”
“No.” I set her down and intertwine our fingers. The floor’s mostly empty, so we make it to my office without being interrupted. I close the door and walk us to my desk, sitting her ass on it. My thighs trapping hers.
“How are you feeling, sweetheart?”
“I’m okay, except that my brother’s just been shot by some fucking nutjob.” I place my hands on the sides of her face, holding her still and looking deep into those beautiful blues.
“Calm down, my sweet Carly. You’re going to make yourself sick. I’ve checked his record. He’ll to be out of here tomorrow.”
“He will?”
“Yes, now give me a kiss and tell me you’re going to take it easy.” She arches her brow, but I’m not fazed one bit. I wrap her legs around my waist and grind my cock against her mound. “Are you going to?”
“Do you think you can control me with your cock?”
“No, I just want you to relax. And this makes you do that pretty fast.” Needing to make her come, I slip my hands inside her yoga pants. My fingers make their way to her soaking wet pussy. “Can you come for me, Carly? For the man that loves you so much he can’t breathe without you?”
“Yes, yes. I’m coming,” she cries. Her head falls onto my shoulder. “I love you, Carter.”
My heart just explodes. I’m going to marry this woman.
A knock at the door interrupts our moment. “Give me one second.”
Carly hops off the desk and saunters to my bathroom. One of the many perks of having the director’s office. I open the door for Ivy. “Dr. James, you’re needed in the ER.”