by Alexa Snow
Nate wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him close. "Then don't move in. Just visit for a while. See what you think."
He was so, so tempted, but, "Nate, I can't. I've got to keep looking for work, and all of the contacts I have are around here. I'm never going to find a job if I move to Oregon."
"Actually, that's where you're wrong." Nate got up and found his pants, and took a folded up piece of paper out of the pocket. "You've got a job, if you want it." He smoothed the piece of paper out and handed it over to Carter.
"What is this?" But he was already reading it over. Edward had gotten him a contract to write a book. A different book, one that he could actually write with the material he'd already collected. "How did -- ? What the heck have you been up to, Nate?"
Nate shrugged. "Edward did it. I just made a few suggestions -- he's the one who did all the legwork. But you can write that from anywhere, can't you?"
"Yeah." Carter sounded dazed even to himself as Nate sat down beside him.
"Not saying you have to make some big commitment," Nate continued. "But shouldn't we give it a shot?"
Nodding slowly, Carter said, "Yeah" again, and felt a smile spread across his face. "Are you sure?"
"Christ on a crutch, Carter, you are the dumbest smart guy I ever met. You think I came all this way and I wasn't sure?"
Carter shook his head mutely.
"So what'd'ya say?" Nate looked hopeful.
"Yes," Carter said. "Yes."
End.