Unbreak This Heart

by Betty Shreffler

  Carter raises our hands and kisses my fingers. “Or we can take one day at a time.”

  My lips pull back into an appreciative smile. “I’d like that.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  —

  ALEX

  The table is set with wine for me, beer for Carter, and a fragrant, white candle in the center. On the stove, the lasagna cools while the garlic bread finishes baking. Pouring some wine into my glass, I raise it to my lips and sip, easing my jittery nerves. To my surprise, I’m more excited than edgy. I’m anxious to see Carter’s expression when he sees the effort I’ve put into our dinner. I know he’ll appreciate it and that means a lot to me.

  The sound of his bike engine roars to a stop, and I take another sip of my wine before heading to the door. His smile lights up my entire entryway as soon as he walks in. Wearing a nice pair of jeans, a button-up shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and his unruly hair haphazardly falling over his head, he has my belly stirring with an unfamiliar fire.

  He leans in and kisses my cheek. “It smells delicious in here. I thought I was hungry before. Now I’m starving.”

  “Good, because it’s ready.”

  Taking his hand, I lead him to the dining table. His gaze sweeps over my intimate set up, then he steps forward, using my hand to pull me close. His kiss is gentle, yet passionate. The fire in my belly becomes a blaze and burns right to the center of my core. When his lips part from mine, I catch my breath and stare up at him in a daze.

  “This is perfect. Thank you.”

  Elation bursts through my chest.

  “I thought you’d like it.”

  “I do. You keep surprising me.”

  “How have I surprised you?”

  “From the moment I asked you to join me at my family dinner, I expected you to say no, but you didn’t. I thought the dinner was going to be a one-time thing, that you’d still only want to be friends after, then you came to Kyle and Jane’s, and you surprised me again. Then tonight, this dinner. I feel like you’re giving us a chance.” He takes my hand in his. “And I hope I’m right.”

  Caressing my thumb along his hand, I smile. “You are.”

  Carter pulls me to him, hugging me against his chest, kissing my hair. His body is warm, and he smells intoxicating—a mixture of soap, masculinity, and cologne.

  “You don’t know how good it feels to hear that.”

  Looking at him, I can see the emotion just beneath the surface of his gaze. He kisses me again and my body tingles. This…is how I want to feel.

  “What can I help you with?”

  “Nothing.” Standing up on my toes, I kiss his cheek. “Get comfy and be prepared for the best lasagna you’ll ever eat.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Carter sits while I pull the garlic bread from the oven then plate his food with a slice of lasagna. Adding the garlic bread to it, I bring it to the table, then repeat with my own plate. As soon as the first bite is taken from the fork, Carter lets out a sigh.

  “This is good, really good.”

  Glancing up at him, I smile appreciatively. “I just might have to cook for you again.”

  Carter looks at me, trapping me in his dark, blue gaze. “I’d love it. Anytime you want. Anything you want to cook.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he looks content and utterly satisfied as he drinks the last of his beer. I carry our empty plates to the dishwasher and cover the lasagna. Carter takes the pan from my hand and puts it in the fridge for me. Just as I lift my wine glass from the table, I feel his warm body press against my back. His hands caress my shoulders and arms as his lips gently kiss just behind my ear. Goosebumps rush across my skin and I let out a breath as my knees get weak.

  “Thank you, beautiful. That was amazing.”

  Turning in his arms, his hand raises and caresses my cheek.

  “I should probably get going before it gets too late.”

  The thought of him leaving creates a tight knot in my stomach.

  “I don’t want you to go.”

  Carter rubs his thumb along my hand, still holding me in his gaze. “I’ll stay if you want me to.”

  “I do. I want you to stay.”

  Removing the space between us, Carter places his hand on my neck as he kisses me slow and soft. His affection seeps through his kiss into every limb, snuffing out my anxiety and replacing it with incredible warmth.

  Our lips part and he places his forehead against mine. “You’re so beautiful. Every part of you, inside and out.”

  Moving forward, I lean my head against his chest as he wraps his strong arms around me, holding me against him. I have nothing that needs to be said. All I want to do is feel as I bury myself in his loving embrace. Carter’s silence is a symphony of emotions and my heart is his audience.

  Moments later, I pull myself from his arms with tears prickling the corners of my eyes. Carter’s kiss is sweet, and I’m lifted higher, more euphoric than I can ever remember feeling. He gently strokes my cheek.

  “What would you like to do? I’ll hold you all night if you want me to.”

  Looking up at his deep blue irises, I smile. “We can watch a movie if you want?”

  “All right. Let’s see what we can find.”

  ***

  Wiggling into Carter’s arms, I nestle in with the popcorn bowl. Tossing a couple kernels in the air, he catches them and winks.

  “Show off.” I nudge his arm, and he laughs before he leans back, pulling me with him onto the pillows of my bed.

  “Good choice on the movie,” Carter praises.

  “I knew you’d like it.”

  “You did, huh?”

  “I’m figuring you out.”

  “I’d like to think I’m not complicated.”

  “That’s good because I am.”

  Running his hand through my hair and over my shoulder, he sends exhilarating chills down my arms. “Maybe I like my woman complicated.”

  Leaning my head onto his chest, I grin like a fool as his words linger. His woman. Those two words send fluttering wings through my belly.

  When the movie ends, Carter takes the bowl to the kitchen. I sneak away to the bathroom, brush my teeth, remove my makeup, and change. I open the door, and with the bed lamp illuminating his body, I get a glimpse of his bare back and his curved ass in his jeans. Sliding in next to him, his eyes open. A sweet smile parts his lips.

  “You look gorgeous.”

  My stomach does a swirl and a cheeky grin spreads my lips as I pull the comforter over me.

  “Thank you.”

  Laying on my side, I slip my hand into Carter’s. He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

  “Goodnight.”

  Closing his eyes, he holds my hand close to him. I lay still, admiring him and his long, dark lashes, strong jawline, smooth shaved face, and the curve of his full lips.

  The corner of his mouth raises and his eyes slowly open. Lifting my fingers, he kisses them softly.

  “Can I hold you?”

  Desperate for his warmth, I nod. Standing from the bed, he raises the comforter and joins me under it, placing his arm around me as I nestle into his chest. His fingers stroke my hair as I follow the circles and lines of his interlocking tattoo.

  He glances down, watching me trace it with my finger.

  “You like it?”

  “I do. There’s so many designs and directions. Every time I look at it, I find something new. Does it have a meaning?”

  “This part does.” He points to the section across his chest and shoulder. “My father died in a motorcycle accident. It’s in memory of him. I added to it as time went on.”

  The memory is clearly painful, I can hear it in his languished tone.

  “How old were you?”

  “Seventeen.”

  “That’s so young to lose a parent. I imagine it was really hard on you.”

  Carter’s long, smooth strokes continue as he looks off, expressionless. “It was. Kevin and I were close to him.”


  I rest my hand on one of the feather-like designs on his chest. “I lost my mom six years ago.”

  Looking at me, his expression is empathetic. “What happened?”

  “She died of cancer. After she passed my family drifted apart. I haven’t spoken to my sister in a few years and my father isn’t the emotionally loving type. He’s remarried and lives in Europe.”

  Placing his hand under my chin, he gently lifts my face to meet his gaze. “You’re like me. Tragedy doesn’t break you down, it builds you up.”

  My heart explodes into a million tiny fragments of emotion. Carter is seeing me for who I truly am. I’m not damaged goods to him, I’m a woman who’s overcome the tragedies in her life and become stronger because of them. Inside, I feel the deep wounds of Todd’s impatience and his astringent criticism closing, replaced by Carter’s patience and understanding.

  Pressing my lips against his, I wrap my leg around his waist. With a steady hand, he holds me close, loving my lips with his. My abdomen tightens with arousal and beneath, my core aches with need.

  Carter breaks away. “Alex,” he says, his voice low and breathy. “I’m…we should slow things down.”

  Under my knee, I can feel the length of him stretched and pressing against his jeans. The desire to touch him and feel him twitches my eager fingers.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  His thumb strokes my cheek as he looks at me tenderly. “Anything.”

  “Can I explore you, without being touched?”

  Eyes wide, he swallows a breath. “Is that what you want?”

  Running my finger along his chest, I assure him, “Yes.”

  Kissing me slow and sensually, he leans back and slides his hands under the comforter. Moments later, his jeans and briefs hit the floor. His hand takes mine and soothes the jittery nerves dancing in my belly. He brings my hand to his lips.

  “You can stop at any time if it’s too much. I won’t be upset.” Kissing my fingertips, he lets them go and places both hands behind his head.

  “As hard as it’s gonna be. I promise to keep my hands here.” His fists lock around the twisting bars of my headboard.

  My lips curve before I lean forward, kissing him. Pulling away, I notice the anticipation in his eyes and lower my gaze to his chest. Slowly, I run my finger along his tattoo, tracing the outlines. My heartbeat thuds in my ears as my stomach kinks with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Following the center line of his hard abs to his stomach, I caress along the tattoo that crosses his lower abdomen.

  Glancing up at him, he meets my gaze with desire resting just beneath the surface. Seeing that desire, knowing it’s because of me, gives my body a tantalizing rush. With the added courage, I reach down and take him in my hand.

  The size of him shocks me and I fight back my nerves as I run my hand from base to tip. The corner of his mouth raises, then fades as he leans his head back, giving into the pleasure of my strokes.

  With my other hand, I toss the comforter back, and Carter lifts his head to see my reaction. My eyes widen, but my strokes don’t ease. The heat between my legs is igniting a fiery need. I want to please him. I want him to feel as good as he makes me feel.

  Moving my body lower, I lick across the head and he sucks in a breath just as I fill my mouth with his erection.

  “Alex,” he mutters. My headboard creaks as he tightens his grip.

  Holding him steady at the base, I lick along the outside, then take him back in my mouth, sucking hard and rhythmically stroking the lower length of him. As desire erupts at my center, I increase my pace, eager for him to reach his climax. Desperate for my own release, I reach into my shorts and caress my clit. Moans burst from my lips.

  “Alex.” His voice is grated, edgy. “You’re fucking incredible.”

  The headboard creaks louder and his abdomen flexes. One more pump into my mouth and hot cum bursts from his tip. A breath escapes him, and he lets out a low, sensual moan as I lick across his head. With heavy lids, his gaze meets mine and he releases the headboard.

  “I didn’t expect that. That was…damn, Alex.” He outstretches his arms. “Come here.”

  Settled on his lap, I lean forward. He holds my lower back and caresses his thumbs along the top of my shorts. Bringing my lips to his, I give several slow, sensual kisses before pulling his bottom lip between my teeth.

  A growl escapes his chest. “You are…so fucking beautiful.” He rests his head against mine. “You have no idea how much I want to make you feel as good as you just made me feel.”

  “Save those thoughts for the next time we’re together.”

  “That’s tomorrow. You have training.”

  “Lucky for you then,” I smile.

  Sliding down the bed, he lays back, taking me with him. “It can’t come soon enough.”

  He rolls me to my side and I giggle from the surprise of it. Gentle kisses sweep across my cheeks, nose, and chin.

  “Goodnight, beautiful.”

  I kiss his jaw, then nibble. Light laughter escapes him as he closes his eyes. His arm is wrapped around me and my body is sensitive to the fact he’s nude. I pull the comforter over us and turn to my other side. Carter tugs me against him and places a soft kiss behind my ear, sending waves of pleasure over my shoulders and arms.

  “Thank you for tonight.”

  Thumb caressing my abdomen, his arm tightens around me. “I’m the one that owes you a thank you. It’s the best time I’ve had in a long time.”

  As the warmth of him presses against my back, elation spreads through my chest.

  “Me too.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  —

  ALEX

  “You were a good girl.”

  His breath scorches my ear before the weight of his body lifts off me. Tears burn my cheeks and drip onto my wet pillow.

  The sound of his belt buckle jingles as he hitches his pants over his hips and zips them.

  “I’m gonna find me a drink. Then we’ll have some more fun.”

  My arms writhe and my body trembles. “No, please, no.”

  Strong hands shake me awake. “Alex.”

  Tears pour out of me as I curl into a fetal position inside Carter’s arms. He holds me protectively against him.

  “I’m here. I got you. You’re safe.” His hand strokes my hair and caresses my back. “I have you. You’re right here with me.”

  My hand clutches desperately at his arm, tucking my body inside his protection. My breathing calms and the last of my tears trickle down my cheeks.

  “Do you need anything?”

  “Please, don’t let go.”

  Kissing my head, he holds me close. “I won’t let go.”

  His thumb caresses my hand as I lay still, trying to work through the excruciating memories.

  “What can I do for you?”

  My words jam in my throat. Fresh tears slide down my cheeks. Turning in his arms, my leg brushes against his jeans. Sometime after I fell asleep, he redressed. The thoughtfulness creases the corner of my mouth.

  “Just having you here is helping. I feel safe with you.”

  Tender lips touch my forehead. “As long as I’m around, no one will ever hurt you. I promise you.”

  His words touch deep, soothing me. I lean my head forward, desperate for the contact of his lips again. He kisses me, then tucks me into his arm and lies on his back. My head rests against his chest as he brushes his fingers through my hair.

  “Will you stay with me again tomorrow?”

  “Yes.”

  My heavy lids descend as his loving strokes lull me back to sleep.

  ***

  Sweat drenched fabric clings to my warm skin. Blinking away my drowsiness, I realize Carter’s absence. My sorrow is instantly squashed by the delicious fragrance of sausage and eggs. Flipping the comforter off my legs, I climb off the bed and enter the shower to lift the remnants of last night’s nightmare.

  With my damp hair twisted over my shoulder,
I put on fresh clothes and meet Carter in the kitchen. The table is already set, the dirty dishes gone. Shirtless, the deep recesses of his muscles flex as he moves around the table. My eyes drop to his toned abdomen, then lower to the knot in his jeans. Heat builds between my legs at the memory of his erection sliding between my lips. My cheeks flush and Carter glances at me and grins.

  “Morning, beautiful. I thought I’d surprise you this time.”

  Awakening from my arousal, I step forward and kiss him. “Thank you.”

  He pins me with his desire-filled gaze and eases his hand over my ass. With a squeeze, he winks and gives me a nudge toward the chair. “Enjoy.”

  Carter may not cook a lot, but he sure has a handle on breakfast. It’s cooked just right, and I savor every satisfying bite.

  Taking a fork full of egg covered toast, Carter chews then asks, “You ready for your lesson today?”

  “I am. You gonna take it easy on me since it’s my first self-defense lesson?”

  The corner of his mouth tilts. “What do you think?”

  “I think I’m gonna be sore after training.”

  “I’ll give ya some knee and elbow pads.”

  “Seriously?”

  “No.” Sapphire circles light up his face and his cheeks swell as he laughs. “But I’ll draw you a bath and massage away the aches and pains.”

  “Bring it on then.” I smile before sliding a bite of eggs into my mouth.

  “What would you like to do tonight?”

  “Do you have something in mind?” I ask.

  “I do. There’s a small Carnival on the Boardwalk downtown. It opened up last night. I thought you might like to go.”

  “Only if you promise to win me something big and stuffed.”

  “Deal.”

  Setting my plate into the dishwasher, I head to my room to change. A moment later Carter taps on my door. “I’m gonna head home to shower and change.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”

  Another tap raps on my door.

  “Alex.”

  Dressed in my workout gear, I open the door. “Yeah?”

  “I wasn’t gonna leave without saying goodbye.”