19. Nineteen

Nineteen

Carson

Sunlight streams through the picture window of my office. The view never gets old. I trace the familiar path of the river with my gaze. Its ceaseless flow mirrors the unexpected twists and turns my life has taken. I take a deep, calming breath, watching the gentle waves across the river's surface, a soothing counterpoint to the strange unease within me.

Anna. The thought of her sends a smile spreading across my face. I probably shouldn't have crossed that line, but instead of fading, the desire seems to intensify with every moment we're together.

I watch as a tugboat chugs by, the river's flow a constant reminder of life's ever-changing currents. Just like the river, my life has taken an unexpected turn, one that fills me with exhilaration and a sense of homecoming. But can I trust this feeling?

I groan when I glance at the clock. The board meeting with my brothers starts in minutes, yet here I sit, lost in my thoughts.

I stand up and stretch. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. Work used to be my life, my salvation. Now, it feels more like a chore, a distraction from the warmth that has filled my days since Anna and Connor arrived.

A month ago, work was the only thing that mattered. My life was stagnant. I was restless, yearning for something I couldn't define. Then Connor walked in, changing my life forever. He brought with him a whirlwind of energy and a love so deep that it scares me sometimes. I grin, just thinking of my son. He takes joy in the simplest of things.

And then there's his mother. I let out a sigh. I always come back to Anna. Between her and my son, my life has never been this full. They've brought a lightness back into my days, a zest for life that extends to every corner of my world. Now, I'm eager to get home and I'm learning to embrace the joy of the present moment, to savor the simple things – like eating breakfast together.

Suzanne knocks on my office door, snapping me back to reality. "Carson, it's time for the meeting."

"Thank you, Suzanne." I follow her across the hall to the conference room. Both of my brothers are already seated, amusement gleaming in their eyes.

"Sorry for the delay," I mutter, taking my seat. I turn toward Suzanne, "Could you read the minutes from the last meeting, please?"

She blinks, surprised by the request, "Of course." As she reads the minutes from the last board meeting, I nod along, but my mind is elsewhere.

"Ah, yes." I glance over at my brothers, who are grinning from ear to ear. "Okay, what's so damn funny?" I say with a stern frown in their direction. But I have a feeling I already know.

"Nothing, nothing at all," says Carter, but amusement lingers in his eyes.

Chase smirks and ever the blunt one states, "It's just that you used to eat, drink, and breathe work, and now—Well, now, you're like the rest of us. You're enjoying your life. It shows."

I try to glower at them, but I can't help but grin back. "Fine, I like having a family. More than I ever thought I would."

I turn to Suzanne. "The meeting's canceled. Why don't you take some extra time for lunch?" She nods with a happy smile and closes the door behind her with a soft click.

I rub my hand through my hair with a frown as I turn back to my brothers.

"Why the long face, Carson?" Carter asks me. Leaning back in my chair, I let out a sigh, "I'm not sure. It just feels surreal," I confess, "Four weeks ago, I didn't even know Connor existed. Now, we're living together like a family. I keep thinking I'll wake up one morning and find out it's just a dream."

My brothers exchange a knowing glance. Chase grins and says, "Carson. I get it. I was adamant I didn't want a child. Now, sometimes, when I look at Gabby, I break into a sweat, knowing I could have missed out on loving her. Val and Gabby are the best part of my life."

Carter gives me a considering look. "The last time we talked about Anna was at Wild Riders. I'm pretty sure circumstances have changed."

"Yes. We're sharing a bedroom." Both of my brothers just grin, their grins widen as Carter adds drily. "Well, that explains your good mood," he throws a wink in my direction. Then, suddenly serious, he asks, "Do you think there might be more there than you originally thought?"

I feel my jaw tighten, "It's too early to tell," I admit. "While we're compatible in so many ways, I can't let go of the past. She hurt me once, and I…" My voice cuts off. The memory surfaces, bringing with it a feeling of bitterness. "I wouldn't want to go through that again. Especially when we share a child." When I look up both brothers have a glint of understanding mixed with sympathy in their glances.

"Yeah, that would be tough," Chase readily agrees. "Just don't overanalyze things. If things are meant to be, then everything will work out." He shrugs.

"As you know, I tend to analyze everything," I admit with a rueful smile. "But I'll try to wait and see where this goes. Sometimes, it feels like we're a family, and then…" I hesitate, the weight of the past pressing down. "I remember old hurts." I don't want to discuss the details with them, feeling the need to protect Anna's privacy in some strange way.

There's a hesitant knock on the door. Chase jumps up and opens the door. I look up to see Anna standing in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt. Clara, the receptionist, told me to come on up. She mentioned your admin was at lunch." She's dressed in black pants with a purple silk shirt that brings out the color of her eyes. Her chestnut hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders.

Chase's grin widens as the door swings open. "Hi, Anna," he greets, his voice warm. "We just finished up our meeting." He glances sideways at Carter, a silent exchange passing between them before he turns back to her. "We'll leave you two alone." With a nod in our direction, my brothers exit, the heavy oak door sighing shut behind them.

The silence that follows stretches between us. I clear my throat, the sound echoing in the sudden emptiness. "Did something bring you by, Anna?"

A blush creeps up her neck, painting her cheeks a pretty pink. "No, not really," she states with a hesitant smile. "I was in the area and thought I'd stop in. I haven't seen your offices before."

A slow smile spreads across my face. "Great," I respond, standing. "Let me show you around. Then we can go out to lunch if you'd like."

Her eyes light up with a smile. "That would be nice."

I lead her toward the door, the light scent of her perfume wafting around her. We descend in the elevator, the silence companionable. As the doors slide open on the ground floor, "This is where we train our security and bodyguard teams."

I give her a tour of the training grounds and the indoor shooting range. Once back in the elevator, we make our way to the first floor. "You've already seen the reception area. This floor houses most of our administrative departments. Human resources, accounting, and marketing." As we walk through the halls, I smile down at her, "Kat, Carter's fiancée, is the manager of our marketing department."

Anna returns my smile, a playful glint in her eyes. "Kat mentioned that," she says, her voice tinged with amusement. "She told me about a ‘Bodyguard Calendar' promotion?"

I roll my eyes in mock exasperation. "Yeah, she tried to sweet talk Carter into participating, but he wasn't having any of it." My voice turns serious as I add, "Kat's definitely a force to be reckoned with in marketing."

Reaching for the doorknob, I usher her inside. "And this is my office," I announce with a touch of pride. The room is bathed in a warm glow, courtesy of the expansive windows. Her eyes light up as she sees the panoramic view of the river.

A gasp escapes Anna's lips. "Carson," she breathes, her voice laced with awe, "the view from here is breathtaking."

"I planned it that way," I reply with a self-satisfied smirk, "I'm the CEO, so I gave myself the best view and office."

Her gaze sweeps across the room, lingering on the dark wood furniture – a heavy desk, matching bookshelves overflowing with leather-bound books, and a comfortable round table with plush chairs. A surprised laugh bubbles up from her chest as she spots the discreet door tucked away in a corner. "You even have your own bathroom?"

With a hint of pride in my voice, I confirm, "Of course, and a personal coffee station right next to my admin's desk." I reach out, my fingers brushing against her arm before gently pulling her closer. The heat of her skin sends a spark through me.

"An admin who's currently out of the office," I murmur huskily.

Her breath hitches as I lean in, the scent of her perfume an intoxicating invitation. My lips graze the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. Her eyes flutter shut, dark lashes resting on her flushed cheeks.

The world around us fades away as I claim her lips in a kiss. Her initial surprise melts into a soft sigh as she surrenders, her lips parting under mine. Our kiss deepens, a hungry exploration fueled by our desire.

I feel her shiver, and when she opens her eyes, they're dark with her arousal. I press her closer, her body molding against mine, the urgency building with every touch.

The sudden click of the outer door shatters the passionate world we've built. We both step apart, blinking in the harsh light of reality. I loosen my grip, my forehead resting against hers as we catch our breath.

A rueful smile curves my lips. "It seems I misspoke," I murmur. "Come on, let's get some lunch."

I walk out my open door, and Suzanne looks up startled, "Oh, sorry. I brought my lunch back to eat it at my desk. I didn't know you were with someone."

"Not a problem. Suzanne, this is Connor's mother, Anna Johnson," I introduce them, gesturing towards Anna. "And this is Suzanne Lion, my admin. She's been keeping Knight Security running smoothly for years."

Anna offers Suzanne a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise, Anna. Carson's a fantastic CEO and boss," Suzanne replies with a knowing smile in my direction.

Anna's smile widens. "I'm sure he is."

Once the elevator doors slide shut, offering a reprieve. Anna's gaze lifts to mine, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Even back then, when you talked about Knight Security, I knew you'd be a success. You had such a fierce passion for your family's business. I loved hearing you talk about your plans."

I nod, a flicker of surprise crossing my features. I hadn't realized she'd paid so much attention when I shared my goals for the company's future. I'm struck silent as I lead her to the parking garage.

The car's quiet is a comfortable silence. Pulling into a parking lot next to a brightly lit pub with a catchy sign—"Shot in the Dark" - I turn to Anna for her approval.

"This okay? They serve the typical bar food, but it always tastes great."

I lead the way into the high-end sports bar. "They also know me here. The co-owner, Jaxson, is a private investigator we work with often."

We settle into the red cushioned booth across from each other. After we've ordered, a calm silence descends as Anna lets her gaze drift around the sports bar. Large-screen TVs line the walls, muted broadcasts flickering silently. I catch her eye and gesture toward a small control panel on the table. "Each booth has its own volume control," I explain.

She leans forward to curiously look at the control panel with a small smile. She seems as content as I am with the sound muted. The low murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses create a soothing atmosphere.

As Anna drains the last sip of her white wine, a satisfied sigh escapes her lips, "That was good," she murmurs, setting down the empty glass. "And the food was delicious."

I signal for the check, feeling pleasantly full. Suddenly, a familiar voice cuts through the air. "Carson! Good to see you." A tall, broad-shouldered figure walks up to our table, a welcoming grin spreading across his face. "How's business?"

"Jaxson," I greet, returning his smile. "Things are good. This is Anna Johnson," I introduce, the words feeling a little stiff on my tongue. "An... old acquaintance." A mental groan escapes me as the words leave my mouth, entirely inadequate for the complex history we share.

Jaxson's grin falters for a moment before he recovers smoothly. "Nice to meet you, Anna," he extends a hand as his eyes swivel between us with a hint of curiosity. "I don't think I've ever met one of Carson's acquaintances before. I hope you enjoyed your lunch?"

Anna responds with a tight smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "It was excellent. Thank you," she replies with a brittle laugh.