24. Carter

Chapter 2 4

Carter

I t’s too late by the time I realise I’ve laughed out loud at what appears to be nothing. All I can do is hope Lara didn’t hear and wonder what on earth is wrong with me.

Of course, of course, my father would’ve known there’d be a dinner following the meeting. In fact, he was probably counting on it, the meddlesome little thing. Really though, I should’ve seen it coming myself. Of all the meetings I’ve been to during my time at the firm, it’s rare for there not to be a dinner afterwards.?

My father had been so blatant about his desire for me to spend more time around Lara, yet I still fell right into his trap. I make a mental note to berate him for this the minute I get back to London. The nerve on him both astounds and humours me.

We make the short drive to the Norcaster Bed and Breakfast in semi-comfortable silence. I’m still ruminating on the way my father stuck his nose where it didn’t belong, and Lara appears lost in thought as well. I try my best not to stare, but I’m constantly in awe of her. She’s beautiful, quick-witted, detail-oriented to a fault, and one of the most mesmerising women I’ve come across.

“You’re going to cause an accident if you keep your attention off the road any longer.”

And of course, she’s as cheeky as they come. Her mouth has to be one of my favourite things about her.

There’s a brief smirk on her lips as she turns toward me, meeting my gaze. Without a word, I direct my attention to the road and pull up in front of the B Lara uses my name all the time. But in this scenario, relating to sharing a room, and a bed for the night, it’s completely different from ever before.

You are here for work, Carter. Cut the shit. No more thoughts of Lara going to your dick. This is getting out of hand.?

It’s only a short walk to our room, but each step plagues me. How is this going to play out? There’s absolutely no way Lara will be fine with sharing a bed. I’m going to have to sleep on the floor; there’s no way around it. I refuse to make her uncomfortable, no matter how badly my dick aches at the thought of nestling itself between that firm arse of hers.

Stop.

I let out a sigh of release as the door swings open; there’s a small chaise against the window.?That ought to be more comfortable than the floor, even if I’m far too long to fit.

“The bed is all yours. I’ll sleep on that,” I advise Lara, pointing toward the chaise.?

“Don’t be ridiculous,” says Lara from behind me, stopping me in my tracks. Ridiculous? “This thing is huge. There’s enough room for the both of us. We won’t even know the other is in there, it’s that large.”?

I huff; I can’t help myself. It’s incredible she really thinks I could ever forget being in bed with someone like her. I know full well that every ounce of my being would be continuously aware of her presence.

“I’m trying to be a gentleman, Lara. I’m more than happy sleeping on the chaise.”

Lara gives me a once over, ever so slowly, as if completely taking me in for the first time today. Her eyes meet mine once more, and I pray to god she doesn’t clock the twitch in my cheek as I give her a megawatt smile.

“What you’re being is ridiculous. You and I both know you’re far too long for that chaise, and there’s simply no need for you to squash yourself onto it. I don’t need you to be a gentleman.”

I stop breathing. Not a single ounce of oxygen enters my lungs after Lara utters those last eight words. Staring at her, I’m at a loss. My heart thumps beneath my rib cage, my hands flexing of their own accord.??

What game is she playing at? I’ve spent the past several weeks trying hard to get a reaction out of her, but the one time I’m being completely sincere, this is how she responds? Fuck, I might not have cracked the code for her yet, but Lara certainly knows how to push my buttons.

“Are you coming?” Lara calls from the doorway before turning and walking out.