Bastard(103)

Holy crap, steep is not the word. It’s a fifty-two percent incline, earning the title of the steepest passenger railway in the world. You also have the option to recline your seat back another twenty percent, which of course we did. Carter holds me tight against him on the journey down, which to me is the best part. Again, he links his fingers through mine as we walk the tracks of the valley below.

We fall into easy conversation as we walk along. When we come to a stop by a beautiful waterfall, Carter pulls out his phone to take a selfie of us. He drapes his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in against his side. “Smile, beautiful,” he says. After snapping a few shots, he releases me and places the phone back in his pocket. Presuming we’re going to continue on down the trail, I take a step forward. “I’m not finished with you yet,” he says reaching for me and pulling me back to him. Turning me in his arms, he cups my face in his hands. The look he gives me has my heart melting. He looks like I feel—happy. “I’m going to kiss you now,” he warns before covering my mouth with his.

It’s another one of those sweet, hot kisses that has me weak at the knees. My arms slide around his waist and my hands fist the back of his jacket to hold myself up. Opening my mouth slightly, I deepen the kiss when his tongue meets mine. This is not the kind of kiss that you would call acceptable for a public place, but I don’t care. I’m too lost in him to give a shit.

I can’t even put it into words what being here with him in this magical place feels like. I can’t remember the last time I felt this happy, this alive. Not once have I thought about my illness and what lies ahead. Not once. Instead, I’m lost in every look, every word, and every touch from Carter. I’m consumed by him.



It’s late in the afternoon by the time we arrive back home. When we finally made our way back up the mountain to our parents, Carter suggested we head to Leura for lunch. It’s a quaint little town, with the cutest little shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants.

We ate in a nice place complete with a fireplace, which was a welcome escape from the cold. All the food was made with local produce. It had wall to ceiling glass windows that overlooked the valley below. The food and the company were amazing. Today was something that we all needed: a nice escape from the dramas awaiting us back home.

The only downfall was it had to come to an end. I enjoyed every second of my time with Carter. When my dad and I came inside, and Carter and his mum went to their house, I can’t even explain the emptiness I felt. After Dad and I had dinner, I went to my bedroom, hoping Carter would be in his room so I could catch a glimpse. Sadly he wasn’t.

Eventually, I gave up and headed in for a shower. It had been a big day, and to be honest I was tired. The quicker I got to sleep, the faster tomorrow would come. That meant I’d get to see Carter again. It’s funny how quickly I’ve become attached to him. I guess, even after he left all those years ago, he still held my heart. In a way we’ve just picked up where we left off.

Later as I lay in bed, all I can think about is him. He’s proven over the past week how much he cares. Maybe it’s time I take down the walls I’ve erected around my heart and let him back in.





CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Carter


I’m awoken by a soft voice calling my name. “Carter … Carter, are you awake?” I fucking am now. Reaching out blindly, I flick the switch on my bedside lamp. The light hurts my eyes. Squinting, I try and adjust my sight to the sudden fucking brightness that has now filled my room. This better be a damn emergency.

“Indi.” She’s standing just inside my window, wearing a silky black dressing gown. I have no idea why she’s sneaking in my room. Or am I dreaming? My heart starts to race when I realise something must be wrong. I sit up rubbing my eyes. “Are you alright? Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine,” she says taking a step towards me. “I couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about you, about us.”

“You were?” I’m confused.

“I was.” Why that has me smiling like a fool, I can’t say. I guess I like the fact she was thinking about me. Hopefully in a good way. She takes another step towards me. I watch as she takes in a long breath before releasing it slowly. She looks nervous. Shit, that can’t be a good sign. Have I misunderstood her reasons for coming here?

She doesn’t speak another word. Instead her hands move up to the tie of her dressing gown. I gulp in some air as she slowly undoes the bow. Nope. I haven’t misunderstood. I feel my dick twitch with anticipation.

Her hand slowly moves up to her shoulder as she pushes the silk fabric down one arm. It’s like a torturous, erotic striptease. It immediately has my dick growing. If this is a fucking dream I’m going to be pissed. I almost want to pinch myself just to make sure. I hold my breath as I wait for her next move.