When Carter looks up and notices me approaching, he smiles. Reaching for the lever, he shuts down the mower. “Hey,” he says as I walk toward him.
“Hey. I heard the mower. I thought you might like a cold drink.” I hold up the can of Coke in my hand.
“Thanks,” he says, taking it with one hand and wiping the sweat off his brow with the other. The shimmer of perspiration covering his delicious body only seems to enhance his muscle tone. My eyes travel down to his chest. That’s when I notice one of his nipples is pierced. Holy cow. I find myself wanting to lean forward and swirl my tongue around it. “Hey, my eyes are up here,” he says with a chuckle. I feel my face flush when I make eye contact with him again. They’re the same words I used on him when he was checking out my tits that day.
“Sorry,” I say as embarrassment consumes me.
“Don’t be. I like that you find me irresistible.”
“I do not,” I scoff, screwing up my face.
“Deny it all you want, beautiful, but you and I both know the truth.” I don’t bother responding because he’ll only have another smart comeback. Besides, he’s right. Plus he called me beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard him say that to me. “You’re looking rather fine today. Did you go to all that effort just for me?” He smirks and then winks. “I’m touched.” God he’s a cocky arse.
“No,” I screech. Even though the answer is yes. LJ barks in my arms, and it’s only then that Carter realises that I’m holding him.
“How’s our little boy today?” he asks, reaching out and ruffling the fur on the top of his head. The fact he referred to him as ours makes me smile. “Did he sleep okay?”
“He did. I put him in my room last night.” His eyes look up from the dog and lock with mine.
“He got to sleep in your room? Lucky bugger. Maybe I should’ve climbed in the box yesterday, then I could’ve slept in your room, too.”
“Ha ha. Nice try,” I laugh.
“Well you’ve got to give me ten points for trying,” he chuckles. “So, what are your plans today? Do you have any?” I shrug.
“Not really.”
“Wanna do something with me? I’m nearly done here.”
“Like what?” I ask sceptically. I can never tell with Carter.
“We could go for a drive, or to the movies.”
“The movies? Have you ever been to the movies?” I ask surprised. It doesn’t seem like his thing.
“No, but there’s always a first.” I smile. I love that he wants to spend time with me and is willing to suggest anything so he can.
“Can I pick what we watch?”
“As long as it’s not some sissy-arse movie, then yes,” he replies.
“Okay.” He smiles at my response. It makes my heart race. I have no idea where this thing with us is going, but God I hope it goes somewhere.
“Give me an hour. I need to finish up here and then have a shower.”
“Alright. I’m gonna take LJ for a walk. Come get me when you’re ready.” After placing LJ down, I walk across the lawn towards the sidewalk. Turning my head, I take one last glance at Carter over my shoulder. He’s standing there watching me. I give him a smile and he winks at me. It sends my stomach into a flutter. God, he’s sex on legs.
“How’s your mum going?” I ask him on the drive into town. He shrugs. I need the distraction because all I can think of is all the bad things I’d like to do to him. Like run my tongue over every inch of him. For some reason he’s always brought out my wild side. He’s freshly showered and smells divine which doesn’t help matters. I could seriously drown in his scent.
“Okay, I guess. Your dad’s been great. I’m thankful for everything he’s been doing.”
“I like that they’re becoming friends,” I tell him as I turn my head in his direction. He has such a beautiful profile. While his eyes are firmly planted on the road ahead, I use this time to look over his handsome face. “They both have the loss of a spouse in common. Hopefully having each other will do them some good,” I add. Well that’s my hope. His eyes briefly leave the road and look my way. Why does a simple look from him turn me on?
Elizabeth will be good for him. It’s been sixteen years since my mum died. My dad still locks himself away on her anniversary and birthday. He’s never dated anyone since her death. I know he loved her, but he needs to move on. Live again. I’m sure my mum would’ve wanted that for him.
Carter opens my door and helps me out of the car when we arrive at the movies. We originally planned to have lunch beforehand, but as it turns out we don’t have time. “We can go eat afterwards,” Carter says as we line up for tickets.