Precious Lace(10)

"Do you not want to be married to me?"

I could see the hurt in his bright blue eyes.

"I do." I caressed the five o'clock shadow along his jawline.

"Could have fucking fooled me. No ring, you won't change your name, you won't live with me. Actions speak much louder than words, Evangeline, and yours are crystal clear." He lifted me off his lap as the car pulled up to the curb of the restaurant. Parker opened the door and Carter stepped out, hauling me behind him, his hand locked firmly with mine.

"I won't let you get rid of me." He growled in my ear as he placed a firm hand on my back.

"I don't want to." I stared into his eyes imploring him to understand. I never wanted him out of my life—I just needed time.

We walked into the low-lit restaurant and the server led us to the table Carter had reserved in an intimate corner with a view of the harbor. I slid into the circular booth and Carter slid in next to me. He held my hand firmly as he ordered a scotch for himself and white wine for me.

"I don't mean to push you away, Carter." I turned to him and squeezed his hand reassuringly.

"Good, because you don't have the option. You're my wife and I’m determined to show you in every way that I want all of you, all of the time. And that you can't live without me." His voice lowered seductively. My heart thudded in my chest as he slid his hand up my thigh. The server stepped up and before he could say a word Carter ordered for both of us in a clipped tone. I sent an apologetic smile to the server as he nodded and stepped away.

"You are being insufferable tonight," I snipped at him.

"Every night is insufferable without you." He took another sip of his scotch.

I sighed in defeat. "I want you, Carter. I know it looks like I don't, but I do," I whispered.

"Then give me something, Evangeline. The ring, the name, something," he growled.

"I'm just afraid, Carter."

"Afraid of what?" He turned and shot me a glare.

"Afraid that if we jump right in... we won't last. We have a history of misunderstanding each other, and I don't take marriage lightly," I mumbled.

"Do you think I do? I told you about my childhood, do you think I'd really take marriage lightly? When I married you it was forever. I fully intend to keep my vow," he growled.

"You think I don't intend to?" I shot at him under my breath.

"I think you're running scared."

My mouth dropped open in shock. Tears sprang to my eyes and my heart thudded in my chest. I started to defend myself and then thought better of it. God, was he right? Was I running without even realizing it?

Understanding choked my breathing when it dawned on me what my greatest fear had been all along. It wasn't anything Carter had done, or anything we'd done together. I was afraid that he would run back to Nikki or Madeleine the minute we hit a bump in the road, even though he'd never given me a reason to think that. I was the one sabotaging our relationship because of my own fear and insecurity.

"Carter, I—" Just as I was about to answer we were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Carter, nice to see you." Carter's eyes darted to the edge of the table as John Davis smiled brightly down at us. The man from the gala. The one who was now with Madeleine, Carter's psycho ex-fiancée. My heart sped in my chest as my eyes darted around the restaurant looking for her. Please God don't let her be here.

"John." Carter nodded to him.

"And your lovely companion. Evangeline was it?"

"Yes. My wife, actually." Carter squeezed my thigh under the table. Although John couldn’t see I knew it was meant as a possessive gesture for my benefit.

"Wife? I hadn't heard. Madeleine didn't say anything."

"It was last minute."

"I see. Well, congratulations. I'll be sure to tell Madeleine the wonderful news."

"Is she here?" I managed to choke out before Carter could interrupt me.

"Madeleine? No. I'm here with a client. Congratulations again. It was lovely to see you, Evangeline." He cast a genuine smile to me. I smiled as Carter nodded back.

"I can't believe you told him," I whispered as he walked away.

"Why? It's what you are. I'm sick of keeping it a secret."

"My parents don't even know, Carter. God, what if it gets back to them?"

"Then I guess you should tell them sooner rather than later." He took a casual swig of his scotch.

"You are so immature."

"Why?" His eyes shot to mine.

"You're trying to force my hand."

"If that's what it takes," he shrugged as the server brought our food. He kept his hand on my thigh as he took a bite of his lobster. I rolled my eyes and pushed the food around on the plate. I had no appetite after our constant head-to-head.