Astonished, Ellie watched as the hostilities started to fade. She stared at Carter. He grinned and winked at her. She was glad she’d scheduled the shipment of cases for pick-up tomorrow morning, instead of earlier this afternoon. Otherwise they wouldn’t have had three cases to offer. She bit her lip, eyeing the cases that were bartered for her future. That would mean less to put up for auction, and less money in her pocket in the end. But hopefully the broker, Neville, would work his magic, securing some sort of value for the collection.
Uncle Russert capitalized on the opportunity Carter had afforded them. “I hope this gesture of good faith will serve as a reminder that the Montgomery family history goes back generations on this island. We will always repay our debts. Now, we move into the future on the foundation we have always stood upon—integrity and solidarity.”
As sugar-coated as his words sounded, everyone seemed mollified.
Except Bill Marquell. As the police chief reached for the warrant, Carter snatched it, his expressive gray eyes scanning the document. When he finished, he promptly tore it in half.
Marquell slammed his fists on the table and rose menacingly. “You think you’re special, boy? That you can disrespect the law and not deal with the consequences?”
“What consequences?” Carter stifled a yawn. “The warrant expired last week.”
Fuming, Marquell snatched it back, read the dates. “Son of a—” He glowered at Judge Avery.
The judge shrugged. He treated Ellie to a sublime smile. “As I said before, it’s not exactly as it seems.”
The police chief glanced around like a cornered animal braced to attack.
Carter said, “I think you can show yourself out now, Bill.”
The use of his first name pushed the chief past the breaking point. Ellie sat back, prepared to duck.
Face glowing like a red light bulb, Marquell grabbed his cowboy hat, shoved a cigar in his mouth and headed for the exit.
Before leaving, he turned and pointed at Ellie and Carter. “I’m not through with you yet.” He stormed out.
Carter slid his hand over hers. “I know your freedom came at a high price, Ellie. And I know you hoped to sell those at auction. But I think for now your problems are solved.”
“At least this one is. Thank you,” she whispered. “I wouldn’t have thought to use the liquor to buy them off.”
“It worked. That’s what counts.” Smiling, he released her hand.
When Ellie didn’t let go, he adjusted his grip and laced his fingers through hers. Their mated hands rested on her lap, relaxed, secure. If only the rest of her future felt this safe. Despite their easy slide into relationship mode, nothing about their renewed connection was simple.
Would Carter buy the hotel? Did he plan to stay? How would this affair end?
At the thought of him leaving, a sickening sensation swam through her body. That’s when she knew.
Ellie was falling for Carter. All over again.
She let go of his hand, folding her arms tight across her stomach. Her mind condemned the realization, counting her a fool. Unfortunately, her heart wasn’t listening.
At midnight their guests indicated it was time to leave. She and Carter walked them to the door, helping them with their cases from the collection.
They said their goodbyes. Uncle Russert commended Carter for his quick thinking, then bid them goodnight, leaving her and Carter standing alone in the foyer.
His expression changed from remote to sultry. “Did you wear that dress on purpose, to drive me insane all night?”
“I wanted to get your attention.”
“You have it.”
He crossed the space between them in two strides. Hauling her against him, he captured her mouth with a heated kiss.
Her insides quivered with desire. She wanted to give in to his urgency, let him whisk her away and make love to her for hours.
But she needed answers.
After several attempts, she finally convinced Carter to stop kissing her and let her speak. “I want to know what your intentions are,” she said firmly.
“I’m taking you back to my room, getting you out of that dress, and tossing you into my bed.” He bent forward to taste her again.
She placed a finger over his lips. “I mean in the future. Where is this leading, Carter?”
“If you’re asking me what I want, I think that’s obvious.”
“What do you want from me ?” she clarified.
“You are what I want.” His eyes blazed with fierce possessiveness.
“What about the hotel?”
He kissed her skin through the diamond cut-out of her dress, swirling his tongue along her cleavage. “That, too.”
“But what are your intentions,” she demanded.