Inotice Carter’s face blanch slightly. He appears to be as unsure as I am on how to politely decline.
“As much as we appreciate the offer, we’ll have to decline this time. We have to get back to the city.”
“Oh nonsense,” Mason responds with a chuckle and a flick of his wrist. “Think of it as more of an insistence than an offer. We couldn’t possibly have the new CEO out in our neck of the woods and send him home on an empty stomach. And it’s the Annual Norcaster Summer Festival; you simply can’t miss seeing the festivities tomorrow morning.” He pulls out his wallet, skimming through cards until he finds what he’s looking for. Making his way over to where Carter’s still seated, Mason hands him a card. “Here, this is where the group is staying. I took the liberty of reserving you a room just in case, but I’m sure they’ll have another for Miss Matthews.”
The way he speaks so matter-of-factly makes me think we might not have a way out of this.
Hold on, did he say tomorrow morning? And a room?
I don’t get another second to contemplate any of that because one look at Carter distracts me entirely. Confliction flickers across his facial features before he regains himself and responds with a wide smile. “We’d be delighted, Mason. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Wellshit, I guess I was right about no way out. There’s no way this is ending well.
Neither of us brought a change of clothes for this impromptu dinner. We were under the impression we’d be meeting and leaving, all within the space of a few hours. Andstaying the night?That’s absurd. There’s no way Carter was agreeing to that as well.
I look in his direction to find he’s vacated his seat and is now laughing with Mason. He’s wearing signature Carter attire: a pale blue long-sleeve button-up, tucked pristinely intoa pair of navy slacks. His green eyes are lit up in a way that would make the sunshine on the ocean jealous. I’m almost transfixed by him.
In this moment, he looks carefree. His face is bright, mouth stretched into his classic businessman smile, and he’s got a hand clapping Mason on the shoulder as they laugh. It’s the most attractive he’s ever been.
That isn’t necessarily saying much though. He’s got the sort of face that would bring anyone, man or woman, to their knees when turned in your direction.
Realising I’m staring at Carter and paying no mind to those around me, I politely exit the group I’d accidentally found myself in and decide we better get moving.
I’m careful to zig-zag through those still gathered in conversation as I make my way over to where Carter and Mason are standing, Carter’s impressive side profile on full display.
As if sensing my approach, he angles his head in my direction. Carter’s smile grows as he looks at me, and my stomach does a little flip. Goodness me, he really is far too handsome for his own good. As my stomach settles, Carter does the unthinkable and winks at me.
Winks. At me.Scratch the little flip; my stomach is somersaulting like the Olympic Gold depends on it.
“We’ll meet at Hearth & Timber at six? That should be enough time for everyone to freshen up.” The group around us sound their agreement, but Carter and I just nod. It seems everyone has a room up here. Everyone except us.
After packing up and saying quick farewells, we make our way to the car to deposit our work stuff. I’m utterly perplexed at how this is playing out. There’s simply no way we’re?—
“It’s not ideal, but it’s in our best interest to take Mason up on the accommodation front.” Carter’s words come as a surprise, completely opposite to my previous train of thought.
“Oh?” is all I can manage in response.
“My father mentioned it wouldserve me wellto make a good first impression as the new CEO with these guys, which is a polite way of saying there’s no telling Mason no, under any circumstances. We’ll head over to the bed and breakfast now to secure you a room.”
The noise that comes from my throat is something between a scoff and a gasp; decidedlyunladylike. “I can’t imagine he hadthissituation in mind when you had that conversation.” Reaching the car, I pause. The cogs in my brain are turning at a rapid pace, so I continue. “Although, surely your dad must have known how likely a dinner would be, given his experience with these guys?” My words aren’t pointed directly at Carter but are more out-loud thoughts.
He must have heard me though, because I’m almost certain I hear Carter swear under his breath, followed by a small chuckle. I think better than to question that. Not because I’m not intrigued, which I most definitely am, but because I don’t think I was meant to hear it in the first place.
Chapter 24
Carter
It’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.
