He blushed and then nodded. “Yeah, I have no problem with that.”
“Good. So I don’t need to explain myself, right?”
Wide-eyed, he looked back at me, and he suddenly seemed uncertain.
I sighed lightly. “I like kissing you, touching you, especially whenever andwhereverI want. If I want to and you’re good with it, I will do exactly that. Okay?”
He nodded again, and this time he smiled.
“Eat,” I encouraged. “You don’t have long.”
I watched as he picked up the sandwich I’d made for him and an unfamiliar longing twisted in my gut. I’d never made a guy food before—Davis didn’t count—even a lousy sandwich. And from the way he smirked with every bite and looked around our surroundings with genuine happiness on his face, I would make him lunch every day if this was his reaction.
It didn’t take us long to finish eating. I stood, apple in hand, and indicated the enclosed area created specifically for dogs. “You coming?”
He bit into his own apple and bobbed his head. Once he swallowed, he said, “You go ahead. I’ll tidy this, put the bag in your truck, and then join you.”
“Thanks.” I looked down at Rex, who waited patiently beside me. “You ready for a run, boy?” He tilted his head as if listening to me. Grinning, I said, “Come on then,” and led him to the gate.
“What are your plans for today?” Carter asked once he joined me. I’d immediately taken his hand, which caused him to smile sweetly at me.
With my eyes still on Rex as he ran and sniffed around the empty run, I answered, “I’m going to continue in the spare room. Because I picked up Rex, I’m a bit behind.”
His hand squeezed mine, and he nudged his shoulder against me. His voice was light and sounded amused when he said, “Hardly behind. Geez, you’ve been working your butt off doing above and beyond the hours needed. Anyone would think you were trying to get done as quickly as possible to get the heck out of there.”
I knew he jested, but it didn’t stop me from turning him toward me. “Is that what you think, huh?” I kept my tone light to match his, but there was also a part of me that wondered if there was maybe a slight edge of concern in his voice.
He shrugged and grinned in answer. “Not really.” He scrunched his nose as if considering his words. “I’m sure you’d like some free time back though.”
I nodded. “Damn straight I would.” Before he had the chance to readjust his face into a frown, I knocked that nonsense on the head immediately. “It means I get uninterrupted time with you when I’m picking you up off the floor or having to get you hosed down after you’ve stepped in paint or something.”
With twitching lips and a mock frown, he scolded, “I’m the best laborer you’ve ever had, and you know it.”
I tugged him toward me so his body was flush against mine. Then, leaning down, I brushed my lips against his ear, licking and nibbling lightly before saying, “The fucking sexiest.” I pulled away. Carter’s eyes were closed, and pink touched his cheeks. “Plus, any chance I have to get you in a shower is a good thing.”
He laughed loudly. Before he could speak, a bark drew our attention. It wasn’t Rex, although the arrival had gotten his attention.
Carter stepped out of my arms when the old lady approached, a yapping dog at her heels. I didn’t allow Carter to get far before I snagged him by the waist and pulled him to my side. I was pretty sure we would soon become gossip fodder. Me, a relative nobody in town, making out with the new veterinarian. But that was all fine by me.
I’d never had the time or patience for gossips or assholes. And from all I’d learned about Carter, I knew he was open about who he was.
Carter’s voice surprised me. “Hey, Mrs. Carlisle. How’re things?” I looked down at him, trying to get a read on his expression. He was relaxed. His arm had moved to around my waist when I’d hauled him to me, and it remained in place.
Reassured, I then looked over at Mrs. Carlisle. She was a small woman, so I was surprised that I wanted to take a step back. Her gaze was hard. There was steel in her eyes, even her slightly wonky one. She stepped closer, cane tapping on the pavement with every step, her pet rat close to her side. I considered swooping Carter up and making a run for it. It was only his relaxed state that prevented me.
Once in front of us, her gaze landed on Carter. Her smile came quickly. “How are you, Dr. Falon? It’s lovely to see you out and about and not stuck in the clinic.” She reached for her bag that hung over her arm, opened it and pulled out a bag. “Here, Doc. Have some lemon drops.” She held them out to Carter, who reached forward and took them.
“Mrs. Carlisle, you know they’re my favorite. You’re so good to me.”
She nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners as he spoke. When he’d finished speaking, her gaze snapped to mine. I stood a little taller as she examined me, while her rogue eye put the fear of God in me as it roamed in a different direction.
“You, boy.” I was tempted to look around. It had been a long time since I’d been referred to as a boy. “What are your intentions with our good doctor here?”
My mouth dropped open. She didn’t even give me the chance to answer before she said, “Cat got your tongue? Speak up.”
I cleared my throat. “Well, erm—” Carter’s hand squeezed my waist tightly, and by the slight movement coming from him, his rocking against my tense body, I knew the cheeky fucker was laughing. That changed everything. There was no way I’d let this situation get the better of me.Carter thinks it’s funny?“Actually, Mrs.… Carlisle?”
“Something wrong with your hearing? The good doc’s used my name twice already.”
