AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I will need you to look out for Serena, Carter, she wants to stay,” Greg says firmly.
His hand on my shoulder making me jump a little worried he might see how happy all this has made me.
I nod automatically, standing slowly and keeping my hands over my front.
I’m so fucking hard for her already, I could fill her as soon as he leaves the room.
“When do you leave?” I ask him, noticing how hurt he really looks when he meets Serena’s eyes.
“There’s a helicopter on its way… Company president’s own toy. They really need this. They need me,” he says matter of fact.
Thinking back to my time on the oil rigs, the men and women who ran things, I can’t help but feel proud of Greg for stepping up like this.
“You might have a promotion at the end of it,” I offer.
“I might quit,” he says without thinking, looking at Serena again before laughing off his statement.
“I might,” he says, forcing himself to look composed for our benefit.
“I better repack my bag,” he says, moving over to his gear as Serena and I only stare at each other.
Her eyes filled with a look I know is all for me.
Chapter Thirteen
Serena
I’ve never seen dad so torn between anything, and my heart is in my throat when he says he might quit his job rather than go.
Because I know a part of him would rather quit than leave me here.
The same part of me that can tell he knows once he’s gone so is his little girl.
Not forever. I’ll always love my dad.
But once I give myself to Carter, I know there’s no going back.
Carter goes into his own cabin after we lock eyes for so long it feels like the whole woodland outside is aware of the electricity between us both before my dad says anything.
“I wish things were different, honey. I really do,” he murmurs, checking the doorway to make sure we’re alone.
“It’s okay, Dad,” I tell him. “I understand. It’s been a bit of a washout anyway,” I admit, meaning the weather but the hurt on his face makes me regret saying it straight away.
“I did try, honey…” is all he says, focusing on zipping his bag with a grimace before heading for the door.
“I’ll go wait in the lodge for the helicopter. It should be here anytime, landing out on the frozen lake, apparently,” he says absently.
I bounce over to him in a few short steps, relieved when he returns my hug.
“I meant the weather Daddy, not your holiday being a washout. Look after yourself okay?” I ask him, hearing my breath catch.
“Oh, honey. I know you did,” he lies for me, and I can see a silver tear at the corner of his eye before he closes the door behind him, not even saying goodbye to Carter.
And I know not to go after him.
I know how much this hurts him.
Knowing what I want to do, I turn slowly and go stand by the fire instead, the chill from having the door open just a moment feels like its sucked all the warmth out of the room.
Until I feel Carter’s eyes on me from the doorway of his room.
“Greg didn’t say goodbye?” he asks, making me jump. Wishing he was closer already, but I shake my head gently.
“I think he’s pretty cut up about going back, for work I mean,” I tell him.
“I’ll go over to him, where is he, the lodge?” he asks, but I turn, moving to meet him before he reaches the door, my hand on his arm.
“Don’t, Carter. Just… Don’t.” I hear myself murmur, feeling a flood of emotions I thought were reserved for my dad, for our situation.
Only realizing they’re all for Carter once I start to voice them.
I should hold him, tell him he’s all I really want, but I can’t.
Not yet. Not while I know dad’s so close and feeling so bad about everything.
Hugging my elbows, I walk back slowly over to the fire, feeling Carter not far behind me, sitting down on the couch as he watches me from behind.
“I’m still your dad’s friend, Serena. No matter what else happens,” he reminds me.
“Just leave it,” I tell him. Hearing my voice crack. “Let’s just wait here, wait until we hear his helicopter come to pick him up.”
“And then what?” Carter asks, sending a shiver up my spine without me even having to look at him to register what he’s broadcasting.
I hear him breathe through his nose, and I muffle a sigh.
“I can’t just sit here and wait, Serena. Your dad, he’s my best friend,” he finally says firmly, making for the door again.
“I won’t let him leave without seeing me, and I know you’ll be right here when I get back,” he adds with authority, sending that shiver through me all over again.
