“You know the answer to that, Carina.”
My heart swells at his words.
“I decided my family needs time to come to grips with our relationship,” I say. “As for moving back to New York City, I have a pretty good reason not to.” I hold his gaze. “All six feet of the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
His dimples are like craters from his wide smile. “Shoot, little lady. Your words are as sweet as honey… a lot like you.” He drops a soft kiss against my lips. “So, we’re good? We’re going to give your folks a little time? Is that it?”
I nod. “Once they understand I’m an adult and this isn’t a booty call or a novelty that will wear off, they’ll come around.”I hope.
“And if they don’t?”
He had to ask the hard question.
Chapter 27
Carina
We’re standing in front of the large window in the living area of our hotel suite, New York’s electrifying nightlife stretching out at our feet like a beautifully painted canvas. Millions of bright lights as far as the eye can see dot the darkness. Rhett’s arms are wrapped around me, cradling me against his body. His warmth has become my happy place. I could stay like this forever.
“Our last night in the Big Apple,” Rhett says, kissing the top of my head.
“Um-hmm.” I nod against his chest.
“Time flew by so fast.” He’s right.
“Between the two photo shoots and extra interviews, things were a little crazy.”
The New York Times decided to run Rhett’s story in a few more of their publications. I’m so proud of him. As for the photo shoot, my man was right. Basil and his crew are pretty out there in terms of eccentricity.
The photo shoot was an experience I’m unlikely to forget anytime soon. Rhett was annoyed to no end by the number of times Kendra used the word sexy. I had another kind of beef with her. If she kept looking at my guy like he was a succulentJapanese steak, I swear to God, I was a breath away from poking her eyes out. Of all people, she knows Rhett and I are together. Back off, bitch. Find your own sexy cowboy.
Our evening with Mani was a blast. After she heard what happened with Mom, she changed the plans. Instead of at a restaurant, she cooked us dinner so we could hang out at her place. It was a much friendlier setting. Mom may have slammed the door in Rhett’s face, but my best friend had her arms wide open.
I spent yesterday and today playing tour guide, showing Rhett the best of Manhattan. I’ll miss New York. Staying, though, would mean going backwards. And right now, I’m full steam ahead, dead set on moving forward.
“It was short but sweet, right?” He tightens his embrace.
“It was.”
Silence settles between us, and I take the opportunity to soak in the city I’ll leave soon.
“It’s going to be weird going back home where there aren’t all those city lights,” he says.
“Yeah, but it’ll be great to be able to see the stars at night again. I kind of miss that.”
“Look at you, you’re turning into a local.”
“It’s all your fault.”
“And I take full responsibility.” He winks.
My parents’ silence is so deafening, it’s as if they’ve disowned me. I haven’t been brave enough to call them to confirm. And since they’re doing a top-notch job at ignoring me, I’m in limbo as to my place in my family. Apart from one of my brothers, no one else has reached out.
My brother Christian didn’t miss a chance to put me down. He sent me a snarky text message mocking me for going country.
I ignored him.
Fuck him for being small-minded.
