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I knew it wouldn't be so much of a problem for the company. We had other capable hands to make sure the business thrived, but I was the powerhouse of the IT department, and I knew the effect of my incompetence would never go unnoticed by my father.
"Look, I understand you like working alone, Carson. I understand you want your privacy, but if there is something going on with you that you are not telling me here, I just want you to know it's okay to open up about it. I love you no matter what. At least talk to your brothers about it."
"I'm fine, Dad. It's just…" I trailed off when Anna stretched and sat up straight to apply some sunscreen on her arms and her back. It disoriented my thoughts. I reached out and pulled her close to me, kissing her neck softly.
"Carson?" my father barked.
Shit, I had forgotten about him.
"Yes, yes?"
"Are you on the beach, Carson?"
I looked around me, hoping to find a bunch of men in suits, and dark shades watching me in hidden corners. "No, why?"
"I know how a beach sounds, Carson. Look, is this about a woman?"
I risked another look at Anna. She was questioning me with her eyes now. I detected a frown coming up. I reached out for her hand and squeezed it. She couldn't hear my father’s voice, but she must have sensed some kind of trouble in my voice. "Maybe," I responded.
My father laughed, but his voice turned serious again. "That's a good thing then, but I don't need you to be absolutely useless all the time. When we all wanted you to have a social life, we never meant you should shut every other thing that matters out. That's a habit you need to be rid of, Carson. Life’s about balance, not this single-minded focus you seem to have about everything. Look, I have to attend a meeting. Finish up the Fischer project. I have something else coming your way soon."
"Understood," I drawled.
"Oh, and…" Here he comesagain. "I am sure she is lovely. Don't mess it up, son." With that, he hung up.
"Is everything alright?" Anna asked as soon as she noticed me put down the phone.
I scooped her onto my lap and kissed her quickly. "I believe we have work to do."
She laughed. "I never thought you'd mention it."
I was nervous about something else, something that had kept me alert all day. I felt in my pant pocket and released a long breath. She looked up at me, distressed. "Is something else bothering you, Carson?"
I brushed her hair softly. "Maybe."
"Talk to me, Carson." She urged and placed a hand on my cheek. I found it funny how she became overly worried about my discomfort. I decided that I had made the right choice to do this.
"Listen, Anna." I held her hands and drew them up to my chest so she could feel my beating heart.
"But you haven't even said anything. Are you sick? Is that it?" She felt my forehead, and I could not hold back my chuckle. I shook my head and repeated. "Listen."
She stayed motionless, confused, totally unaware of my plans.
"Not only do I want to share my work, my job, and my office with you, but I want so much more, Anna."
Her face relaxed, and she closed her eyes. Finally, she was listening. She felt it—The wild beating of my heart.
"I found everything I needed in you: a partner, a friend...hell, even a sidekick!" I smiled. "I don't want any of this to end."
"Carson, I'm right here with you. Now, stop acting like you'd die without me in the next minute." She swiped at my arm, but I saw color rise to her cheeks.
"This is me." I breathed and her lips parted. Her eyes grew large as she remembered the words I had said to her on our first night together. "This is you." A single tear dropped down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it off with a shy smile.
I reached into my pocket and took out a ring. "This is us," I said and added quickly, "I'm here, Anna. I want to spend forever with you, Raven. No one is gonna hurt you again, my love. No one," I breathed into her ears.
Anna.
Raven.
