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His hand comes to rest on my hip. “I don’t give a damn about the contract or what I’m required to do. I care about you. Us. Come on, Lex, look at me.”
Gathering my courage, I turn to face him.
“If there is one thing that I’ve learned through all of this, it’s what really matters. Watching Cody fall apart… you leaving… everything has become so clear over the past five days. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I want you. I want us to be together. I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you. Your dad will get used to the idea. Or he won’t. I don’t care. I love you, Lex, and that’s all that matters.”
I sit on the couch, the sight of Carter making me weak in the knees.
I have some news, too.
Before I can tell him, he continues. “I’ve been thinking about what you said a lot.”
“What I said?” I ask, confused.
He nods. “About Luke and how he needs something to help him be like all the other kids. The sports program you suggested is a great idea. I just wasn’t sure if I would be able to pull it off. Honestly, though, with you by my side, I’m pretty sure I can do anything. We can do anything.”
“I’m sorry. I’m confused.”
“I want you to be the co-founder with me. I want you to be as much a part of this as I am. After all, it was your idea, and I wouldn’t have the courage to do it if not for you.”
“I don’t know. I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“What? Why not?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea if we’re involved.”
Carter shakes his head. “You don’t mean that.”
“I do.” I hate it, but I do. “A flame so bright that we’re bound to burn out.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” Frustrated, Carter gets up from the couch and begins to pace the room as he waits for my answer.
“It means that as intense as our feelings came on, they’ll burn out just as quickly.”
“Bullshit.”
“Call it bullshit, call it whatever you want. The fact of the matter is our entire relationship was built on a lie. My lie. It’s been riddled with drama and stress. Filled with anger and high emotions. Nothing about us was good, Carter. You were hurting. You just needed someone, and I was happy to fill that void for a while.”
“That’s what you think this was?” he asks, gesturing his hand between the two of us. “A way for me to fill a void? You can’t be serious.”
“I am.” I walk over to the door and open it.
“You’re throwing me out?”
Remaining silent, I tightly grip the door handle.
Carter walks toward the door and stops directly in front of me.
“I know this has been a lot. I’m willing to give you time, but this isn’t over, Lexie. Not by a long shot.”
The entire time Carter was there, I managed to hold it together. The moment he steps through that door, I fall apart.
What might be for the best, hurts like hell.
My phone rings in my back pocket and I answer without looking.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Masterson? This is Ted Fredrickson from the Ravens. I would like to offer you a job.”
