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When it came to Becky, Carter seemed hesitant in many ways. Punishments of the hands-off variety were never his style before. He was eager to swat her butt or twist a nipple. Now, he simply lifted his brow, patted her bottom, and murmured “Watch it” when she stepped out of line. There were no further repercussions. And she did it more often now to get his attention. Kaden said it was likely because Carter wanted to ensure he didn’t step over Becky’s boundaries too dramatically, but Becky wondered if that was true. Why now?
Carter never seemed to worry about boundaries when he had a mission or when there was something he wanted to getdone. He would move the barrier to allow him to finish the job, whether it was barbecuing steaks, supporting his friends, or getting the job done. And she had no doubt he loved her. After today, the fear of losing him was bitter in her mouth. Fighting for them was the only way she knew.
If Carter would say... or do...anythingas he used to when they had started their relationship, it would help. She sighed. It didn’t help to dream about Carter being different because he didn’t seem inclined to move the barrier this time. They had been together for almost two years now, and she knew he understood what she wanted, needed from him.
He was so romantic, loving, and kind, and he had taken control so she could let go sometimes, but right now, the occasional times he did, weren’t enough. Carter had a Daddy persona, and you could see it a mile away, but only a couple of times had he used it with Becky as completely as she needed it these last months. It was as though he thought it would insult her or make her angry. Communication was the key here.
Mallory continued to encourage Becky to start a conversation. “Talk to him.” So here she was, still holding onto this stupid contract, and she’d had it since the night Callie called into Jac and Sharlee’s. When all that mess started with Garrett being a coldhearted wolverine, it ended with Callie staying. She and Garrett were happy again, more than before Callie left. Callie even talked about possibly looking for an older child to adopt. Pregnancy just wasn’t for her, she said, nor babies.
But it was for Becky, and while adopting was fine, she was determined that if she didn’t settle this with Carter once and for all soon, she’d have to end their relationship so she could find someone who wanted the same things she did, like children. It would break her heart, but better to break it now so she could rebuild it later with someone else, than break it forever with no children and no family.
Tonight, she had planned to negotiate as Mallory had suggested but here she was, alone in her bed, praying Carter and the guys would be home in the morning, no worse for the wear. Becky thought of Carter and the way he had brought her to a glorious climax this morning and then they had showered together. Grabbing her trusty vibrator from the side table drawer, she relived the morning and brought herself off in a modified glorious way. Before going to sleep hugging her teddy as a Daddy Bear substitute, she fell asleep determined to make what they had work. And hoping she would see Carter in the morning.
Chapter 2
Ivy had classes to teach this morning, and after she had more water and tablets, she went home to have a long, hot shower, get dressed, and open up her studio. Jac called to inform the women that Carter had repaired the problem.
“Are you okay this morning?” asked Jac.
“I’m good. Ivy is not as good because she felt too good last night, but she’ll be fine.”
“Okay, Garrett sent in Levi and Kaden’s replacements, and they are on their way back with a helicopter escort.
“Sounds good. Leave me their names so I can keep up. Did you go home last night?”
“I did. But I’m back early this morning to make sure everything was covered.”
“You could have called me.”
“I could have. If you are coming in, I’ll fill you in on the rest later.”
Because of the craziness of the afternoon before, Sharlee had come in to see if there was anything she could figure out by running an interfaced diagnostic on the plane once it was on the ground. She and Kaden would work on that while Levi caught a ride with the helicopter pilot back to the offices.
Becky’s phone rang and she smiled as she read the caller ID.
“Hey.”
“Hey, Baby Bear. I’m back. Are you doing okay?” Carter’s voice was calm and soothing, wrapping her like a warm fuzzy blanket, cuddling her in comfort.
Her voice trembled slightly from her need for him.I’m not going to cry now.“I’m good. I’m working right now but I missed you.”
“I’ve still got some things to do here if you are able to hold out a few more hours. Then we’ll go home and take a long shower and a nap.”
“That sounds heavenly but... what if I need more?”
His deep, relaxed chuckle warmed her and made her tremble at the same time. “More, huh? Greedy today, baby? Me too. I think we should deal with that before the nap, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
Another pair of panties for the laundry. She had to remember to carry extras.
Later, taking her morning break while waiting for Carter to finish and come find her, Becky walked down the hallway and checked on Sharlee, who had come in to work in the office. Sometimes Finley came with her and brought little Storm, who was walking now. Rounding the corner and entering the room, she felt her whole countenance brighten when she saw Storm and Jessie, who was big, round, and fussy pregnant.
“I can’t believe I am still carrying this child in front of me instead of in my arms. Or better yet, in Mark’s arms. I hope this isn’t an indication that he or she isn’t going to leave after they graduate high school and college.”
Becky started to laugh but cut off fast when she saw the panicked look on Jessie’s face. “I’m sure that won’t be the case.”
“It’s not funny. This could be my forewarning. I will probably have a boy who never wants to leave home. It would be equally tragic if a girl didn’t want to leave home, but I think Mark would have a hard time letting his daughter leave. And what does that make me? A terrible mother before he’s even born?”
