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“You’re right. Nothing gets past you.” I sigh. “He came to my store a few weeks ago. In a nutshell, he told me that his father told him if he settles down with a nice girl and steals my store, he’ll turn over the company to Carter. Understand that Carter hates his father with a passion. Carter claims he’s not a nice guy, and having met him, I agree. He’s degrading and nasty.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Carter asked me to make a deal. We enter into a fake relationship. His father would see him with not only a family-oriented girl, but the girl whose business he wants. He would then feel comfortable enough to retire and turn over the company to Carter. As soon as he does, Carter will leave my business alone.”
“This is stupid. I don’t like it at all, Reagan.”
“It doesn’t matter anymore. I ended our arrangement last night. He didn’t have an emergency. I kicked him out.”
She smiles at me. “I love your toughness, Reagan. You’re the toughest of all your sisters.”
“I don’t know about that. Harley has had to handle some pretty tough shit the past few years.”
She nods in understanding. “How do you feel about last night?”
“Indifferent. I hated lying to everyone, but it seemed like the only way to save my business. Thomas Daulton is a powerful man. The fact is, I can’t compete with him for much longer. And honestly, I actually like Carter as a person and wanted to help him remove his father from their family business. The guy assaults women, seemingly on a daily basis. I wouldn’t have believed it unless I saw him in action. He’s a genuine piece of shit.”
“I see.”
“I gave Carter very few rules. Of course, no lying, but absolutely nothing physical was to go on between us. I certainly won’t whore myself out to save my business. I agreed to hand holding in public. That’s it. He crossed my boundary line last night, and I snapped.”
She smiles. “I guess I don’t need to worry about you, kiddo. You can manage yourself pretty well.”
We’re nearing the house when I see a familiar figure waiting. It’s Carter. He’s in a big hoodie and sweatpants. His hair is messy, blowing over his eyes. He looks good. Really good.
He approaches us. “Reagan, can I talk to you?”
Aunt Cass looks at me for approval. I nod.
She starts to walk toward the house, but briefly turns back to Carter. “Don’t fuck with her. I have a bad temper, an axe, and a best friend with a shovel who would never ask any questions.”
Carter smiles and nods. Aunt Cass leaves us.
He looks at me. “I take it she knows?”
I nod. “She figured it out. I told you she would.”
“Reagan, I’m really sorry about last night. I was completely out of line.”
“You were, but thank you for coming here and apologizing.”
“I admit that I blurred the boundary lines you clearly established. We had the deal, and I violated it.” He’s silent for a beat. “Know that I only crossed the line because I’m extremely attracted to you. How could I possibly not be attracted to you? You’re perfect.”
I laugh. “I’m far from perfect.”
“Well, that’s how I see you.”
“If you came here just so I’d agree to the deal…”
“That’s not why I’m here. I don’t care about the deal. I care that I upset you. I care what you think about me. I don’t want you to see me like my father. That comment was a big bucket of ice water for me. That’s not who I am.”
“I don’t see you like that, Carter. I just said it to get under your skin. I’m sorry. You’re a much better man than he is. Even in my brief time knowing you, I know that much.”
He gives me a boyish look and holds out his hands. “Can we part as friends?”
“Of course, we can.”
“Can I hug you, in a purely friendly way?”
