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I’m on cloud nine until he hits me with, “Just know that I want her company decimated before I finalize my retirement. I won’t consider turning things over to you until that business is completely dead and out of her hands.”
CHAPTERELEVEN
REAGAN
The last few weeks have been bizarre. Carter and I made a few more public appearances. We were photographed. The local gossip rags are conducting an engagement countdown.
But he’s become increasingly distant. He’s appropriate when we’re in public, but silent the small handful of times we’ve been alone. He’s stopped coming to family gatherings, always making an excuse to bail at the last minute. He’s stopped joking around with me too.
The odd thing is that I miss him. I miss the Carter of the first few weeks we were together. He was funny and warm. Not to mention sexy as hell. I thought I was starting to develop feelings for him, but now I’m questioning whether I know him at all.
The Carter of the past few weeks has been cold. Almost robotic. I hate it. I don’t think it’s him. Something is obviously bothering him. I wish he’d tell me.
He calls me one day from his office. I answer. “Hi, Carter. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I think it’s time to announce the engagement. How do you want this to play out?”
“I’m not sure. What were you thinking?”
“Well, I could propose in front of your family if you want. They’re basically the only people who will want or need details of the proposal anyway, besides a few friends.”
“No. I won’t do a fake proposal in front of them. Lying is hard enough. That’s not happening.”
“Okay. Well, I thought it would be what’s expected.”
“It might be when it’s real, but this isn’t real.”
“Right. Let’s just announce it, and you can make up the story behind it to tell friends and family.”
“That’s fine. Surrounded by family, in bed, or something low key would be the only way I’d want it anyway. Let’s just tell my family it was in bed.”
“Okay. What kind of ring do you want?”
“This is fake, Carter. The ring doesn’t matter. I won’t be keeping it when this is over in a few weeks.”
“You can keep it. You should get something out of this.”
“I’m getting you to leave my company alone. That’s the reason I agreed to this in the first place.” He’s silent for a moment too long. Something is going on.
“Carter, what’s wrong with you? Talk to me.”
“Nothing, Reagan. I’m just struggling with the lying as much as you are.”
“It didn’t seem to bother you as much the first few weeks.”
“Well, it bothers me now. Listen, there’s a big charity event in Atlantic City this coming weekend.”
“Actually, I know about that. Jackson bought a few tables and the whole crew is going down.”
“Perfect. We’ll announce our engagement just beforehand. That will be our first event as an engaged couple. My father will be there too.” How thrilling.
“Alright. I guess that makes sense. Let’s hope he moves forward with his retirement once he sees us engaged.”
“Expect an announcement to hit the papers this week. So be prepared to deal with your family. I’ll have a courier drop off the ring.”
I feel tears welling in my eyes. I whisper, “Okay, Carter. Bye.” I hang up.
I know it’s a weird way to feel because we’re not together, but I feel like he just broke up with me. What’s more surprising is that it hurts. It really hurts.
