Page 108 of A Bossy Roommate

Eden looks at me, eyes brightening, still processing.

“He also agreed that he will never bother you again,” I add, pulling her into a hug.

She tenses up in my embrace. “Why? Carter…tell me, is he severely injured, ordead?”

I look at her and kiss her forehead. A smile tugs at my lips. “No, but if he ever tries to come near you or tries to assert any kind of pressure on you or your loved ones, or any other person for that matter, I’ll make sure he’ll wish he was.”

“What about the fees?”

“Vance is going to make a compelling case for an award of attorney’s fees. He anticipates the court’s recognition of your position and expects a resounding verdict that will decree your ex-fiancé responsible for the entirety of the legal fees and expenses.”

Her shoulders ease, and her eyes remain locked with mine. Those sad eyes that she usually hides under a thick wall of optimism. She trusts people, always tries to see the best in them, and despite her disappointment, it hasn’t brought her to her knees. It hasn’t made her bitter. Just incredibly hurt.

If there’s anything I can offer to expedite justice, I can’t envision a more worthwhile investment of my time.

She blinks slowly.

And with that one blink, a tiny sparkle appears.

A subtle shift occurs in her eyes.

They almost gleam, reflecting an inner fire.

“If this doesn’t earn me the Husband of the Year award,” I tease, “nothing else will.” I say husband, not “fake husband,” and it’s not by accident. I’m making a point.

She zips right past it. “Husband of the Year? Carter, this might just earn you alifetimesupply of backrubs and an extra slice ofdessertevery night.”

She holds onto me tighter.

“We can arrange that. Now to the second, equally important point on the agenda.”

“Uh-oh…what?”

“I want you to stay right here, with me.”

She blinks again, letting go of me, leaning back. “What do you mean?”

30

EDEN

“Come here. I heard a certain older lady isn’t moving after all,” he answers, pulling me back. “Which is why I’ve been on the phone with Vance, twice today. He’s speaking to the landlord and will draw up a new lease agreement with your name on it. That way, no matter what happens, you always have a home.”

My mouth falls open in shock. I can’t even properly process what he said. Mostly, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that he was fired a few hours earlier, and instead of looking for a new job or fighting back, he busied himself with the whole “Rob business,” and on top of all that, he’s prepared a romantic date and told his lawyer to add me to his lease.

“You’d do that for me?” I ask.

“It’s already done. We’ll sign the papers tomorrow.”

I can’t contain myself anymore. Throwing my arms around his neck, I kiss him with as much passion and vigor as I can manage. Yes, the satisfaction of finally being able to put Rob to rest makes me want to scream in joy, and yes, the fact that I will always have a roof over my head is a tremendous help, but it’sCarter’s affection that has me smiling like a crazy person, even while I try to kiss those gorgeous lips off his face.

Carter stands, bringing me with him. I wrap my legs around his waist, trailing my lips down to his neck, which I playfully nip and suck. If he thinks I’m not going to leave hickeys now that we don’t have to hide anything, he has another thing coming.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” he grumbles into my ear as he carries me. “I’m going to show you—despite today’s outside interferences—who’s still boss, and always will be, all over the apartment, in every room, all weekend long, starting in the bedroom. Any objections?”

“No.” I laugh. “None.”

“That’s a good fucking girl.”

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