Page 45 of Carter

I smiled warmly. “I’m good.”

He must have noticed the dazed look in my eyes because his eyebrow went up and he repeated, “You’re good?”

“Very good.”

“So is it official then?”

“What?”

He pointed at me and then at the empty space behind me. “You and Carter. Together.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but then shut it again. How was I going to explain this to Rome? He would get pissy if he knew about our situation.

“I knew something was going on when you showed up at the house and asked for a place to stay. I mean, the hickey was a giveaway, but last night, I saw you both together and it was obvious as shit something is going on. I was just wondering, since I’m yourfriendand all, and you’ve been silent on the topic.”

I didn’t reply. I looked awkwardly down at my body. “Do I have to explain this with just a towel on?”

“It needs to be explained?”

“Things between Carter and I are… complicated.”

“How so?”

I gave him a look. “Rome—”

“I don’t want to see you hurt,” he cut in, sternly. “I know all about Carter’s reputation. He’s a ‘fuck ‘em and leave ‘em’ kind of guy, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to you. I’vegrown up with you just as long as you grew up with him, and I don’t want him to hurt you.”

My chest tightened. I said softly, “You told me that already last night.”

“Did I?”

“You told me to be careful.”

“I was probably drunk by then because I don’t remember.”

“You did, and I told you not to worry.” I softened my expression. “So there, don’t worry, alright?”

He exhaled slowly, his green eyes hardening as he looked over my shoulder.

“He’s not here,” I then said. “He’s out to get breakfast.”

“What’re you eating?”

“Probably a few hash browns.”

His jaw ticked. “Hash browns for breakfast?”

I shrugged. “Well, we’re not necessarily made of money, Rome. I’ve been training at the bar not long now and…”

My words trailed off as he dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He dug into it and removed a few bills. He extended it out to me, gesturing when I didn’t take it.

“No,” I told him. “I don’t want your money, Rome. You’ve done enough for us as it is.”

“Take it,” he demanded.

“No.”

“Stop being stubborn, Leah, and take it.”

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