Page 67 of Tangled Trust

"Correct. I held it up to my body and imagined you snuggling up against me. I have to say that it was challenging. No one wants to walk out of a ladies garment store sporting a chubby."

"You, Carter Moore, are a treasure. I’ll be back in a bit. No peeking."

"I’m not promising anything."

The sex is wild and heart-stopping. I’m so glad no one can hear us. It’s that good. Afterward, we lie together in afterglow bliss.

"I’m falling in love with you, Jones," I blurt out without thinking. It feels natural, so I’m not sorry I said it.

"I feel the same."

Thank God.

"Who would have thought?" I chuckle.

"What? That an American would charm an English Au Pair out of her delicates?"

"No. Okay, yes, that too. What I meant was, who would have thought that I’d find someone as incredible as you?"

"Ah, that’s sweet."

"If you think that’s sickly, wait until you see what I’m about to do to you next," I purr and bend down so I can nibble on her nipple.

It’s been another amazing week spent sharing stolen moments with Carter. Jagger is due back tonight, so I’m in his room prepping his outfits for the week of school and outdoor activities and making sure everything is just so. Jagger has a habit of leaving his clothes on the playing field at school, so it takes a bit of forward planning to ensure that he actually has enough clothes left in his closet. I suppose all six-year-olds are the same in that way.

Carter is in his office, making calls. There’s an air of peace in this house that I’ve never felt before. It is as if Carter, Jagger, and I are a full-fledged family, and I’m suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of utter joy and purpose.

It’s been happening to me a lot lately. I catch myself being introspective and overly emotional more and more often, which is unlike me. It must be because I’m finally on the tail-end of my nightmare with Sebastian. Having spent time with Carter, I’ve realized what it’s like to be appreciated and treasured. Carter is so gentle and loving. I find myself more relaxed when I’m around him—completely free from tension, except for the exhilarating sexual tension, of course. Carter is so hot, that I can barely keep my hands off him.

It’s difficult to put a finger on it, but I felt almost dirty after making love with Seb all those times. He had a habit of making me feel like a sexual object toward the end of our relationship. The way he looked at me was disturbing. I realize now, being away from the situation and in hindsight, that I was his possession, arm candy, and a status symbol more than a lover and soulmate. Carter is completely the opposite. Thank God.

Where the heck is Jagger’s other shoe? I bend down to look under the bed. I must have kicked in under there when Dash threw himself in front of my feet. As soon as I bend down to retrieve it, I feel a wave of nausea tugging at my gut.

I cannot believe how long it’s taken me to shake the tummy bug Jagger passed onto me. It’s been over a week now, and I’m still not myself. Being a foreigner in a new area does make me prone to catching bugs my immune system isn’t used to. It’s normal, I suppose, but even so, it’s a gigantic pain in the ass, and I need to sort it out.

A little voice in the back of my head pushes its way to the fore again. It’s the same small voice that’s been at me for a few weeks now. The one I’ve been ignoring and pushing aside.

When last did you have your period, Doc? Surely, as a medical professional, you should stay on top of such things.

No. It can’t be. I’m on the pill, and I’m a very light bleeder. That’s all there is to it. I’m in a new environment, and the initial stress of the move is slowly working its way out of my system. That’s all there is to it, small voice. So zip it!

Are you certain? Shouldn’t you do a test? Just to be sure.

Damn it. I’d better heed the bloody nag in my head. Crazier things have happened. It’s nonsense, of course. I’ve felt the dull pain of imminent menstruation gnawing at my insides for a week. I’m probably just late.

But, to put myself at ease and to shut up the infernal voice, I’ll take a test anyway. Ugh! Being a woman isn’t easy. I make a mental note to pop into the drugstore this afternoon before Amanda drops Jagger off for the week.

"That’s a nice pose," I hear Carter say behind me.

I still have my head under the bed.

"Don’t get any ideas, mister," I giggle as I wiggle out.

"I don’t know how you find anything in here."

"Jagger is a challenge when it comes to organizational skills," I laugh.

"So eloquently put. Are you feeling okay?"

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