Page 55 of Beauty Beneath the Sorrow
I bend to remove an empty pretzel wrapper from the pocket on the back of a seat. “I promise, I’m feeling better.”
My eyes focus on the last few pieces of trash on the floor, but I can feel Carter’s stare burning a hole in the side of my face. I blush and fight a grin because his attentiveness toward me is comforting.
Rubbing my lips together, I straighten to make eye contact with him. He cocks his head slightly. Pulling my lips to one side, I playfully tuck a piece of hair behind my ear like a young girl in the presence of her crush. A flirty gesture that he returns with a wink.
Christian pats Carter on the shoulder. “Okay. Let’s go have some fun then.”
The group of us take the airport shuttle over to the hotel. After checking in and dropping off our stuff, Carter and I are the first back down into the lobby.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, leaning against the side of the counter.
“I’m doing better, thank you.” I click my heels on the tile floors, pacing in a small circle. “My sister said that you insisted on making all my food.”
“I did. I couldn’t trust her to do it.”
I focus on the floor and fold my arms across my chest. “You didn’t have to take care of me.”
“Yes, I did.” I only see his shoes step closer to me. “Sorry I left before you woke up. I give Christian’s nephew flight lessons twice a month.”
“That’s nice of you.”
Carter slips his hands into the pockets of his pants. “Well, he’s young and I’m sure not many pilots will want to teach someone his age. And honestly, I enjoy it.”
I can’t explain the warmth that fills me when I hear that. Many times, I’ve seen Carter compassionately care for the elderly passengers, greet families, and go out of his way to help others. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am. Not all men are like him.
I step back, letting my back rest against the counter next to Carter. Shifting some of my weight to the side, I press into him. He brings his chin down to the top of my head. In silence, we stand here barely touching, but it’s all I need to blanket me in solace.
“How did you know that I like white roses?” I whisper, as the memory settles in my nostrils, filling them with hints of honey and jasmine.
“I heard you and Piper talking about flowers one day, and you mentioned that white roses were your favorite.”
I swallow hard. “They were beautiful—”
“Ready to go?” Avery calls out, walking toward us. Christian is quick to follow.
Simultaneously, Carter and I separate at the sound of her voice. I’m left wanting more, and by the way he hangs back,strolling behind Avery and Christian, I can tell he does too.
The four of us head out into the rainy Seattle weather. Avery and Christian do most of the talking while Carter and I walk in an oddly comfortable silence. We’re at a crossroads—it’s getting harder and harder to deny what’s between us. The energy is being pushed aside and will eventually combust.
I glance up at the night sky, hoping it doesn’t storm tonight. I fucking hate storms—one of the reasons why I love living in Phoenix. We get monsoons, but nothing like the weather the rest of the country receives. I’ve been exposed to it all while traveling so frequently, but that doesn’t mean I’m used to it. If anything, I’ve become more afraid of heavy thunderstorms. It doesn’t help that the night my virginity was taken from me was the night of a terrible storm—and no one heard me screaming.
The dark sky is cloudy, but the rain is only a light mist. A few minutes later, we all walk into a vibrant and crowded lounge. Luckily, we find empty couches toward the back.
Christian and Carter remain standing as Avery and I slide onto either side of the red velvet couch.
“What do you ladies want?” Carter asks, his eyes bouncing between Piper and me.
“I’ll take a dirty martini.”
“An old-fashioned for me, please.” Avery smiles.
The guys head over to the bar, leaving her and me alone.
“How are things going with your dad?”
That’s a loaded question. “As good as they can be.” I shrug. “We’re still getting to know each other. We don’t know whether we should have a father-daughter relationship or a friendship.”
She frowns and rubs my leg. “Yeah. I can see why that wouldbe tricky.”
