Page 35 of Rules of Engagement
"Sweetheart?"
Carter lightly squeezed her, pulling her from her dazed state. When his statement finally sank in, Eliza lifted her face and met his gaze, uncaring that Carter was laying it on a bit thick. "Mmm, I do," she said. "Carter and I workverywell together."
The statement was one of truth, but the throaty drop in her tone as she stared up at Carter with adoring eyes was purely show. At least that's what she told herself. Because fact was… once again, the man had come through for her.
From building the arbor last weekend and doing a quick change with the chairs earlier to making it look as though she wasn't alone and running on fumes, Carter had shown up for her. Proved himself with actions rather than just empty promises.
And right now? She just wanted James to suck it.
Carter's expression revealed his awareness of her flirtatious tactic and he was amused by it. He tugged her close and kissed her head again.
"If you'll excuse us," Carter said to the couple. "This is our song."
Song? Now they had a song?
Oh, and it was one of her favorites, too.
Carter guided her toward the dance floor, and she was very aware of his hand sliding to her waist as he drew her to him while Ed Sheeran's crooning voice filled the ballroom.
"I'm the wedding planner. I shouldn't be dancing," she murmured just loud enough for him to hear.
"We're in a dark corner," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "Besides, it's the last song. The bride and groom left while we were talking to your ex, so most everyone is packing up to go themselves. Don't you want to rub a little salt since ol' James is over there glaring at us?"
He was?
It took massive amounts of willpower not to immediately turn back to look. Instead she smiled up at Carter as he pulled her flush against his long, lean,gorgeousbody.
"Don't look now but I believe they're having a lover's spat."
A peek in James's direction told her Carter's words were true, and she felt a slight thrill of satisfaction given the pain and devastation they'd pummeled her with. "Thank you. For… that."
"I meant every word."
She stared at him, uncomprehending.
"You'll have all the help you need. I'll see to it. Plus, since my guys and I are licensed in all sorts of things, you can think bigger, expand the realm of possibilities for your couples. You name it, we'll price it and figure out how to make it happen."
Wait, what? She lost herself in the glinting depths of his dark gaze. "What are you suggesting?"
"I have a couple trustworthy young guys on my crew either working their way through school or working side hustles to pay off debt. Between me pitching in and you hiring them whenever you need extra manpower, we should have you covered as far as your setup and breakdown needs. As to design specialty, we can play it by job. No partnerships," he stressed. "Just an added benefit to being my friend."
"Friends with… benefits?"
He gave her one of his bad-boy grins and she literally felt her knees go weak. "I… don't know what to say."
"Just think about it. Linc says I have a brain for business, and it seems to me if you're looking for a way to get an edge over your competitors, my offer might give you one. Am I right?"
She nodded, knowing it was true without having to do much pondering.
"So, maybe it's time to scale up and show everyone what you're capable of. Especially old James over there."
Carter was right. He was sooo right! Her mind spun with possibilities. With that kind of guaranteed design help, she could do…anything! Electrical, structural, fountains? And anyone with the cash to expect those types of things meant a whole other pricing tier.
She sucked in a sharp breath of excitement, and her senses whirled with the scent of his cologne. Sandalwood teased her nose.
The subtle scent made her think of woods and water and nature. That special moment when time and space and everything disappeared and she was able to justbreathe. No worries. No fear of what the future might bring.
Here. Now. In this defining moment… she knew, one way or another, she was going to be okay. Because she wasn't alone, and her prayers had been answered in the form of her too handsome rescuer.
