Page 78 of No More Secrets
He chuckled. “I take it you’d like that?”
“Well, Iguess,” Summer shrugged her shoulder. “I mean if you bring the animal crackers, I don’t see why not. I have a gallery opening thing Friday night. Can you be my date for it?”
“What time does it start?”
“Eight.”
“I don’t think I’ll be able to get away early enough.”
“But after?”
“I’ll be there.”
“Is there anything you want to do while you’re here in town?”
“Just you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Hands on hips, Summer surveyed her apartment. Fresh flowers? Check. A fridge full of beer and vegetarian-friendly goodies? Check. Fresh sheets on the bed? Check. Box of condoms? Two actually. Check and check.
She was ready for an entire weekend with Carter. All she had to do was get through the gallery opening tonight, and then he would be here. She allowed herself a twirl to the happy strings of Vivaldi playing softly on her stereo.
Summer smoothed her hands over her dress. Perfect for summer in Manhattan, the silver crystal halter-top had a plunging neckline that ended just above the cinched waist. Blush chiffon fell to form a soft, layered skirt that floated away from her body ending several inches above the knees. Her blond hair was pulled back in a low bun fed with thin braids.
She wished she was going with Carter tonight, but dragging him to an event like this would be the equivalent of harvesting lettuce. No one really wanted to do it, and afterward you’d feel tired, sore, and a little abused.
Summer grabbed her clutch and was in the middle of one last makeup check in the mirror when she heard a knock at the door.
A peek through the peephole had her yanking the door open. “Carter!” Her heart did a cartwheel. She launched herself at him. “I thought you couldn’t come until late tonight?”
“Surprise.” He lifted her from the waist and carried her back inside.
The kiss was carnal, possessive. The heat of it singed her, igniting her on the inside. “I can’t believe you’re here,” she whispered against his mouth, her lips teasing his. “How did you get in the building?”
“One of your neighbors downstairs buzzed me in. I helped her carry her groceries.”
Of course he did,Summer sighed.
Carter finally pried her off of him and held her at arm’s length. “You look amazing,” he said, taking her in from head to toe.
“I could say the same about you,” Summer said, scrubbing her lipstick off his mouth. He was wearing a navy blue suit, sans tie, that looked like it had been created just to highlight his powerful body. His pants did nothing to hide his erection. “You look good in a suit. Did you borrow it from Beckett?”
“Just the shoes,” he tugged his pant leg up to expose shiny loafers in a rich cognac tone. “A guy can’t go to a gallery thing in jeans and a t-shirt with goat bites taken out of it.”
“You’re really going?” Summer squealed and clapped her hands. “This is going to be revenge for the lettuce.”
“I think I can handle tonight. Especially with you dressed like that.”
“You like?” She twirled around making her skirt billow out.
“Very sexy,” Carter grinned and dragged her in again. His fingers dipped into the neckline. “Maybe too sexy to leave the apartment.”
“Nice try, Pierce. Now get that situation under control,” she said pointing at his crotch. “Our Uber’s here.”
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Carter watched in fascination as Summer went to work. She navigated the polished concrete floor of the gallery with grace and purpose, juggling details and mini-crises without breaking a sweat. She drank nothing but water and remembered the name of every person who approached her.
