Page 1 of Carter

Chapter one

Leandra

My best friend Jess Gallo was getting married today and to say I was happy for her was an understatement. Jess and I met when we were just babies still in diapers. Both our families are really good friends; the Russos and the Gallos go way back. Every holiday and life event has been shared with them. She’s like another sister to me.

I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have her in my life. She encourages me to follow my dreams and not give a shit about what others say. Jess Gallo saved my life when I was going through a difficult time. She was there for me when I needed saving.

It's why Jess deserved all the happiness in the world. I believed she could get that with Michael. Not only did Jess find love but she was glowing from Michael's adoration for her. Her love story gave me hope that one day I, too, would find someone who would love me and treat me like a queen. It's funny though, I rarely admit or voice this thought out loud to anyone. Admitting I crave love and affection would be something out of my character. No, being sad over the thought of never getting to experience what I read in hundreds of romance books was not in the books for me, especially on Jess’s big day.

In fact, this wedding gave me hope that age is just a number. You can find love unexpectedly. Your other half might just be out there. Maybe soulmates do exist. There was a time in my life when I believed in soulmates and in true love, but that fantasy was just that. An ugly lie that only intensified as the years passed and as one's heart continued to get broken.

Stepping into the church in a black lace dress that hugged all my curves, wearing some Iriza Half-d’ Orsay Red Sole Pumps from Christian Louboutin, and with my hair curled reaching past my ass, I was ready to celebrate Jess and Michael, but a part of me mourned what I would never get the chance to experience. I quickly shook that thought because I had a life plan. A plan that did not include a man in my life. A plan to become a lawyer, get my own law firm in place, and finally get pregnant to become a mother. Getting pregnant wasn’t the hard part for me, nor was it the money I would spend to get sperm artificially inseminated inside me. The hard part was deciding on a sperm donor! If my checklist wasn’t already long enough, I fantasized about having someone with blue or green eyes.

The ceremony was beautiful like no other I have been to. I look toward my best friend and her soon-to-be husband, and I can see the love and devotion those two have for each other. “I love you,” Michael murmurs down to her so quietly it was almost inaudible, but I caught it. Then he kisses her. He didn’t have to say the three words; anyone could see that he was deeply and truly in love with her. I wish that someone could love me that much. Someone who cares about you would do anything for you and wants to show you they love you.

I never had this type of love, balanced love. All I've come to know and witness from others' relationships andhimis manipulative love. The type of “love” that you don’t know is bad for you until you leave the relationship. I’ve never had an official boyfriend, let alone do I ever just talk to guys, which will probably make me naive to love. But the one time I tried dipping my toe to test the waters of love, I got pushed in, sank, and drowned. So yes, I am naïve when it comes to love. I‘ve had my heart broken over and over and over again by the same guy.Him. A guy that never wanted to commit to a relationship with me. A guy that gave me attention and only made me feel wanted when it was convenient forhim. In the end, he tore me down… I was stupid for it. I was desperate for love and I hated myself for it. I pledged to never fall for another guy again, as I have no more trust, little faith, and zero love to give. But that's a story for another time, a part of my life I hated reliving. Right now though, I was still buzzing with joy for Jess.

Realizing I have completely zoned out, I snap back into reality and glance around the church for my best friend. seeing her and her husband holding hands. I think… just maybe there could be someone out there for me.

All that changed the day I boarded Anderson’s private jet to Australia. Stepping onto the private jet on my way to find a seat closest to the window, my body collides with something incredibly hard. My eyes clamp shut for a second in shock, my book falling to the ground. I apologize to whoever I’ve just bumped into and reach down to grab my book when I look into the most beautiful blue-green eyes I have ever seen in my life. My voice was trapped in my throat. I was in absolute awe. This guy could not be real.

He’s stupidly gorgeous; no, he’s breathtakingly gorgeous. My hands begin to get clammy, and before I know it, my heart is racing, and my mind forgets that I still need to pick up my book off the airplane floor and get to my seat. I grab my book from his hands and apologize for my clumsiness. I quickly walk over to my seat. I could still feel my heart racing and my face feeling hot to the touch. I hope he didn’t notice how hot I was getting. Without a doubt, he was the sexiest man I’ve ever seen.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the gorgeous man who captured my thoughts. Looking around the plane, I see a small group of men gathering around the media room where a huge tv was set up. Wanting to forget and stop myself from overthinking, I open my book and start to read about my four favorite Irish men. I suddenly hear a deep, husky voice talk to me as I was losing myself in my book.

“Are you okay?” he asks me. I snap out of my trance and quickly shake my head. I blink a few times. “Huh?” I say. Then he smiles, showing off his dimples in a smirk that can wet your panties. Fuck me. “Are you okay? We bumped into each other pretty hard back there,” he says, and I nod at his words, assuring him that I am okay.

Then out of the corner of my eye, I notice his hand sticking out as he introduces himself as Carter. As I reach out to shake his hand, I feel a spark spread throughout my body, wondering if he felt it too.“Nice to meet you, Carter. I’m Leandra.” I reluctantly pulled away as Carter still had his grip on my hand. I clear my throat. “Are you okay?... I mean, I did run into you,” I manage to say without completely fucking up or blushing.

Why did he make me so damn nervous? Maybe I was intimidated. Or maybe because I was ridiculously attracted to him, that was a first for me. The latter made more sense, as I had not met someone who was able to intimidate me, but I wasn’t just attracted to him; no, I wassexuallyattracted to him, and that was a first for me.

While standing in front of me, he asks me if it’s okay to sit across from me. I nod yes, and I continue to stare. He’s wearing a black fitted dress shirt clinging to his impressively huge biceps. Looking at his muscles made me feel like a teenager admiring her crush. As his eyes flicker up to mine with a playful smile on his lips, he catches me gazing at him. “Like what you see, babe,” he asks as he quirks an eyebrow at me. Without thinking, I look at him and say, “I have seen better,babe,” as I huff out. Then I look back at him, and he’s grinning at me, showing his pearly white teeth. “I bet you have,” he breathes out. I realize I have no shame as my eyes continue to wander.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” Carter questions and my blood runs cold. My face is on fire, and I already feel redder than a tomato. “Like what?” I shrug cluelessly as I avoid his gaze. I can see him smirk out of the corner of my eye. “You know what I’m talking about,” he leans close to me. He sits dangerously too close, and there is a glint of something in his eyes when he looks at me.

His arms then cross over his broad chest. I try my best not to look, shaking my head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Well, you either find me so unbelievably attractive o—” I instantly cut him off. “Pffft, don’t flatter yourself,” I say quickly, noticing how dry my mouth has become. I can feel my pulse in my throat. He laughs at my words, his face full of amusement. “It’s a joke, Leandra,” he says.

Something about the way he says my name sends shivers down my spine. Then I watch his eyes flick down my body and back up my face. Yep, my face is definitely on fire now. Carter was capable of changing my life for the better with just one smile. I was happy looking into his deep turquoise eyes that remind me of the ocean water. I get lost with just one look at them.

Chapter two

Leandra

Thank god for the flight attendant who came and asked if we wanted something to eat and drink because I was this close to wishing the earth swallows me. Without a second thought, I order a glass of red wine letting the flight attendant know to keep them coming. I needed to forget the most embarrassing moment of my life right now. I mean, come on, Leandra, not even when I fell in high school in front of the entire class did I want the earth to swallow me.

I had drunk about three glasses of wine, and now I realize it wasn’t such a good idea. Considering this is my first time on a plane alone, I cannot get drunk. My head was spinning slightly. Asking the flight attendant for water, I reach for my book to continue reading, but my eyes flick to Carter, and for some reason, he’s staring at me too. He’s full-on grinning, dimples on full display for me. I have to avert my gaze because I found him so incredibly intimidating. Or maybe I was just tipsy?

Yeah, let’s go with that.

Carter’s eyes are on me like magnets. I cannot ignore his stare. It’s as if he can read the thoughts inside my head. His gaze is both hypnotizing and intimidating. Carter reminds me ofhimin a way.Him,the one douchebag that had brought me so much heartbreak. Something about those mysterious eyes started to bring back those memories ofhim. I could feel my eyes tearing up as memories ofhimcame flooding back. I pull away and get up to go to the restroom. I needed time alone to compose myself, but I also needed to freshen up. I hated overthinking. I hated the past. I needed to stop thinking.

“Hey,” a soft hand grips my shoulder. Turning slightly, I force a smile. “Hi,” I say as I’m met with Carter’s darkened eyes. I can’t help but notice he’s looking at me with slight concern, his brows dipping. “Are you okay?” He asks as he removes his hand from my shoulder. He then presses his hands into his dress pants pockets. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just needed to freshen up,” I nod as I wrap my arms around myself.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You keep zoning out?” Carter questions, stepping closer to me. His hands are now settling on both my shoulders again. I could smell his cologne, and it was making my mouth water. I could feel the sexual tension between us, or was it just me? Maybe I needed to re-evaluate my plan. I mean, who in the hell decides to get artificially inseminated without even having a taste of what sex can be like? Who did I think I was, Jane the Virgin? Come on, Leandra, live a little. I force a smile. “I’m fine, sorry. The alcohol has gotten to my head.”

The corners of his mouth twitch up, and yet again, I am mesmerized. I look down at his wet lips, wanting them to be pressed against my own. I quickly make eye contact again.

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