Carter (The Harlow Brothers Book 1) (17 page)

We both look to the door when we hear a loud knock. Caden sticks his head in, and when he sees us on the bed, he slings the door open, runs to the bed shouting, “SLUMBER PARTY!” I try to move out of his way, but he lands on one of my legs, and I can’t help but laugh as I hold onto it.

“Caden! What the hell?” I’m still laughing as Carter scolds him like a child.

“What? I wanted to join the fun.”

“Yeah, but you landed on Shelby.” Carter pushes Caden, and when he almost falls off the bed, I have to hold my side from laughing so hard.

Tears fill my eyes at the look on Caden’s face as he stands on the bed and declares, “Oh you’re going down for that!” He jumps again, landing right on top of Carter. I decide to move before any more damage is done to my body, and stand by the bed as they wrestle like kids. They continue for a while fighting, and I know someone is about to get angry. Caden has Carter in a head lock and his face is turning red, but Carter isn’t giving up.

They punch and slap each other, and I chuckle when Carter yells out when Caden bites him on the arm. Apparently Caden doesn’t play fair. Cason walks into the room, and he rolls his eyes seeing them roughing each other up. Cason looks to me, nods, then starts to pull them off each other. He grabs Caden, yanking him off the bed. I cover my mouth with my hand, trying to hold in my laughing when Caden almost falls. He catches himself on Cason and by the look on his face, he’s not happy about it.

“Dammit, Cas. You almost made me bust my ass.”

“Serves you right! You bit me!” Carter yells.

Cason sighs as Caden yells back, “You shouldn’t have started something you couldn’t finish then.” I slowly get back to my spot on the bed as Carter and Caden argue. I don’t miss Cason raising his eyebrow at me, but I choose to ignore it. He can think whatever he wants.

“Alright, Caden. We all get it. You won. Say he won Carter, so he’ll shut the fuck up.”

Carter narrows his eyes at Cason, then inspects the huge bite mark on his arm. “You won, but just wait. Tomorrow your ass is mine.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep, old ass.”

“Caden, why can’t you just take the win and call it a night?” I can tell Cason is getting frustrated with his twin. It’s hilarious seeing them all together again, acting just like they used to, but it’s bittersweet knowing Clark and Caleb aren’t here to join the show.

“Truce?” Carter asks Caden.

“Truce. By the way, you need to call Bethany soon. She was livid, and then she burnt rubber in your driveway leaving.” I look down hearing her name again. I can only guess what she thinks of me, and I know it’s not filled with compliments. Her words replay in my mind again, and I start to feel the guilt creeping in. Funny how people’s words have the power to drag us down when we felt so happy before.

I move to leave thinking it’s time for me to go home, but Carter reaches over and grabs my hand. “Where are you going? It’s movie time, and I’ll deal with Bethany later. She’s just butt-hurt.”

“You want to watch a movie this late?” I ask.

“I’m down for a movie. What are we watching? I’ll make the popcorn,” Caden states, and I can’t take my eyes off Carter’s pleading eyes.

“Alright, but I get to pick the movie,” I say and Caden squeals like a girl, then rushes out of the room. I glance at Cason and ask, “Is he alright?”

“I have no idea. I think Mama dropped him on his head more than the rest of us.”

I grin, and when Cason leaves the room, I realize Carter has yet to take his hand off mine. He rubs his thumb back and forth on the back of my hand, and all those emotions I felt years ago with him come flying back. It scares me at how intense they are, and how they’re stronger than ever. I swallow, and quickly take my hand out of his. I see a flash of hurt in his eyes, but I can’t dwell on it. “I’m going to help Caden.” I don’t wait for his reply. I leave his hypnotizing gaze. I make my way to the kitchen to help Caden, trying so very hard to keep my heart from leaping out of my chest. Damn Carter, and his gentle touch.

I massage the back of my neck, feeling the sudden tension building. Probably not the best move to touch Shelby like I had so soon, but dammit I couldn’t help myself. There’s just this force pulling me to her. I can’t deny seeing her here, knowing she’s going to try and give our friendship another shot thrills me unlike anything I’ve known before. Granted, I would love if it was more than just a friendship, but I know she’s not ready for that. I didn’t miss the fear in her eyes as I told her I missed her, but I’m determined more than ever to get her back where she needs to be. I feel as though I’m having to start all over with her again, but I’ll do whatever’s necessary to have her in my arms once more.

I get off the bed, thankful I’m somewhat more sober than before. Shelby helped me a lot with the sobering up and if she hadn’t come over, I’d probably still be drinking. Which reminds me, I need to clean up my mess. I quickly race to the bathroom and grab a towel. I place the half empty bottle on the bedside dresser, and bend down to clean up the mess on the floor. It doesn’t take long to soak up the alcohol, and once I toss the towel in the hamper, I make my way to find where Shelby went. My heart races thinking she might have left. Walking into the kitchen, I see her and Caden talking as the popcorn pops in the microwave. I sigh in relief seeing her, and when she glances at me then blushes, I can’t help but grin back. My stomach takes a dive when she smiles at me, and I make myself walk into the living room. I can’t slip up and touch her again. She’s very skittish, and I’m afraid she’ll bolt at any moment.

One way or another, I’ll make her see I’m not letting her go anywhere now that she’s back.

I take a seat by Cason on the couch as I wait on Caden and Shelby to finish with the popcorn. Cason lays the remote on the armrest and turns to me. I had a feeling he would have something to say, and I hope he doesn’t say something I don’t want to hear. “So, you and Shel good now?”

“I guess you could say that.” I glance back into the kitchen, making sure Shelby can’t hear me as I say, “It’s complicated. She’s down for us being friends again, but I want more than that.” I’ll always want more with her.

“I figured as much. Just take it slow. We all see how much of a flight risk she is right now. And you know something happened to her, right?”

I nod, knowing what he’s talking about. “Yeah. She’s definitely keeping something hidden.” I pause, thinking of how she wouldn’t really open up about her time in South Carolina. All that time there, but she had nothing to say? I don’t buy it. Not to mention the new scar on her lip, and how her blue eyes have lost some of the fire I once loved to gaze at. “But one way or another, I’ll get her to talk to me about it. And you’re right. I have to be patient.” I look right at Cason as I confess, “I can’t lose her again.”

He clenches his jaw and says, “I know. I’m not the best person to help, but I’ll do whatever I can to make sure she doesn’t leave.” I don’t question what he means, but I know he’ll do what he says. I nod, but I don’t respond.

Caden and Shelby finally make their way into the living room. Caden takes a seat with a bowl of popcorn on the recliner, and Shelby hesitates before sitting down by me with another bowl. She hands me the bowl, and Cason shoves his whole hand into the bowl making some spill over. “Seriously, man?”

He cups his hand, and tosses the popcorn in his mouth as he says, “What?” It comes out more as ‘wuf’ and I just shake my head.

I turn to Shelby seeing she’s smiling again. I stare at her longer than I should, but I’ve missed seeing her smile. “What movie do you want to watch?”

“I’m not sure. Where’s your movies?” I point to my movie collection, and she goes to pick one. I honestly had no intentions of watching a movie tonight, but when I noticed she froze and was getting ready to leave, it was the first thing I could think of to make her stay. Which reminds me I need to thank Caden for being on board with a last minute movie night. I watch her intently knowing she can’t see me, as she looks over the section of horror movies. I know she’s a horror movie buff, and over the years I’ve added a lot to my collection. I don’t really care for them, but just knowing she loves them made me want to have them. Even when we were apart, I still bought them when a new one would release.

“Don’t you dare pick Child’s Play,” Caden proclaims, and I turn and throw popcorn at him. Shelby turns around with a wicked grin, and I already know which one she chose. “I’m serious, Shel. That damn doll scares the shit out of me.”

I watch as she rolls her eyes and says, “Stop being such a chicken.”

“Yeah Caden, stop being such a chicken,” Cason chimes in with a monotone voice.

“Call me a chicken one more time!” I laugh at how serious Caden is about being called a chicken. You would think someone called him a dick, or an asshole.

Shelby turns around and puts the movie in the DVD player, and makes her way back to me. I hand her the popcorn bowl, and we lock gazes as our hands brush over each others. She blushes and quickly looks away, but it’s just a boost for me. She’s still affected by me, and that’s all I need to know to carry out my plan.

Slow and easy. I repeat the words a few times to be sure I remember them.

I watch her as she pulls her legs up beside her, and I find I like seeing her getting comfortable on my couch. I know I should be interested in the movie that’s starting to play, but I can’t take my eyes off her. I stare as she slowly eats her popcorn and, something so simple shouldn’t be so fucking erotic.

It is because it’s Shelby doing it.

I shake my head, and pull my gaze from her when I hear Caden groan out loudly and say, “Oh come on! I asked you not to pick this movie! Now I won’t be able to sleep worth a shit.” I chuckle as does everyone else knowing Caden’s so full of it.

The movie plays on, and I try to stay focused on it. I really do, but I can’t knowing she’s right beside me. And the fact she’s hogging all the popcorn. I lean over and lightly tap on her shoulder. As she looks at me, I gesture for her to move closer. I grin when she complies willingly, and even though she sits closer, she’s careful not to touch me. I casually place my arm behind her, but I don’t touch her. I know she’s probably thinking about it since I noticed her chest rising and falling quickly, but I need her to get used to being around me again. Her eyes never once waver from the movie, and I have a feeling she’s trying to ignore the fact I’m so close to her. I might be pushing it too fast, but fuck me if I can help it. I use my other hand to take some popcorn, and she tenses each time I do so. So much for slow and easy.

Thankfully, Caden keeps his comments to himself as the movie plays, but I can’t help but laugh as he hides his face behind a pillow. I tap Shelby on her shoulder again, getting her to look at him and she snickers. When Chucky comes into play, he screams. We all burst out in laughter since he spilled popcorn everywhere while screaming at the top of his lungs, and almost jumping out of his chair. “You better clean that shit up once you find your balls,” I tell him, and he just shakes his head.

“I told y’all I didn’t want to watch this damn movie. I should make you clean it up.”

“Caden, hush your mouth. I’m trying to watch the movie,” Shelby says, and when Caden looks at me, all I can do is shrug my shoulders. We did say she could pick the movie and now, Caden just has to deal with it.

About halfway through, I notice Shelby’s eyes begin to droop. She blinks several times, and I can tell she’s fighting her sleep. I look at the clock on the wall behind us, seeing it’s getting really late. When she starts to lean her head back, I grab the popcorn bowl out of her lap, hand it to Cason, then I gently guide her to my lap. I know she’s tired since she doesn’t even put up a fight, but I can’t help feeling a rush of satisfaction. I move her long hair from her neck, and she snuggles her face on my legs. I close my eyes, and will my cock to behave. I really don’t think she’ll like my cock poking her in the cheek. I barely breathe having her this close, and I hope she can’t hear my drumming heart. I know this moment can’t last, but I’m taking it all in, committing it to memory. This is all I’ve ever wanted, and I have to tell myself that this doesn’t mean she’s mine. At least not yet.

I see Cason get up out of the corner of my eye, and he walks over to Caden. I’m grateful when they both nod to me, and head towards the door. At least now I don’t have to worry about Caden screaming again. I don’t want this moment to end, and now that my brothers have left, I sigh in relief. I tune out the horror movie’s creepy music, and gaze at Shelby. She looks so peaceful, and when I start to run my fingers through her hair, she sighs deeply.

I let the movie play once more before I decide to put her in my bed. I want time to stop, to make this last a lifetime, but I know I need to move her. She’ll be more comfortable in bed. Carefully, I lift her head and slowly move off the couch. I know she’s dead to the world when she doesn’t even make a sound as I do so. I slide my hands under her, gently picking her up. I hold her close to my chest and my stomach dips as she nuzzles her head on my chest, and wraps her arms around my neck. I breathe in her sweet scent of her shampoo, and slowly make my way to my room. The whole way there, I feel the warmth of her skin on my hands. I want nothing more than to keep her exactly where she is and where she belongs. Having her back in my life again, I feel complete. I always knew there was a piece of me missing, but I didn’t realize it was her until now. She’s my other half, the part of me I can’t live without, and I will fight like hell to keep her. As I push open my door with my foot, I swear to myself that I won’t fuck up this time. I won’t push her away like before, even if I thought those reasons were for the best. I don’t care what I have to do this time. I won’t stop until she’s given herself to me completely.