"A movie sounds great." He could feel his resistance waning and had to remind himself that this wasn't the way he wanted to do things. Rushing when she felt vulnerable made him feel like he was taking advantage of her - something he didn't want tainting their time together.
Her breath feathered across his lips and everything inside him urged him to kiss her.
Instead, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, his mouth lingering on her skin for a moment and she inhaled as if she were going to say something. But the words didn't come, and he stepped back and headed for the couch to settle in for a movie.
She continued to scan the street outside for a half second, then followed him. She was clearly on edge and he wanted her to feel comfortable, to know he was there for her and meant every word.
"Why don't you find something to watch, and I'll make us some tea?" He gestured to the television, and she nodded.
"I love tea. The kettle is on the stove and the teas are in the top cabinet to the right." She flicked the TV on, flipping through channels before switching over to Netflix.
Carter ambled into the kitchen to prepare the tea. He had to work to keep himself from watching her on the couch, and he couldn't help but notice how damn good she looked, sitting there looking like a treat he wanted to devour.
Carter wasn't a stranger to female attention; it came with the territory of being rich. He'd had his fair share of flings with women that just wanted a taste of his life, but the more time he spent with her, the emptier his life felt.
He'd never been much of a relationship kind of guy, and he didn't see that changing any time soon. He considered himself a good man, with a good heart, and he wanted to find a woman who could see that.
He wasn't sure if that was her, but he wanted to find out.
When the kettle whistled, he poured both cups of tea, then carried them carefully out to her.
She glanced up at him, a smile on her lips. "Thanks for the tea."
He placed them both on the coffee table and sat down beside her. The couch was surprisingly comfortable and he settled right in, placing his tea beside hers and responding, "You're welcome." He stretched out his legs under the table as she pulled a throw blanket around herself as if warding off a chill he didn't feel.
As she leaned into him, he put an arm around her. She cuddled in close, exhaled, and totally relaxed into his side. Her warmth settled into his bones and he decided he liked having her there, nestled in like a kitten.
The feel of her against him, her scent, and the way she grabbed his other hand and put it on her thigh, all made his heart pound. He had to remind himself that this was a no-go area, and even though he shouldn't be feeling this way, he couldn't help how much he wanted her.
When was the last time he'd wanted to spend time with a woman just because he wanted to enjoy her company? When was the last time he'd wanted to spend time with a woman that he hadn't planned to sleep with and cut loose?
He couldn't think of a time.
Was he falling for her? Carter shook his head. It was way too soon for that kind of thinking, but he found himself on guard and curious what had changed in him.
The movie started, but he found his thoughts on her. She liked the same kinds of movies he did, and her Netflix history left him wondering if she'd hacked his account and put her name on the profile.
He watched the screen, but his thoughts focused on her. He liked her comfortable cozy space, but he knew she wouldn't fit into his world. Beyond being too young for him, they came from totally different worlds. How would she feel if money suddenly wasn't an issue in her life? Likely overwhelmed. Possibly resentful. He rubbed his thumb along her jaw, enjoying her soft skin as troubling thoughts boiled away in his mind.
He'd avoided relationships and the troubles they presented partially for that reason. Women with money let it shape them - or so his experience told him. Women without were built different, with grit, determination, and generally a distaste for men like him - and for good reason. Men like him were like him; they knew to keep things no strings attached. Carter didn't do messy. Neither did anyone he knew. Messy meant losing money, stature, respect.
When the final credits rolled, he hadn't come any closer to an answer, but she yawned, indicating she was ready for sleep.
"What if we sleep together?" he asked.
She glanced up at him. "That was unexpected."
He held up a hand. "Not like that. Just sharing space, not having sex. I don't like the thought of you being far away, especially if you have the unsettling feeling something isn't right."
She nodded. "That makes sense."
He sighed. "I don't mean to alarm you, but I've got a gut feeling, too. Devon is a powerful enemy to have, and I worry my actions might have made him angry and more desperate to get to you."
She put a finger to his lips. "You don't have to convince me, and trust me, my problems with Devon didn't start with you."
Carter knew that for a fact. He didn't want to admit to her that she'd been in his head more than he'd been comfortable with since that first night.
"I think you're right. So, let's do this." She stood up and offered him her hand. "Leave them - two dirty dishes aren’t going to ruin my night," she said as he glanced at the long-empty tea cups.