Текст книги "Bastard"

Автор книги: J. L. Perry

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Текущая страница: 21 (всего у книги 30 страниц)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Carter

“You okay?” Jax asks as we carry the table and chairs back to his car.

“I’m good,” I answer, which is a total fucking lie.

“Bullshit man. I know you better than you think. Is there trouble in paradise already?”

“No. Just something Indi said earlier spooked me, that’s all.” He gives me a look.

“Fucking women,” he says shaking his head. “I knew she was too good to be true. Is she talking about marriage and kids already?”

“What? Fuck no.” I sigh as her words play over in my head. I’m dying here. Fuck I hope she doesn’t believe that. I don’t even want to go there. She’s been so positive, and I’ve been drawing from that. In reality, I know she didn’t mean it that way, but under the circumstances, hearing those words leave her mouth really fucked with my head. “She has a brain tumour,” I confess, meeting his gaze. I haven’t told him about her illness.

“She fucking what?”

“Yeah. It’s pretty fucked up. I’ve only just got her back and now I might lose her again. She gets the final results tomorrow. That’s why I organised tonight. I wanted to give her something to hold on to. Something to help get her through the treatment.”

“Jesus,” he says as he stops walking. “I had no idea. I’m sorry for calling you a pussy man. You should’ve told me.”

“Don’t be. You didn’t know.”

“Is she going to be okay? She’s not going to die is she?” I fucking hope not.

“We won’t know the extent until tomorrow. She had an MRI this morning. We already know she has a small tumour on her brain, but tomorrow we find out if there’s any secondary cancer. If not, her prognosis looks pretty good.”

“Shit. That’s fucked up.” I nod, passing him the chairs to stow in his trunk. It is. Fucked up is an understatement.

“Thanks for helping me tonight,” I say grasping his shoulder. “It meant a lot to both of us.”

“Shit, it’s the least I could do. I’m sorry I gave you grief about it. I wouldn’t have been such a cocksucker if I’d known the reason behind it,” he admits.

“I won’t hold it against you. I’ve known you long enough to know being a cocksucker comes naturally. You can’t help it. It’s just who you are.” I chuckle when he punches me in the arm.

“Let me know how tomorrow goes, okay?” The sincerity on his face makes me smile. He’s a good bloke. I’m lucky to have him as a friend. He’s been like a big brother to me for the past five years.

“I will. Thanks,” I say heading back towards my car. I try to push tomorrow out of my head so I can concentrate on tonight. I need to get Indi’s hot, willing, and sexy-as-fuck body back to the hotel ASAP, so I can lose myself in her. I can’t wait another minute.

Indi smiles at me once I’m seated in the car. She really is a stunner. Fucking gorgeous. I don’t even think she realises how beautiful she is. She still takes my breath away after all this time. I don’t think that will ever change. “You alright?” I ask reaching for her hand.

“I’m perfect. Tonight was perfect,” she replies squeezing my hand. “I don’t want it to end.”

“Who said anything about it ending? It’s only just beginning.” I reach across the centre console and thread my hand through her hair, bringing her face towards me. She comes willingly. Her soft warm mouth presses against mine, and I’m lost again. I’ve never been much into kissing, but with her, I don’t ever want to stop.

When she opens her mouth and deepens the kiss, I reluctantly pull away. The longer we stay here, the longer it’s going to be before I can have her. As I move to start the ignition, she stops me.

“Wait. Don’t go yet,” she says, unbuckling her seatbelt and climbing onto my lap. “I can’t wait another second.” Straddling me, she places her hands between us as she fumbles with my belt buckle. I go to protest, but she places her finger over my mouth and cocks one of her eyebrows. I know she’s daring me to try her. She’s so fucking cute. “I’m taking control now. You’ve made me wait long enough.” I feel my smile grow. The hotel I’ve booked for tonight is only a one-minute drive away, but she doesn’t know that so who am I to argue? I’m not one for giving up control in the bedroom, but I’m interested to see where this goes.

Sure we’re parked under the bridge at night, but we’re in the middle of the city, so there’s plenty of people walking around. To be honest, I never picked her to be this game. I sit there and watch as she gets my belt undone before going to work on my button and zipper. Her brow is furrowed with frustration at the amount of time it’s taking to get my cock free. When she bites her bottom lip between her teeth, I almost give in to the temptation to help her. I want to bite those fucking lips of hers too. I’m surprised at the self-control I’ve shown tonight.

I’ve wanted to be buried balls deep inside her since the moment she opened the door to greet me. Knowing she’s been panty-less all night hasn’t helped matters. But, if she wants to take control I’ll give it up, just this once. After all, tonight is all about her and what she wants.

Being the cocky bastard I am, I place my hands behind my head, letting her do all the work. My dick is straining painfully against my pants, but I really don’t think she has it in her to go all the way. Not here.

I’m wrong. No sooner does she get my cock free, she breathes, “Condom.”

“There’s some in the centre console,” I tell her. I’m glad she thought of it, because I’m so lost in this moment, it didn’t even cross my mind, which is not like me at all. I always wrap it. I’d never take the risk of bringing another bastard into the world. I’d never want my child to go through what I have.

Seeing her ripping the foil wrapper open with her teeth is the sexiest thing ever. She places it over the head of my cock, pinching the top before rolling it down. She’s never done this with me before, so I can only presume she did it with that wanker. That gets my back up for some reason. I have no right to be angry with her. I’ve had plenty of other girls since I left.

It makes me wonder how many others she’s had. It makes me hate myself even more for leaving. When I left I was the only one. I was the one who forced her to have others. I need to push those thoughts out of my head. It’s not going to do me any good longing for something I can’t change. What I can be certain about is there will never be anyone else.

When the condom is in place she hoists up her dress, lining me up with her entrance. In one swift movement, she impales herself on my cock. “Fuck,” I groan as my eyes roll back in my head. I unlace my fingers from behind my head and pull her mouth down on mine. She’s so hot.

“Yes,” she moans as she lifts her hips and slides down my length again, and again. I love this wild side of her. My little vixen. I think I need to get her worked up more often. Her pussy grips me like a vice. Our kiss is wild, all lips and tongue. Smoking hot. I love that we can’t seem to get enough of each other.

I tear at her jacket, tugging it down her arms and discarding it on the seat beside us. I dig my fingers into her hips, lifting her up before pulling her back down. There’s nothing gentle about this. It’s wild and it’s dirty, just the way I like it.

She pulls out of the kiss, pushing the strap of her dress over one shoulder, before pulling my face down towards her now perfect, exposed tit. If she keeps this up, I’m not going to last longer than a minute.

“God, don’t stop,” she moans as she rides my cock with a fiery passion. “I’m … I’m …” I’m sure she’s about to tell me she’s coming when a loud knock on the window stills us.

“Fuck off, Jax,” I growl, because my first thought is it’s him.

“Open the window, please,” a very stern voice says. What the fuck? I don’t move her off my lap. Instead I pull her dress back up to cover her, before reaching for her coat on the passenger seat and wrapping it around her. I’m not finished with her yet. I’m gonna wind down my window and tell whoever is there to fuck the hell off.

Again that impatient prick knocks, making my temper spike. When a torch is shone through the window, I almost lose it.

“Look,” I snarl, winding down the window a fraction. I quickly bite my tongue when I see a police officer standing there, looking very unimpressed. Jesus Christ.

“Oh my God,” Indi whispers, her voice lined with shame when the officer shines his torch in her face. She quickly buries her head in my chest as I wrap my arms around her protectively.

“I’d expect this from a couple of kids, but you’re adults, you should know better. I’ll give you two minutes to clear off, or I’ll arrest you both.” His words have Indiana burying her face further into to me.

“Somebody kill me now,” she whispers. I almost want to laugh at her obvious humiliation. She may think twice before attacking me again. Although, I’m certainly not complaining about that part. All I can think is thank god it wasn’t Ross. That wouldn’t have gone down too well.

“I’m sorry, officer. We’re staying at the Park Hyatt tonight, so we’ll be on our way.”

“That’s just over there,” he says in disgust, pointing his torch in that direction. “You couldn’t wait one minute?”

“She attacked me,” I reply raising my hands in my defence. Indi pinches my side, hard. “Ouch,” I laugh. The officer shakes his head.

“Don’t let me catch you here again.”

“Sorry, officer. You won’t,” I say in a serious voice, trying hard not to smile. I wind up my window and chuckle when he leaves.

“How could you?” Indi cries, beating down on my chest. It only makes me laugh harder.

“If I remember correctly, you were the one who attacked me.” She narrows her eyes when they meet mine.

“Yes, but you didn’t tell me we were staying here in the city. I only attacked you because I thought I was going to have to wait until we got home.” Cupping her red face in my hands, I bring her sweet mouth to mine. She’s so adorable when she’s angry.

“Did you give me a chance? You were like some sex craved wild animal,” I retort, meeting her gaze once again.

“I was not,” she snaps, pinching my side once more. This time I laugh, even though her pinches hurt like a bitch.

“It’s not funny you arsehole.” I beg to differ. It’s fucking hilarious.

••••

“How about a bit of elevator sex?” I ask, pinning her against the wall as we travel up to our room. She’s still upset about our little run-in with the law. She’s barely said a word since we’ve gotten out of the car.

“Ha ha. Not likely. Nearly getting arrested once is enough for tonight. Imagine if it had been my father.”

“He doesn’t even work in this area,” I reply flatly, sliding my hands around her waist and pulling her against me. When she doesn’t bite back, I place a chaste kiss on her head. One day she’ll find this story amusing.

I know we’re only here for the night, but I’ve booked one of their finest suites. Hopefully once she sees it, she’ll cheer up. All I want is for tonight to be memorable. I guess with what just happened it will be. I have to hold back my chuckle as I think about how close we came to getting arrested for having sex in a public place.

“Wow, this place is spectacular,” she says as soon as we enter our suite. I smile as I watch her eyes dart everywhere. I place the bag I’m holding on the floor and pull her into my arms.

“Only the best for you, beautiful.” I plant a soft kiss on her lips and she relaxes as her body melts into mine. “Why don’t you have a shower and warm up?”

“Okay. Will you have one with me?” she asks sweetly, snaking her arms around my waist. Does she even need to ask? I had every intention of accompanying her, with or without an invite. I grab the toiletry bag out of the small suitcase I packed. “I don’t have any pyjamas,” she says when I follow her into the bathroom. My hand reaches out to touch her perfect arse. My need for her is overwhelming.

“That was my plan,” I reply, slinking my other arm around her waist and pulling her back against my front. I run my nose up her sleek neck. Fuck she smells amazing. “You won’t need any.” My mouth moves along her jaw as my hands slide up her toned stomach before palming her perfect tits in my hand. Her head tilts to the side as a small moan escapes her. Those little noises she makes, make me fucking crazy.

I’d planned to take her in the shower against the tiles, but I can’t wait that long. I need to finish what we started back in the car, right now. I take a step back and peel her jacket off her shoulders, tossing it to the side. My hands skim down her sides as I bunch up her dress, lifting it over her head.

I retreat another step as I drink in her perfect naked body. The only think she’s wearing, is those sexy as fuck shoes. “Place your hands on the vanity and spread those incredible legs of yours,” I command. Like the good girl she is, she does exactly as she’s told. I slide out of my jacket and toss it on top of her clothes. As I loosen my tie and remove it, my eyes don’t leave her once. She’s watching me through the mirror in front of her.

The anticipation is almost too much as I unbutton my shirt. I need to have her now. I pull my wallet out of my back pocket and remove a condom before flinging it to the side. I place the foil packet between my teeth as I work feverishly at my belt. Sliding it out of the loops in one swift movement, I drop it to the floor. I make quick work of my button and zipper on my pants before shoving them down, taking my boxer briefs with them.

Ripping open the packet, I slide it over my rock hard cock as I slip out of my shoes, remove my socks, and step out of my pants. Her eyes rake over my body through the reflection in the mirror. Her beautiful face is flushed and her stance widens as I take the few steps that divide us.

A loud growl rivets from deep within my chest as my arm snakes around her waist and I pull her incredible arse back towards me. “I’m going to fuck you hard and fast,” I breathe as my lips find her neck.

“Yes please,” she moans as she lifts her arm and slides it around the back of my neck. “Fuck me now, Carter. I can’t wait another second.” Sweet Jesus. Hearing her say that is almost my undoing.

“Place both hands on the vanity,” I order. As much as I like her hands on me, she needs to hold on. She’s been dying for my dick to be inside her all night, so I’m going to give her exactly what she wants. I’m not going to go easy on her this time.

My fingers slide between her legs. I already know she’s going to be hot and ready for me, but I need to make sure before I pound into her. The last thing I want is to hurt her. I groan when I feel her dripping. Lining up my head with her entrance, I push all the way in. I’m balls-deep in her heaven. Christ she feels amazing.

Giving her body a few seconds to adjust, I pull her hair to the side and run my tongue across her shoulder and up her neck before sucking her earlobe into my mouth. Slowly pulling back out to the tip, I thrust back in.

“Oh God yes,” she whimpers. “Don’t stop.” I have no plans of stopping. My fingers dig into her hip, holding her still, while my other hand slides around the front of her and between her legs so my fingers can circle her clit. She lets out a small cry as her pussy clenches around my cock. I know she’s already on the verge of coming undone. She’s not the only one.

Picking up the pace, I continue to pound into her, over and over. I watch her eyes roll back in her head through the mirror, and she screams out my name. I love it when she does that. I love that even when she’s so consumed with bliss, she knows it’s me that is making her feel that way.

Her body goes limp, but I hold her tight against me without relenting my assault. My fingers still rub her clit as my cock thrusts into her sweet pussy again and again. Not even a minute later, she cries out again as another orgasm engulfs her. It’s enough to send me over the edge.

When her legs give way from complete exhaustion, I lift her into my arms and carry her towards the shower recess. Hopefully the hot water will revitalise her, because I’m not even close to having my fill yet.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Indiana

I wake in the morning to Carter’s beautiful face between my legs. It’s a wonderful sight I can tell you. This is the second time since we’ve reconnected that I’ve awoken to him doing this. It’s something I could easily get used to. Mark wasn’t a big fan of oral sex. I, on the other hand, love it. There’s something so erotic about it.

“Good morning,” he says against my sensitive flesh when I moan and thread my fingers through his hair.

“Morning,” I whimper breathlessly.

After the incredible sex we had when we arrived at the hotel last night, Carter carried me into the shower when my legs threatened to give out. After he washed every inch of me, he took me up against the tiles. I know it’s only been a few days, but it’s like we can’t get enough of each other.

He seemed concerned about me when we got out of the shower. He said I looked tired and pale. He had no reason to worry. Although my headaches are still playing havoc, they don’t seem to bother me so much when I’m lost in him. He’s all the medicine I need.

Even though I told him I was fine, he wrapped me in a towel and sat me on the edge of the bath and dried my hair. It was very sweet. When he was done, he ordered me to bed. I’ll admit I was a tad disappointed when he wrapped me in his arms and demanded I get some sleep. I was hoping for round three.

I’m surprised I’m not feeling apprehensive about my doctor’s appointment later this morning. Maybe that will come after. Right now, I’d be lucky if I could remember my own name. Thanks to Carter and his magical tongue, I’m overwhelmed by the magnitude of feelings pulsing through me. If eating pussy was an Olympic sport he would win the gold medal, hands down.

He pushes two fingers inside me, hooking them to reach my G-spot, at the same time sucking my clit into his mouth. “Oh God yes,” I moan, pushing my hips up towards his face while my head sinks further back into the pillow. When he groans loudly, the vibrations sends me over the edge. My body convulses as my orgasm hits hard.

He’s smiling as he kisses his way back up my body, his eyes locked on mine. His bed hair is sticking up all over the place, but he still looks as gorgeous as ever. My heart starts to race as his lips meet mine. I’m overcome with love for this man. I wish I could tell him how I feel. I want him to know just how much he means to me, but I don’t want to scare him off.

I can’t lose him again.

“Can you be my alarm clock every morning?” I ask as my fingers smooth back his hair.

“If I could be between your legs every morning, I’d be a happy man,” he chuckles as his lips move along my jawline and down my neck.

“That could be arranged,” I say jokingly. Removing his mouth from me, he raises his head. His expression is serious as his eyes meet mine.

“Well arrange it,” he deadpans. I start to laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“You,” I say. “You know if you were to be between my legs every morning, we’d have to spend every night together.” Well I suppose he could always sneak in my window before dawn, but that’s going to be near impossible since he lives two hours away. I dread him going back home, but I don’t even want to think about that right now.

“And your point?” he replies, raising one of his eyebrows. Surely he can’t be serious. As much as I’d like to spend every night with him, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want that. I thought he was joking, but the serious look on his face tells me he’s not.

I turn my head to the side. For some reason I’m suddenly finding it hard to meet his gaze. I don’t want to get my hopes up. This is Carter Reynolds we’re talking about. Mr. I-don’t-do-commitment.

“Hey,” he says, placing his finger under my chin and turning my face back towards his. “Wouldn’t you like to wake up with me every morning?” I can clearly hear the hurt in his voice. The uncertainty on his face tugs at my heart.

“Of course I would,” I reply, trying to reassure him. “I thought you were joking.”

“Well I’m not. I’m in love with you Indiana. I want this. I want us.” I feel the corners of my lips turn up. Did he just say he loved me?

“You love me?”

“I don’t just love you, sweetheart. You own me, completely. It’s crazy how much. I never thought anyone could make me feel like this, but fuck me, you do. You make me feel it all. I loved you when I walked away five years ago, and I’ve never stopped. It’ll only ever be you.” His hand comes up to brush the hair back off my face. Tears sting my eyes from his sweet words.

“I love you too, Carter,” I admit. My heart is singing right now knowing he feels the same way about me as I do him. I’ve never said that to a guy before. Well except my dad, but that doesn’t count. Carter’s face breaks out into a huge smile. Before I get to say another word, his mouth crashes into mine.

He nudges my legs open with his knee as he settles between my thighs. I can feel his erection pushing against my leg. His hand reaches out to the side while his lips remain on me. I know he’s feeling for the condoms he left on the bedside table last night.

When he retrieves it he pulls back, leaning on his haunches as he rolls it on. His eyes never once leave mine. “I can’t believe you love me,” he whispers. Well believe it. When he settles between my legs again, the smile I see on his face melts my heart. Despite what he thinks of himself, he’s an easy person to love. He laces his fingers through mine, pinning them above my head.

No words are spoken as he ever so slowly slides inside me. His lips meet mine as he gently rocks his hips forward. This time he doesn’t fuck me, he makes sweet and passionate love to me. He gives me every piece of him, and I do the same as our hearts merge as one.

I love him right down to the depths of my soul.

••••

We crawl out of bed an hour later. I feel like I’m floating. I’ve never felt this happy, this whole. Carter runs me a bath to soak in while he orders breakfast. He hasn’t stopped smiling since we’ve told each other how we feel. Being with him just feels so right. It always has. I know that’s why I never completely moved on. Why I couldn’t give myself fully to Mark. My heart has always belonged to Carter. It always will.

When I get out of the bath I wrap myself in a towel and pick up my crumpled dress off the floor. I guess I’m going to have to wear this home. We’ll have to call to the house on the way to my appointment. My stomach churns when I think about that. I pray that we’re going to get some good news today. Surely life couldn’t be that cruel. We’ve only just found each other again.

“Hey,” Carter says coming into the bathroom and snapping me out of my thoughts. “You okay?” His hands slide around my waist from behind as he places a soft kiss on my cheek.

“I’m fine,” I reply turning my head to meet his gaze. “We’re going to have to call to my place so I can get some clothes.”

“I packed some. They’re laying on the bed.”

“They are?” You can clearly hear the surprise in my voice.

“Uh huh,” he replies like he’s proud of himself.

“They better not be skimpy.” He chuckles at my comment.

“I did consider it, but I knew you had your appointment, so I packed jeans and a sweater thingy, or whatever you call them.”

“And underwear?”

“That too,” he says, turning me in his arms and planting a kiss on my nose. “Get dressed, breakfast has just arrived. I bought you a new toothbrush as well. It’s in the toiletry bag on the vanity. Oh, and some girly deodorant. Can’t have my girl stinky.” I release a small laugh, playfully punching him in the arm. I’ll give him stinky.

“Thank you,” I say wrapping my arms around his waist, squeezing him tight. “For everything.” I feel tears sting my eyes again. I’m feeling so overwhelmed right now.

It’s like this thing between us is too good to be true. I pray that’s not the case.

••••

My leg won’t stop bouncing as we sit in the doctor’s room waiting to be called. I’m trying my best to act cool, but I’m failing miserably. I cross my legs at the same time Carter reaches for my hand. It’s just the two of us today. My dad called before we left the hotel, but Carter talked him out of coming with us. Knowing my dad, he wouldn’t have been impressed, but Carter did promise to call him the minute we had the results.

Carter brings my hand up to his mouth, placing a kiss on my knuckles. I smile at him trying to let him know I’m okay, even though my stomach is churning inside.

“The doctor will see you now, Ms. Montgomery,” the nurse says from behind her desk. Carter stands first pulling me up with him. He laces his fingers through mine as we walk down the small corridor towards the doctor’s room. I’ve given up on trying to stop him from coming with me. Secretly I’m glad. I need him. He’s quickly becoming my rock.

“Whatever the doctor says, we face it together,” Carter whispers in my ear as his hold on my hand tightens. I’m not sure if I could get through this without him. He’s been wonderful. I give him a tight, nervous smile when his eyes meet mine. I’m afraid if I talk right now, I’ll cry.

The doctor greets us at the door. He shakes both our hands before offering us a seat. As soon as we’re seated, Carter reaches for my hand again. My eyes dart towards him. His eyes are planted firmly on the doctor. His brow is furrowed, worry clearly visible on his face. This time, I squeeze his hand as calmness settles over me. I suddenly realise that whatever the doctor is about to say is irrelevant. We have each other. For how long, who knows, but in this moment that’s all that seems to matter.

My eyes leave Carter when the doctor speaks. “I have your results from the MRI, Indiana.” I hold my breath as I wait for him to continue. “I’m pleased to say there’s no secondary cancer present.” My cheeks puff out as I release my breath slowly. My eyes move to Carter, and the relief on his face is evident. His gaze meets mine and his lips turn up into a beautiful smile.

“That’s great news,” Carter says turning his attention back to the doctor. “What happens from here?”

“Well, I’d like to put Indiana on a course of steroids for the next two weeks to relieve any swelling around the tumour, then we can get started on the radiation therapy. I have some information I’d like you to read through in the meantime. It will answer any questions you may have. It also outlines the benefits, risks, and side effects that may arise, things of that nature.”

“What are the risks and side effects?” Carter asks. I’m glad he’s got it together enough to ask questions. My mind is on overload at the moment.

“The risks are minimal. That’s why I’ve chosen this avenue instead of surgery. The tumour is small so you’ll be receiving small doses of radiation over a six-week period. Longer if required, but I’m pretty confident it won’t be needed. The radiation will kill off any cancer cells and hopefully prevent it from growing or spreading. As for the side effects, you may not experience any. People react quite differently to the treatment. You may feel nauseous, or have a loss of appetite. It’s important you eat correctly whilst undergoing the radiation therapy. There’s a list of foods and things you should avoid in the package. You may experience fatigue and some hair loss, but again, every case is different. Your skin on your head may become dry and itchy, but there are creams that can help with that. All in all, nothing too serious. The benefits far outweigh all of that.”

There’s so much to take in it’s making my head spin. If this radiation therapy is going to cure me, then I’ll take any side effect they want to throw at me. In the grand scheme of things, if it’s going to save my life I don’t really care.

“Everything you should and shouldn’t do is clearly outlined in the pamphlets inside the envelope. Please read up on them. It’s best if you know everything going into this.”

“We will,” Carter assures him. I’m feeling very overwhelmed by it all.

The doctor must see the indecision on my face because he adds, “You’re young and healthy. You have everything on your side, Indiana.” He gives me a reassuring smile as he passes me the envelope. “I’ll get you that script for the steroids.” I watch as his fingers move over the keyboard in front of him before he reaches for the printed script in the tray. “If you have any concerns after reading through the information, don’t hesitate to call me. It’s pretty straightforward and should answer any questions you may have.”

“Thank you,” I say as he leans over the desk handing me the script.

“I’ll get you to make an appointment with me for one week’s time, and we can discuss any of your concerns and get you prepared to start the treatment the following week. What type of work do you do?”

“I’m between jobs,” I admit. I still can’t believe Mark fired me, the arsehole. It’s not like I could’ve kept working there under the circumstances, I suppose, but I’m eager to find something else. I love what I do. I miss my animals.

“Well maybe that’s a good thing. You’re going to need plenty of rest during the course of the treatment, so maybe you should put that off for a few months. Or at the very least, find casual work.” Thankfully I live at home with my dad, so I can survive without money for a little longer. I do have savings I can dip into if needed.

When he stands, Carter and I follow. Carter reaches for his hand first before I do the same. “Thanks, doc,” Carter says as we’re leaving.

As soon as we exit the building, Carter pulls me into his arms before swinging me around. “I’m so fucking happy,” he says before placing me back on my feet. “Well I’m happy things aren’t worse than we thought. I still hate that you have to go through this.” He cups my face, giving me a sad smile. “You’ve got this in the bag. You know that right?” he adds confidently as he pulls me into a crushing hug. “I’ve gotta call your dad. He’s waiting to hear back from me.”

I smile as he releases me and pulls out his phone. Although what lies ahead is daunting to say the least, his happiness is infectious.