Love on Beach Avenue(95)

Carter’s gaze delved into hers.

Trembling, she took a step back under the intensity of those stormy blue-gray eyes. The last time she’d stared at him, his gaze had been passionate but remote. Today, a raw flare of emotion glimmered in its depths, carved out his features.

He looked tired. Lines bracketed his eyes and mouth. He’d grown a bit of a beard, giving him an edgy, sexy look that stole her breath. No glasses. His outfit consisted of jeans, a gray pullover, and leather loafers. Her body wept to touch him just once, but she kept her distance.

Lucy wriggled in a mad dash to be reunited with her owner, so Avery was forced to cross the room and stand near him. He picked the dog up, kissing her and calming her down, then slipped her into his carry bag.

“Thank you for coming.” His voice was smooth whiskey and rough gravel.

She curled her hands into fists to keep from reaching out. “You didn’t give me much of a choice unless I wanted to be a dog-napper.”

A smile touched his lips. He was staring at her so hungrily, it reminded her of how it’d been over the summer. Pain blew the thought away, like poking a sore tooth. “I was afraid to give you too much of a choice after how we left things.”

A weary sigh shook from her. “Is that why you’re here? To make things nice? You don’t have to, Carter. I’m not mad, I’m truly not. We tried.”

“I didn’t.”

Her eyes widened. “What?”

He turned on the stool and placed his hands on his knees. His face held the resolute lines of a man on a mission. And, God, the sexual tension burned and simmered between them, trying to knock her off-balance. Damn him and his guilt. She needed to get out of here.

“It’s simple, really,” he said. “I’m so damn sorry. You gave everything and I gave nothing. You were brave and I was a coward. When you tried to tell me, to reach out and ask why, I treated you like shit. Because I was messed up. Mixed up. Scared crapless. Pick one.”

Her throat tightened, and her voice came out choked. “I get it. You told me why, and I thought I could just fix it by pushing you. Apology accepted. I swear, you can go home now and know I’m okay and I understand.” She turned on her heel, desperate to leave, but his next words stopped her.

“I am home.”

“What do you mean?”

He waited until she turned and faced him again. “I talked to my sister. Told her everything, and she gave me a come-to-Jesus moment. I’ve been protecting a life I don’t even want anymore. So I made some changes. I sold my place and quit my job. I’m in therapy, so I can learn some tools to make sure I don’t slip into my old ways.”

She moved close, blinking back tears. “I’m so happy for you, Carter. You deserve to follow your dreams now. Where are you going next?”

“Nowhere. I bought a house in Cape May.”

The shock barreled through her, and the ground shifted underneath her feet. She must’ve heard wrong. “You’re kidding me.”

He shook his head. “Nope. Also got a new job in Atlantic City. Never thought about working for the casinos before, but it’s good money and a new challenge I desperately needed.”

“Wait—you moved here permanently?”

“Yep. I knew words wouldn’t be enough. Neither would intentions. Action was the only way I’d have even a chance of convincing you to take me back.” He stood from the stool and walked over to her. Gently taking her hands in his, he stared into her face. “See, I happen to be in love with you, Avery Sunshine. And I’m tired of denying it and running away. I want the chance to gain back your trust. Be part of your family. And even if you say no, I understand, but I won’t give up. I’ll be here every damn day, to convince you I’m not only ready to love you, but I’ll give you everything you ask for.”

As she stared back into his beloved face, she saw the truth.

He loved her. It was in his eyes, in his smile, in the tender way he touched her. But more than that, there was no barrier any longer.

And then he sealed the deal: “I’m just a guy, standing by a girl, asking her to marry me.”

Holy crap, he’d quoted Notting Hill. Well, kind of. He was ready to give her the gift of a rom-com in epic form, proving he was all in, offering her love and—

Wait, what had he just said?

She blinked through blurred vision as he dropped to one knee, took out a small box, and slowly opened it. The square-cut diamond ring sparkled and shone with spectacular glory. Shock barreled through her, tangled with a hungry need that made her entire body begin to shake.

Oh. My. God.

“Avery Alyssa Sunshine, will you marry me?”

She stared back at him helplessly. “You swore you’d never repeat a line from a rom-com. Not even for a million dollars.”

His smile was gentle. “I’d do anything for you, Avery. I know that now.”

She choked back a sob and put out a trembling hand to touch the ring.

“You still didn’t answer my question.”

She didn’t need another second to think. Avery flew into his embrace and kissed him. She had to give him credit—he didn’t even fall back under her joyous enthusiasm. When he finally lifted his head, she smiled. “Yes.”

He laughed, and then he kissed her again.