Stacking the Deck (A Betting on Romance Novel Book 2)(89)

He stared at the box, unable or unwilling to pick it up. “I don’t understand.”

“I’m not the person you think I am. I like sneaking mango smoothies at the gym more than running. I think it’s cute for the cat to sit across from me while I have breakfast. I think smiley-face deck lights are whimsical… I’m the kind of woman that likes to wear real lipstick and sweatpants and have sex on the kitchen table even though it’s wildly unsanitary... I eat swiss cake rolls for crying out loud!”

“You’re a different person since you’ve been home.”

“No. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. I’m finally the person I always was.”

“I still don’t understand.”

“I know. But for your sake, someday, I hope you will. For now... could you give me a ride home?




CARTER PACED IN THE driveway. Waiting.

Damn it! This wasn’t how he’d seen the evening playing out. The evening he’d planned was fun, surprising and most of all ended with him enjoying himself in every way imaginable.

It certainly didn’t include standing around wondering when the authorities might arrive.

Carter’s muscles tensed as he watched a car roll into the drive. Closing his eyes briefly, he blew out a breath and raised a hand in a casual hello.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

“Carter!” John inclined his head in greeting as he stepped from his car. “What’s up?”

“Not much. Waiting for Liz.”

A muscle twitched in John’s cheek as he glanced behind Carter at the house. “I thought she’d gone back to Chicago already.”

“She decided to stay a couple extra days.”

John’s eyes flicked down the drive as he pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. “When is she coming back?”

“Not sure. Could be any time.”

“You going out?” John’s eyes slid over Carter’s suit.

“That was the idea.”

John chewed the corner of his lip as he held the smoke in his lungs then looked down the drive again. Exhaled.

“Expecting someone?” Carter asked.

John shrugged noncommittally. “Just a friend. Said he might be stopping by.”

Before Carter could reply, another car pulled into the drive. He hadn’t seen this particular vehicle for a while—not since quitting the fire department. “You still hang out with Rick Mercer?” he asked, swallowing his distaste.

“We see each other now and again,” John hedged.

Rick closed his door, his eyes twitching in surprise and recognition as he spied Carter. He cocked his chin. “Hey, Carter. How’s it hangin’?”

“Good.” Carter flashed the easy smile he’d worked a lifetime to perfect. He didn’t trust Rick as far as he could throw him, but he’d be damned if he’d walk away now. “So, what’s up? You guys have plans for tonight? ” Any chance I can help you on your way?

“Uh, I’m kind of on a schedule here, John,” Rick prompted. His car keys jangled in his hand.

“Schedule’s changed,” John replied. “My sister’s on her way.”

Rick swore crudely. “I don’t have—”

“Relax. We’ve got company.” John said, his eyes glancing toward Carter.

“Him? He’s cool. Could have turned me in a few months ago, couldn’t you, man? Took the rap for me. He won’t bother us.” Rick gave Carter what he could only assume was a grateful smirk.

“But my sister—”

“Then make it fast. I need—”

“Oh crap.”

Carter couldn’t have expressed his own thoughts any better as Liz pulled up in an unfamiliar sedan that stopped at the end of the drive. His heart clenched in his chest as he watched her lean over and kiss the driver on the cheek, then step out.

Now who the hell was that guy?

She paused when she spotted him, her cheeks pink as she walked toward him.

Carter caught the end of a murmured exchange between John and Rick.

“I’m not taking it back,” Rick muttered under his breath.

“I’m telling you, it’s no good,” John replied.

“And, I’m telling you if it’s opened I can’t—”

“What’s going on?” Liz asked, stepping up to them.

Carter shook off any questions about the man in the car for later and focused on the moment. He had to divert Liz. And fast. Clearly things were getting ugly. He didn’t want any of their mess to spoil his evening.

Rick glared at John. “What’s this? A convention? I thought you wanted this on the Q.T., Beacon.”

Carter stepped between Liz and Rick and took her arm. “John just, ah, stopped by to see the new walkways. His landlord was interested in redoing their front walk, and he thought he might put a good word in for me. Right, John?”

“You have a new place? That’s wonderful! Carter, did a beautiful job, don’t you think?” Liz asked.

“Great,” John said. “Thanks for showing me, Carter.”

“No problem. But, if we’re going to make our dinner reservation, Liz, you’ll have to run and get changed.”

She looked down at the skirt and cardigan she wore. “What’s wrong with this?”