He went on to tell me more about his childhood, about his sister Hannah and his nieces. The more he spoke, the more I realized we had a lot in common. I was getting to know the real Carter, but I couldn’t help doubting myself. What if I saw everything through rose-colored glasses? I tended to do that, to trust too easily, romanticize everything. I was hanging on to his every word. I’d come here today for a few hours of relaxation and fun (and maybe some flirting), but I was getting more than I’d bargained for.

Late in the afternoon, it was time to bring out April’s cake. She’d refused to have any candles, explaining that those were for kids. But apparently no one was too old for a food fight. I instigated it, of course, though in my defense, it was by accident. Sort of. Carter had teased me, and in return I smeared his cheek with frosting. Things escalated quickly. My inner seven-year-old had come out to play.

“I can’t believe you’ve roped me into this,” he exclaimed.

“The soul never gets old. We just forget to be children. Another saying of my dad’s.”

I was surprised at how much fun Carter was having, as if he’d been waiting for an opportunity to unleash his inner kid too. We returned to the shore late in the evening, and I was absolutely not ready for the day to end.

“I’ll walk you to your car,” Carter offered once we were on land. April’s group was a few feet away, waiting for their parents to pick them up.

“No, it’s okay. I parked close.”

Carter studied me, and as I took the first step back, he said, “Val, have dinner with me.”

“Oh!”

“You sound surprised. In case it’s not obvious, I’m crazy attracted to you.”

I smiled. “Well, that part is obvious.” My heart rate picked up, and the frantic beats were making it hard to think straight.

“When are you free next week?”

“No clue, but I’ll check my calendar and let you know.”

“Monday at breakfast?” he pressed, his gaze hard and determined. I nodded. He inched closer, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The brush of his fingers on my earlobe felt intimate. I shuddered with my entire body. Carter didn’t miss my reaction, and his lips curled into a seductive smile.

“Have a great evening, Valentina.”

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Val

On Monday morning, I woke up so late that I had no choice but to forego both my yoga and the coffee shop. I shot Carter a quick message to let him know I couldn’t make it before darting directly into my office. I had to answer a few emails before heading to the sampling room.

My stomach was rumbling, and I needed breakfast. Otherwise I’d end up vetoing all of the samples.