Naughty

“I know, baby. I know. Can I come close?”

“Yes. You found me.”

“Of course. We went to your place first, then to Hilary’s. Summer figured you’d come here, and when we called, they said you had. We’d have been here sooner.”

“I’m so sorry. I had to come here. I love it here.”

Her nose was red, and he wiped a tear away from her cheek.

“You didn’t need to leave. You had every right to be there. You’re mine, Autumn.”

“I just freaked out. She hit me, and the guilt, it was all just too much. I’m so sorry, Carter. I should have been there with you, and I wasn’t. There are not enough words.” She held onto him tightly, repeating her apology.

“You shouldn’t feel guilty.” He leaned forward, kissing her lips. “I dealt with Summer, and I’ve dealt with your parents. Now, I’m going to deal with you.” He cupped her face. “Autumn Fowler, I’m in love with you, and I mean in love with you. From the moment you broke down outside of my shop, I’ve been unable to think of anyone else, or do anything else. You dominate my thoughts.”

She smiled. “I love you, too, Carter.”

“You don’t just have to say that.”

“I know. I don’t have to say anything, but I wanted to tell you the truth. I love you, and that love has been tainted with guilt. I didn’t think I was allowed to love you.”

Carter listened, his heart soaring at her revelation.

Unable to hold back any longer, he slammed his lips down on hers, plunging his tongue into her mouth as he silenced her.

“Enough of that in my house,” Bill said.

Pulling away, he saw her father was glaring.

“Daddy, if you want grandkids, I need to kiss,” Autumn said.

“I want grandkids, but I don’t want them made here. You can make them in your own place, without me knowing about it.”

Bill nodded and left.

They were both laughing, and Autumn rested her head against his head. “I’m sorry. I’m not looking at having kids for some time, but I wanted to get rid of him. Anyone would think I’m still a teenager.”

“You’re his little girl. I don’t think I’d be too happy about it if our daughter had a guy in her room.”

“Our daughter?”

“Don’t you have dreams or wishes for our future?” he asked.

She bit her lip and smiled at him. “I tried not to wish, or to dream. It was only supposed to be a little bit of fun.”

“Falling in love doesn’t stop us from having some fun.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Far from it.”

“I don’t know how this happened, Carter.” She kissed him back. “What do we do now?”

“Will you move in with me?” he asked.

She laughed. “That’s all you want to know?”

“Yes.” He kissed her cheeks, and then her neck. “I’ll make every single dream come true.”

“Yes, yes, yes, I’ll move in with you. Stop with the torture.”

He pushed her to the bed, kissing her. She let out a little scream as he started to tickle her.