After All - Romancing Manhattan

He’s staring at me like I just blew an apple out of my nose.

“What are you even talking about? Of course I’ve told you I love you.”

“Uh, no. Pretty sure I would have remembered that.”

“What do you think I’m saying every time I kiss your hand and place it on my heart?”

Now it’s my turn to stare. We’re doing a lot of staring.

“Well, since I’m not a freaking mind reader, I thought it was a sweet gesture.”

“I can’t believe this.”

“You’ve never said the words, Carter.”

“My God. The Florida condo, the time with my family—”

“Were all wonderful,” I confirm with a nod. “But are not words of love.”

“You’ve never said it, either,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

“You’re right. I haven’t. Because I was afraid to tell you how deeply I’d fallen in love with you, only to have you pat me on the head and say thank you. Do you have any idea how completely embarrassing that would be?”

“Never would have happened.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“We fucked this up,” he mutters, shaking his head in disgust. “And rather than argue over it, I’d like to fix it.”

“That would be ideal, yes. Because I’m carrying your baby, and despite wanting to toss you out that window to the concrete below, I love you to distraction.” I swallow hard, surprised that the words came bubbling out of me. “And despite my better judgment after everything that happened today, I still love you.”

He moves fast, hurrying across the room to scoop me into his arms and hug me tight. I cling to him, reveling in the strength of his embrace.

“So when would you like to get married?”

I laugh. It’s that or cry, and I’ve had enough tears to last me awhile. “We’re not.”

“Damn it, Nora—”

“We have a lot to talk about and work through before we consider marriage. And frankly, you didn’t propose. You didn’t ask. You told. And I don’t know if you’ve met me, but I’m not one to simply be led by the nose.”

“Stubborn woman.” But there’s no heat in the words. He kisses the top of my head as his phone rings in his pocket. “That’s Maggie’s ringtone.”

I step back as he answers the call.

“I’ll be there soon. Thanks, Maggie.”

“You have to go get Gabby,” I guess.

“Yeah, Maggie has Bunko tonight.”

“That woman has the best social life of anyone I know.” I rub my hands together. I can’t get warm.

“Come with me. We’ll get takeout, and once Gabby goes to bed, we can continue this conversation.”

Every bit of me longs to go with him.

“I’ll pass.”

“How long are you going to punish me?”

“I’m not.” I reach for his hand, kiss the palm, and lay it on my heart. “I’m truly not trying to punish you.”

“It feels like it from here.”

“It’s been a hell of a day, Carter.” I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Emotional. I look like shit. I’d rather not answer all Gabby’s questions, and trust me, she’ll have questions if she sees me like this.”

“I hadn’t thought of that.” He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Are you okay, darling?”

“I will be. I just need a good night’s sleep. I’ll be good as new.”

He kisses me, sliding those magical lips over mine, making my bones melt. Will there ever come a day when his kiss doesn’t dissolve me into a puddle of need?

“If you need anything, just call. I can be here in ten minutes.”

“I will.”

“Oh, and I don’t accept your resignation.”

“I’m glad because I need the job.” I smile ruefully. “Quitting was a rash decision.”

“I need you,” he says simply. “But you don’t need the job, Nora.”

“You’d better go before we have another fight. I’m not a kept woman just because—”

“Say it and I’ll spank your ass.”

I laugh as I push him to the door.

“Go away. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night.” He kisses my forehead. “I love you.”

Well, hell. I guess the tears are going to come after all.

“I love you, too.”

“Why are you crying?”

“Hormones?”

His lips twitch and the dimple winks at me. “Get some rest.”

I nod and shut the door behind him.

Welp, I’ve reached sloth status.

I’ve been on the couch for two hours, flipping channels and eating pizza I had delivered. I’m stuffed and moody.

I’m stoody.

I laugh at my own joke when my phone pings with a text from Gabby.

Gabby: Hey. I heard dad tlk 2 gma, and he said ur mad. I hope I didn’t do anything to screw everything up.

I smile. We need to talk about her grammar. Does it make me old to want to text properly? Probably.

Me: You didn’t do anything wrong, sweetie. Your dad and I just have some things to work out. It’s all going to be okay.

I hope.

Gabby: K. You should come over tonight.

Me: Naw, I’m tired. I’ll stay home for tonight, but I’m sure I’ll see you tomorrow.