Whiskey and Lace (Lace Series) by Adriane Leigh Read Free Book Online Page B

here." He wrapped his arms around me and snuggled.  
    "I can't." I groaned at the delicious smell of his skin. "My laptop, my notes, I have to go home."
    "Ok. Meet me for lunch?" 
    I quirked an eyebrow at him, remembering what had happened the last time we were supposed to have lunch.
    "I’ll pick you up at noon." He slapped me on the bottom as I hustled out his bedroom door.

    "And where were you last night?" Cate arched an eyebrow at me from the couch when I stepped out of my room a few hours later. I flopped down onto the couch next to her with a smile. 
    "Carter's" I yawned. Cate put her tablet down and looked me square in the eye. 
    "You need to spill." 
    "First, why didn't you tell me that he came over looking for me?" 
    "You said you didn't want to see him. You said he bulldozed you. I was playing bodyguard." She smiled proudly. 
    "Well, you should have told me he came over."
    "You said you needed time, and I was giving you that. You needed time to get Carter out of your system so you could think clearly."
    I couldn't argue with her there. Maybe I wished she had told me, but her intentions had been good. 
    "So what happened?"
    "I should have given him the chance to explain. I jumped to conclusions." I didn't say out loud that it had been my own fear and insecurities that were to blame for the complete cluster that was this weekend.  
    "And the picture?" 
    "She snuggled in for the photo-op. They didn't go to the party together."
    "Hmm."
    "What?" 
    "You believe him?" She asked. 
    "Yes. I have no reason not to. He's controlling and moody, but he's never given me a reason not to trust him."
    "I hope you know what you're doing." Cate frowned. 
    "Don't worry, Cate."
    "Like that's possible." She rolled her eyes. 
    "In other news, I have to go to New York for a few days. There's an event for fashion bloggers they want everyone to attend."
    "That's fun; wish I could come," Cate pouted. 
    "You can't make it work?" Cate and I always had the best time in the city. 
    "Not this time, I’m in the middle of the new collection. You'll distract me in the big city." She giggled. 
    "Right, I'll distract you." I pushed her playfully and headed back to my bedroom to shower before Carter picked me up for lunch. 

    "You smell delicious." Carter's eyes twinkled when I slid into the back of the Bentley. 
    "Mmm, so do you," I whispered as I nuzzled into the crook of his neck. There wasn't a scent on earth I craved more than Carter's fresh, masculine scent. 
    "So how was your conference call?" Carter kissed along the curve of my neck as the car pulled away from the curb. 
    "Good." I giggled before pressing my lips to his in a long kiss. Carter wrapped his palm around the back of my neck and held me close to him. 
    "I missed you so much," he breathed and pressed his forehead to mine. 
    "It's only been a few hours." I kissed his lips and smoothed my thumbs over his thick eyebrows. 
    "I can't stand when you're away." He held me tightly. 
    "Me either." I smiled and placed my head on his shoulder. 
    The car slowed and then came to a stop. Carter and I sat cuddled for a few more precious moments before I slipped off his lap and he opened the door. We headed for one of the only open tables in the sushi place and placed our order with the waiter. 
    "I have to go to New York." I took a sip of my water, watching him through my eyelashes. 
    "What? When?" 
    "Tomorrow morning. There's a fashion thing Wednesday night, then I’ll be in the office Thursday and Friday."
    "You'll be gone for three days?" Anger flashed in Carter's eyes. 
    "Yeah, it's not the first time I’ve had to go to New York. Standard stuff." I shrugged my shoulders. 
    "I don’t want you to go." Carter glared at me. 
    "What? Why?" His reaction took me by surprise. 
    "I just got you back, Eva, and now you're leaving again?" 
    "For a work thing." Was this how it would always be? Opposition at every turn? Carter Morgan was nothing short of exhausting. 
    "I