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“Carter, what’s going on?” she asked.
“I, uh... I just need to tell you something.”
“Okay.” She placed her hand on his, and the warmth of her skin gave him strength to move forward.
He looked out toward the waves and tried to find the right words. “I live with my sister.” He snuck a glance at her, but she only shrugged.
“Okay.”
“There’s more to it. I went through a tough financial period a few years ago. I had some unexpected medical costs come up, and I had to move out of my apartment. My brother-in-law’s parents kept me on the payroll even though I couldn’t do much in the shop. My sister helped me out tremendously.” He paused and considered talking about being on dialysis and having a kidney transplant, but he realized he wasn’t ready to share that piece of himself with her—at least not yet.
She touched his cheek as concern filled her face. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine now, but the medical costs took a toll. I took out a consolidation loan, but it’s taking me longer than expected to pay it off. I thought I’d be back on my feet by now, but it looks like it will be another two years or so before I can find my own place again.”
She nodded and smiled. “That’s okay.”
He narrowed his eyes and searched hers for any sign of disapproval. “Okay?”
Her brow puckered. “Why are you looking at me like that? What did you expect me to say?”
“I-I don’t know. I’m afraid of disappointing you.”
She opened her mouth and closed it, then shifted closer to him. “Why would you think I’d be disappointed in you?”
He brushed his hands down his face. “Darcy, you’re amazing, and your parents are amazing. I just can’t give you what they can. I—”
“Whoa!” She touched his shoulder. “Carter, look at me.”
He lifted his gaze to her, awaiting her admonishment.
“Carter, I care about you—deeply. I’m not concerned about how much money you make or what you have. I care about you.” Her eyes searched his. “Do I give you the impression that I’m materialistic?”
He shook his head. “No, not at all.”
“Then what are you afraid of?”
“That I’m not good enough for you.” He cast his eyes down toward the boardwalk. “Some women may not be as understanding.”
She lifted his chin and captured his lips with hers. He leaned into the kiss, and his thoughts became fuzzy.
When she pulled away, she gave him a mischievous grin. “You passed the test. You are really, really good for me.”
A bark of laughter escaped his mouth.
“Carter, I care about you and want you in my life. I hope I’ve made that clear.”
He shook his head. “Nope, not yet. But one more kiss might do the trick.” Then he kissed her again and felt himself relax. Darcy was even more amazing than he had realized.
When they pulled apart, she placed her hand flat against his chest. “We’d better get on the road soon. We have a three-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of us and work tomorrow.”
***
“I wish we could have stayed at the beach for another week,” Darcy said later that evening as Carter carried her backpack and her suitcase up the steps to her front door. She pulled out her key and unlocked it.
He set her luggage on the small porch. “I agree.” He leaned down, and his lips did things that made her knees feel like cooked noodles.
“Now am I invited to your birthday party?” she asked with a grin.
