Page 87 of Pink and Country

Dahlia gave Carter a backhanded slap in the chest. “Close your mouth, Carter. You’ll catch flies.” She drifted her eyes toward me. “I think this is the dress, April. The guys are right; this was made for you. Follow me, we’ll pick up shoes, then we’ll see if I need to do some quick adjustments.”

Carter’s hand closed on my forearm as I passed by him, stopping me. My eyes raised to his, and his lips found mine. “April Simmons, you look amazing. You’ll be the most beautiful woman tonight. I can already tell.” His melted-steel irises darkened, and for a moment, the world around us disappeared. My mouth went dry, and I held my breath. Carter’s stare held me prisoner. I couldn’t move. Couldn’t talk. A glint of playfulness and lust sparkled in his eyes. I wet my lips with my tongue. Carter brushed his knuckles along the length of my face, and I closed my eyes, breathing him in. That’s when I realized I was even addicted to his manly scent. Cedarwood and pine. I kissed the tip of his thumb when it skimmed my bottom lip. Carter leaned forward and pressed his forehead to mine. We were both panting.

Dahlia’s voice broke the moment and the spell that had settled between us.

“Carter, keep your hands to yourself,” she commented, laughing. “April, I think I found the perfect shoes. Try these on.” She neared us, and Carter let go of my arm.

My heart rate picked up.

I refused to fall for Carter Hills, but each time his stare burned me alive, and I realized I was free-falling a little more.

We both cleared our throats, and I followed Dahlia to the back of the store for a few adjustments, living the princess dream dressed in the silvery mermaid gown. Were my cheeks bright red? I pressed my hands over my face, calming all traces of Carter’s effect on me.

Dahlia handed Carter the gown garment bag while I grabbed the shoe box and put the jewelry inside my purse. “You’re all set, guys. Hope you’ll have a wonderful time in New York.”

“New York?” I choked as I blurted out the words.

Carter angled his body to face me. “I wanted it to be a surprise. We’re boarding a private jet in half an hour.” A giant grin spread all over his face. “April Simmons, will you come to New York with me and be my date tonight?”

I placed my hands over my mouth. “This is surreal.”

Carter watched me, a glaze in his eyes. “So?” He lifted his eyebrows.

“There’s nothing I’d like more than to be your date.” His hand locked on my waist, and he pulled me in to drop a kiss on my lips.

“I’m sorry I spoiled the surprise, Cart,” Dahlia said with a grimace.

“Nah, it’s fine. I needed to come clean, eventually. I just didn’t want to scare her away too soon.” Carter’s fingers laced through mine, and my heart swelled inside my chest, throbbing so hard I feared they could all hear it.

Jack inched closer and tugged at my shirt. “April, do you remember Beatrix, my friend who loves fairies?”

“Yes.”

“She wants to meet you again. Can we come over? Or you can come to my house and drink tea with my mama.”

“I’d like to spend time with you two, Jack, but I’m leaving on Sunday. I’ll try to find a moment to meet with you guys before I go.”

“You’re leaving? Forever?” The sad expression on his face tugged at my heartstrings. Jack was the spitting image of Carter. Same hypnotic gray eyes and mass of dark hair. A grin to die for. And undeniable charm. Carter Hills must’ve been handsome even at a young age.

I squatted down to level my eyes with the boy. “I hope it won’t be forever, but I need to go back home at some point. But I’ll always be your special fairy friend.”

Jack looped his small arms around my neck, and we hugged for a brief moment. “Can I come visit you sometimes? And Bernice?”

“Sure. We’d like that.” I blinked, trying to prevent tears from flowing down my cheeks. Reality burst the bubble I’d been living in for the last few weeks.

“You know what? If it’s all right with your mama, you should go see if Bernice is okay later today. I’m sure she’d like some company.”

The boy’s eyes lit up. “I think it’s a great idea. Let’s do that when we’re done here,” Dahlia agreed. When my eyes found her, she mouthed a silent “thank you.”

Something in me ruptured, and the ache radiated throughout my entire body. Could I walk away from Carter? The pinch in my heart confirmed what I already knew.

* * *

We boarded the private jet, Carter’s hand locked over mine. I halted, but Carter pulled me forward.

“C’mon, Fairy. Follow me.” He tilted his head until his lips brushed the shell of my ear. “Just so you know, we’ll be all alone in there. No team member. No security. No flight attendant. Only us and the pilot.”

I swallowed hard. Carter’s heated stare started a fire between my legs.