the best I can with it. But it’s my worry, not yours.” She wasn’t sure why she felt so embarrassed about the whole thing. It was messy. Really messy. And Carter’s life felt so neat and clean and pretty. “I know you’re trying to help, but you don’t need to get all up into my business. It is what it is. It’s not going to change.”
His eyes held hers with a strange intensity. “All right.”
“All right.” She swallowed over the lump in her throat.
“All right,” he said again.
“Are you two having a lovers’ quarrel already? The day after getting engaged?” The teasing voice came from behind Ruth.
They both jerked in surprise and turned to see a smiling woman. One of the jingle-bell shakers from last night. An old friend of Carter’s.
Naturally.
“Of course not,” Carter said smoothly, pulling Ruth to his side and sliding an arm around her waist.
“He was just being a little overprotective,” Ruth added, knowing the tension had probably been visible and needed an explanation. “It’s sweet, but unnecessary.”
Carter returned her smile. Both their expressions were forced. Then he turned to the other woman and said, “Thanks for helping out last night.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” The woman, whose name Ruth couldn’t remember, was obviously on her way out. She waved and continued to the door.
Ruth and Carter got in line to order their coffee drinks, and then they lucked out and got the love seat near the window.
She wasn’t in the mood for playing a part, but there were a lot of people there that afternoon, so she couldn’t act all prickly with Carter. She scooted close to him. He wrapped an arm around her.
“Is this all right?” he murmured into her ear. He was sitting really close.
She could smell the coffee on his breath. Feel the texture of his jeans against her thigh. “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I don’t know. You still seem mad at me.”
“I’m not mad at you.”
“Well, annoyed then. I figured you didn’t want me all over you.”
“It’s fine. We need to act like we’re in love. We just got engaged last night.” She glanced down at the sparkling ring on her left hand. The sight of it there still surprised her.
She really needed a manicure.
“I know. But that doesn’t mean we have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“I’m not uncomfortable.”
“Okay.”
They both drank their coffee in silence for a minute or two. Ruth tried to act happy and relaxed, but she didn’t feel it.
“You still want to go through with this?” Carter asked eventually. He was still murmuring into her ear, and the feel of his breath on her earlobe made her want to shiver.
“Yes, I want to.” She turned her head to glare at him. “You think I’m going to back out on a commitment just because we got into a little squabble.”
“No. I mean, I know you wouldn’t back out on a commitment. But this isn’t a... real one. You can back out anytime. I would understand.”
“I’m not backing out. I’m fine. We don’t have to keep talking about it.”
“Okay.” He sounded tired. Resigned. “We’ll let it go. And I’ll try not to get all up into your business again.”
She recognized the words. Realized he was repeating the ones she’d said to him a few minutes ago. Guilt and self-consciousness sliced through her chest. “I didn’t mean it like that,” she said quickly. “I’m sorry if I sounded like I didn’t appreciate your concern. It’s just that I’m used to taking care of things myself. I always have.”
“I get it.”
She searched his face. He didn’t look hurt or angry. Just exhausted.
For some reason she felt exactly the same way. Like she didn’t have the energy to deal with another round of discussion. She leaned her head against his shoulder and softened her body. He adjusted his arm to get more comfortable. She occasionally lifted her head to sip her drink but otherwise stayed in position.
It felt nice. Warm. And safer than the conversation they’d just been having.
People occasionally came over to congratulate them and say hello, but no one lingered long. Ruth was hoping that they’d be able to get through this afternoon without any difficulties when Lincoln and Summer came in, holding hands and laughing about something.
They both waved at Carter and Ruth, looking surprised and pleased by their presence there. Then they got in line to put in their orders.
Carter shifted his body to face her. “Lincoln keeps looking over here,” he murmured. “He