Stalking His Bride - Lucy Darling Page 0,13

men.” He pins me with a stare.

“Can I ask you something? I swear whatever you say won’t upset me. I just want to be clear.” I lick my lips, feeling unsteady. I’m pretty sure I just lied. I think it will upset me.

“You can ask me anything, Carly.” He reaches over, taking my hand that was playing with the hem of my yellow sundress.

“What we did in the dressing room—”

“Will happen again,” he says before I can finish my question. I can actually feel the heat rush to my face.

“That’s fine with me,” I blurt out. “Oh my God. I did not just say that.” I put my other hand over my mouth. James only laughs.

“Nothing to get shy over. I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Enjoyed it is putting it mildly.”

“Go on. I won’t interrupt this time.” He squeezes my hand.

“I’m new to the whole dating thing. As you know.” He has to. I told him last night he was my first kiss. He’d seemed shocked but didn't look to be turned off by my lack of experience. “Will you see other people? I know we’re not boyfriend and girlfriend, but I want to be clear.”

“I think I’m too old to have a girlfriend.”

I roll my eyes. “You’re not that old.” He’s in his late twenties. He might be too old for me, some might say. Wait, does that mean he doesn't want to label us?

“Neither of us should see anyone else. This is exclusive.”

I feel myself release a breath. “What if this turns out bad? We’ll always be in each other's lives because of Tinsley and Reed.”

“But what if it turns out good?”

I look over at James. Is he really thinking long term? “I’m not too young for you? I mean not young but—I don't know. Out of the loop in your world?” I’m not sure how to phrase it. What if he one day wants me to go to a business dinner or something? I might embarrass him.

“You’re perfect, Carly. I see that’s another thing we’re going to have to work on.”

“James. I want to be honest with you. I’m not sure I can give you long term. Today I can do. Even tomorrow, but sooner or later my parents are going to make me come home.”

“You don't have to do anything you don’t want to.” If it was only that easy. “We’ll worry about all that later.” He brushes it off.

“Where are we going?” We’ve entered into a residential area.

“Here.” He pulls up in front of a cute little white house with a red door. I’m not sure what we’re doing here.

“What’s here?”

“Your dog. It was on the list. I figured we could scratch that off today.” I stare at him in shock. “I took the liberty of picking one out for you. I thought if you’re getting a dog it should be one that protects you.”

“I don’t think I need protection.” I shake my head. “What kind of dog is it? Wait, is it a puppy?”

“Yes, it’s a puppy. We’ll have to get him some training.” I’m so excited that I can’t sit still. I mean I have to pinch myself to make sure this is real. That James is real.

“What are we waiting for? My baby is in that house.”

“I’ll get the door. Stay put.” He comes around the SUV, opening the door for me.

“What kind of puppy is it?”

“Shepherd.”

“Isn’t that the giant one that looks like a teddy bear?” I stop walking to stare at him.

“Yeah.” I throw myself at him. He catches me.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you,” I say as I pepper kisses all over his face. “This is the best day ever.” I smile down at him.

“It’s not over yet. Let’s go get your baby.”

9

James

I’d give up all my worldly possessions if it meant the smile that Carly is currently wearing would last forever. To her, getting the puppy makes today the best day ever, but to me seeing her this way gives me purpose.

Today the baby we picked up is a puppy, but one day I hope to have an actual baby with her. Two weeks ago I would have broken out in a sweat thinking that. Now here I am wanting to make it a reality.

I’m getting way ahead of myself. I’ve still got to get her to fall in love with me. Then she won’t be able to leave when Mommy Dearest comes knocking.

I hadn’t realized how mundane my life had been until Carly. She lies on the floor