Her CEO Stalker and Her Second Chance Mate Chapter 47

Carter

Her cupboards were as bare as old Mother Hubbard’s; a few blocks of ramen, and some expired tomato sauce that Jake must have thought was vintage to have kept that long. I checked the time on my phone, she had two minutes. Rosie sat in the living room watching me as I moved from the kitchen, down the hall, then towards the bathroom. I was poised to knock when she opened the door and was met with a pair of seafoam green eyes lined in black. I wanted to get lost in those beautiful eyes. Then I noticed her outfit. Expressive, artistic, and so her. I felt the corner of my mouth raise as I spoke. I liked all her little quirky surprises, just to find out she had yet to unpack her bag. Nope, I’d end that real fast. I didn’t want to be controlling, but I also didn’t want her to think I didn’t really give a shit, so she was getting Beta Carter without knowing it.

“What are we doing with the animals?” She asked as we got to the door. I looked over at Tucker staring at me with a hint of a glare. They had just got her back; they didn’t want to be separated right now any more than I did.

“How about we get dinner to go? I know a spot. They will just have to wait in the truck while we shop.” Briar seemed hesitant. “They missed you enough to get out, they ain't leaving you right now, or they will just get out again to find you,” I gave her my logic.

She sighed and grabbed her hoodie and a hat off the hooks by the door. I scooped up Tucker and Rosie followed us to the truck. I opened the back door for her and she hopped into the back seat. I helped Briar in with one hand then placed Tucker on her lap once she buckled in. By the time I climbed into the passenger seat the cat had settled, was curled up happy and purring at Briar’s attention.

“I know a spot has a nice view and we can eat there?” I asked, as I ambled the truck down her drive. 

“Sounds good.” she said, glancing at me before turning her attention out the window. Guess she was done talking for now. It was alright by me as long as she accepted my company I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Baby steps, this was worth it.

When we got to town, I pulled up to the diner. “Do you need the menu or do you know what you want?” I asked, as I put the truck in park. “The Jake special,” she said, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Alright then,” I said, before I popped my seatbelt and headed inside. My sister eyed me and glanced out to my truck.

“You’ve been a stranger,” she accused. She was so used to seeing me for a minimum of two meals a day. Not coming for several days was out of the norm.

“Dealing with stuff,” I tried not to elaborate.

“Stuff being a certain blond snuggling the devil cat on her shoulder?” I glanced out the window at exactly what she saw and grinned.

“I don’t know, big sis, Tucker and Rosie like her.”

“Do you?”

I let my guard down for a moment, allowing my emotions to come to the surface. I was safe with her. “Yeah,” I admitted.

“Well, if she breaks your heart, I’ve got a pitchfork with her name on it,” she mumbled. 

I snorted. “I’m not rushing to get there,” I admitted. She’d seen Briar’s bruises with her keen eyes, even under her well-placed makeup when I brought her in last time. She just nodded in understanding. “Can I get my usual and a Jake special?” 

“A Jake special?”

“Yeah, that's what she asked for, and a few beers.” She hummed a moment, jotting things down on her pad. “Give me twenty, this one is on the house,” she said, walking away. You didn't argue with your big sis.

I went out to the truck. “Did you want to get anything from anywhere other than at the grocery store? Sis said twenty minutes on the food.”

“The bakery?” she asked, and I scooped Tucker off her lap so she could get out. I gave her my free hand, which she willingly took. That did things to my insides I wasn't prepared for. She had resigned herself to allow my assistance, even after the trouble I had caused. I was taking it for a win, but I knew I’d need to prove myself to her. This acceptance was superficial, deep down I knew she must be questioning a lot about our situation. Rosie hopped over the console and out the door before I could compose myself. I guess we were all going. I passed her the cat and grabbed her bag before we meandered down the street.