Page 37 of For One Night

“It is!” We leap from our seats, hugging and jumping around in a circle.

Millie sits behind me, along with my parents. I love their support, but I would’ve rather come alone and got it over with. My attorney pushes a stack of paper at me.

“Standard papers. You’re not asking for anything but your clothes and the valuables you came into the marriage with. I need to read over them and sign the last form.” My attorney, Reese Pennington, came highly recommended from my dad’s friend Cal. She’s been amazing, and I’d be lost without her.

I bounce my knee as I work my way through the papers. “These look good. Thank you. I appreciate you helping today. If I ever find a job, I’ll repay you.”

“You’re welcome. There’s no need to thank me, though. When Cal called, I was happy to take it.” Her red hair falls over her shoulder when she tilts her head.

I fidget in my seat. “Here ya go, all signed.” I push the papers back to her. As I do, something catches my eye. Carter gazes over at me, his devilish smile written all over him.

“His smile alone tells me everything I need to know about him.” Reese smirks.

“Yes, ma’am.” I return his smile. “And his motives.”

Her eyes flicker to mine. “Do you think…”

“Oh, never again.” I bite my lip. “I plan to never be with another man that’s anything like Carter. Well, not for long anyway.”

She chuckles with me. “I understand, not all of them are bad, though.”

“In my limited experience, they are,” I say, and as she signs her name, her phone lights up. The screen is a gorgeous man and redheaded twins. “Your family?”

She peeks up. “Yes, the sound is off. We have one not feeling well today, and he’s on duty, so Mom worries.”

“Now I see why your opinion differs from mine.” I raise my brows, making her smile.

“He’s a hot mess.” Her smile beams from her. “Lola, I’m going to go over this with his attorney, and I think we’ll be all done. Just a second.”

Reese stands, walking over to Carter’s table. He smiles again before coming over. I straighten my blouse, tossing my hair behind my back. I have no idea why I’m doing it, but the look on his face tells me he still enjoys making me uncomfortable.

“Lolita, may I?” He points to the chair.

“Of course. How are you?”

“Doing well, you?” He leans toward me, his eyes smoldering.

I take a deep breath, refusing to be swooned by him ever again. “I’m good, Carter. What’s up?”

“I thought maybe, after all of this ugliness is done, we could be friends.” He winks at me.

I chuckle. “Friends, yes. Extra benefits? I’m sure there’s a line for that, and I’m not in it.”

He angles his head so his lips are close to my jaw. “You’ll never have to wait in a line with me. I’m just a call away.”

“Carter, I’ve always been the last in your long line,” I whisper into his ear. “Now, you are in mine.”

He rears back with a smug smile. “So it’s like that now?”

“I think it’s best if we remain friends, but yes, just like that.”

Reese clears her throat, drawing our attention. “Mr. Eastman, I believe your attorney needs you.”

“Of course.” He stands. “You take care, Lola. I’ll be calling.”

Reese sits beside me, looking puzzled. “Entitled much?”

“He thinks so.” We exchange smiles.