Shaking her head, she smiled. “It’s not too soon. Not for me. And while I’m not ready to explain an adult sleepover to Colleen, she would be thrilled to have you here for breakfast.”
Breathing her in, he covered her with his body once more, his lips caressing hers. Right now, in this bed with Tara and Colleen safe across the hall, he could not imagine anywhere else he’d rather be.
27
“Colleen’s school is on my way to the headquarters,” Carter said.
Tara’s head snapped up, uncertain what he meant by that statement. After a perfect night where they’d slept in each other’s arms, he’d grabbed a gym bag from his SUV and taken an early morning shower. By the time she woke Colleen, he’d taken the bag back to his vehicle and was at the kitchen counter stirring oatmeal.
Colleen had bounded into the room, exclaiming her delight that he had come for breakfast. As she threw her arms around him for a hug, Tara saw him squeeze tight and loved seeing her daughter’s enthusiasm. She also had to admit she loved seeing him in her kitchen fixing them breakfast. Such a simple act, and yet one she performed by herself every day. After being alone for so many years, it was also an act she didn’t take for granted.
As Colleen ate, Tara reached over and squeezed his hand, mouthing ‘thank you.’ He winked before giving Colleen another squirt of maple syrup in her oatmeal. Her daughter squealed in delight at the extra sweetness, and Tara wanted to join her, his wink melting her heart.
After breakfast, Tara had hustled her daughter upstairs to brush her teeth while she rinsed out the breakfast dishes. Now, she stared at Carter, waiting to see what else he had to say.
“I can drop her off at school if that makes it easier on you.”
She smiled. “That’s sweet of you, honey, but I’ve got her car seat.”
“Damn, sorry. I forgot all about that,” he said, shaking his head.
She dried her hands then turned as he came up behind her. Placing her palms on his chest, she lifted on her toes and kissed the underside of his jaw. “Don’t worry about it. Just the fact that you offered means more to me than you can possibly imagine.”
A grimace crossed his face, and he leaned closer. “Babe, get ready to have a lot more offers. The fact that you had to do this all on your own for so long just shows how strong you are. But those days of going alone are over. I’m here. I’m staying. We’re in this together.”
His words washed over her and she wanted to leap into his arms, but the sound of Colleen rushing down the stairs meant that she could only send him what she hoped was a brilliant, heartfelt smile. He must have understood her message because he winked again.
Outside, she had Colleen buckled into her car seat and she turned to say goodbye. They settled for a quick kiss, and she was struck with something she’d meant to tell him. Whispering so that Colleen would not overhear, she said, “I can’t believe I forgot to tell you this. I went to see Kate yesterday evening because she left a message that she needed to speak to me. When I went, I discovered Robert and Beth getting it on in a supply closet.”
She watched as his brows lifted to his forehead, and she stifled a giggle. “And then, as I was leaving, I heard her getting it on with Dr. Tiller!” Seeing his eyes widen even more, she nodded. “Seriously! Two men—in the same office—one right after the other.” Glancing into the car, seeing Colleen looking at a book, she added, “Okay, I gotta stop gossiping. I’ll see you tonight.” Lifting on her toes, she gave him another quick kiss.
His arms around her tightened, keeping her from stepping into her car. Twisting her head around, she looked up in question.
Leaning close, he said, “Be careful. I have no idea what’s happening, but stay away from Beth Washington.”
She swallowed deeply and nodded. “I’m never around her. I just happened to see her yesterday, that’s all. I’ll call Kate and see if she can come over to the shelter to tell me whatever was on her mind.”
He offered a tight smile before stepping back and waving toward Colleen. Tara slid into the driver’s seat and headed down the road. Glancing in the rearview mirror, she could see him standing by his SUV, staring after them. His words had surprised her, but his concern washed over her, chasing away any fears.
Thirty minutes later, she was at her desk, a cup of coffee in front of her, ready to start her day. The message light on her desk phone was blinking. A message already today? She took a sip of coffee and pressed the button to listen.
Message received 8:07 p.m. “Tara? This is Kate. I really wanted to talk to you today, but I know you were busy. I’ve been driving around trying to think of what to do and just got home. We need to talk when I get in tomorrow. I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Please. I don’t know what’s going on, but meds are being switched… Shit… Sorry, someone’s at my door. I’ll call you right back.”
That was your last message.
“My last message?” she mused aloud, wondering why Kate didn’t call back. Pressing the button again, she confirmed there was only the one message from Kate. Meds are being switched?
Picking up the phone, she dialed the clinic. As soon as the receptionist answered, she said, “Hello, this is Tara Wilson from next door at the shelter. I need to speak to Kate, please.”
“I’m sorry, Ms. Wilson, but Kate isn’t here yet.”
Glancing at the time, she was surprised. “It’s my understanding that Kate was working this morning.”
“Yes, she’s supposed to be here. But she’s late and
