His Baby Her Gift: The Slow Burn Duology 2 by LaShawn Vasser (the dot read aloud .TXT) 📕

“Who would have thought that Mel and I would be celebrating our son’s third birthday?”

“I’m surprised you’re not already on baby number two.”

He winked. “Thanks to you and Damian that night of the accident, we’re working on it. You saved Melody’s life. I will forever be grateful for that.”

Carter was genuinely happy for them. “You would have done the same had either of us been in that accident.”

“I hope you know that you’re right about that.” Nate agreed.

“More than anything, I’m a little nervous about becoming a father.”

Nate thought he was talking about Elaina. “Whoa? Elaina is actually pregnant?”

“Elaina? Why would you–” Then Carter remembered they decided not to tell anyone that he was Harlem’s baby’s donor. “I was referring to Harlem.” He didn’t elaborate. “As far as Elaina, I’ve set up three separate doctor’s appointments for us this past week, and she’s ghosted me on every single one calling later with a bullshit excuse.”

“Damn, man. That’s messed up. I know you want to get that thing off your back.” Nate said.

“Elaina’s lying. That’s why she won’t show up. I just want to stick a fork in that situation and be done.” Elaina was a beautiful woman but not only did they not connect, something about her seemed a little off. At the end of the day, Carter knew Elaina wasn’t pregnant, and he wanted to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible. Harlem was already skittish about them as a couple. He didn’t want to give her any reason to doubt him. He wanted them to have a fresh start.

Carter heard Harlem laugh at something and glanced over in her direction. He’d already stayed away for too long. “I’m going to have to catch up with you later.”

Nate followed Carter’s line of sight. He knew when his friend had locked in on something, and Carter had definitely locked in on Harlem. “Cool. Maybe we can hit the gym again this weekend.”

Carter didn’t really hear Nate. His main focus had turned to getting to Harlem. “Yeah, sounds good.” That was his only goal.

Nate watched him leave. He shook his head. Harlem didn’t stand a chance. He smiled, hoping his friends would find the same kind of happiness he had with Melody.

As Carter walked up behind Harlem, she was in the middle of a discussion with someone. He was only mere inches away and close enough to touch her. Carter caught the eyes of whoever she was talking to. He lifted his chin and tilted his head, waving them away. Silently asking to make themselves scarce. They seemed to get the message loud and clear because seconds later, they left.

Carter hadn’t said a word, but Harlem could feel him the moment he came up behind her. How did she know? She was covered in goosebumps. Lately, they would appear on her body whenever he was around. It was like an internal alarm.

The tips of his fingers hovered over the back of her long silky blouse. It came down mid-thigh and was an interesting shade of hunter-green. Carter was sure it probably brought out the color of her eyes. It also matched the boots that she wore over a pair of black leggings. Carter wasn’t sure how Harlem managed to pull off being both elegant and casual at the same time. He didn’t allow himself the luxury of actually caressing her. Instead, he just performed the movement as he lowered his fingertips down the length of her spine.

Harlem shivered. She could feel him. It was like an electrical current flowing through her body.

Carter placed his lips near her ear. His voice was husky. “Can we go somewhere quiet and talk?”

Harlem turned slightly. She didn’t have to say anything. Her eyes said it all.

Chapter 5

Carter led Harlem out of the main party room into Nate and Melody’s study. It was empty. After they went inside, Carter closed the door.

“I wasn’t sure if you were coming,” Nervously, Harlem fidgeted with the hands.

“You were looking for me.”

“Maybe,” Harlem said coyly.

“It wasn’t really a question.” Carter couldn’t help himself and pulled her close.

Harlem walked into his arms as if he’d put her under some kind of spell.

She was breathless. “You said you wanted to talk.”

“I do,” Carter said as he leaned in and covered her lips with his. His kiss was needy, urgent, and seeking a closeness he had missed. It was hot and passionate as they share this one stolen moment away from everyone else. It was firm and delicious. Quite simply, their kiss was perfect. Unsurprisingly, all of them had been.

Heat rose up and down Harlem’s spine, and her knees almost buckled as she kissed him back.

Carter held her tight. Not only would he never let her fall, but he didn’t plan to ever let her go.

Harlem’s arms snaked up and around his neck. She threw herself completely into the moment. She wasn’t sure how long their kiss lasted, but what was happening between them was more than just lips connecting.

It was an entire experience.

Carter didn’t want to stop kissing her, but he pulled back and touched his forehead to hers. “A week is too long to go without one of those. Now, we can talk.”

Her heart was pounding. It took a moment for Harlem to get her bearings. Carter had indeed sent her on a spiritual journey with that kiss. Her voice was raspy as she whispered. “You don’t play fair.”