“When will we have the results back, doc?” Carter asks.

“I’ll schedule an appointment for tomorrow. We can discuss the results and figure out a plan from there,” he replies, smiling briefly as he stands and walks towards the door. “I’ll get the nurse to escort you to the imaging room. They’re waiting for you.”

“Thank you,” I say rising from my seat.

“Yes, thank you,” Carter adds, reaching for the doctor’s hand when we reach the doorway.

“I’ll see you both in the morning.”

The nurse informs Carter that he won’t be able to come in, but he still insists on walking with me all the way. He pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head before I enter.

“I’ll be right out here waiting for you,” he says. And that’s exactly where I find him when I’m done.

The whole experience was very daunting, so I’m relieved when it’s over. The four of us decide to stop off and have some lunch on the way home. Not much is said about the MRI and my appointment tomorrow. It’s like a dark cloud hanging over our heads. I’m not going to worry until I have to. I’ve already been diagnosed with a tumour, so it can’t get much worse than that.

When we arrive back home later that afternoon, Dad invites Elizabeth inside for a coffee. When we’re alone, Carter pulls me into his arms. “I’ve gotta run a few errands,” he says planting a soft kiss on my lips. “We’ll do something together later, okay?” His fingers travel down my sides, cupping my arse in his hands. He pulls me against him and covers his mouth with mine. I’m looking forward to spending time with him later. I wish it could be now, but he has a life outside of me. I can’t be selfish. He’s been putting his needs aside to be here for me since my diagnosis.

••••

After taking LJ for a walk, I watch a movie while Dad and Elizabeth sit in the kitchen. When it’s finished and Carter still hasn’t returned, I head to my room. I’m surprised to find a large white box wrapped in a red bow, sitting on my bed. I have no idea how it got there. It wasn’t here when I left this morning. My first thought is Carter. My head snaps in the direction of his place, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

I’m smiling as I approach the bed. I lean forward towards the box and listen, for what I’m not sure. A tick? Which is dumb I know, we’re not kids anymore. That’s when I notice a card has been slipped underneath the ribbon. Sliding it out I read, Indiana, that’s been handwritten on the front of the envelope. Well it’s definitely for me.

Hesitantly I open it to read what’s written on the card.

I want you to be ready at 7:00pm, sharp. I won’t take no for an answer. You know I won’t hesitate to throw you over my shoulder if I have to. Make sure you’re wearing

ONLY

what’s in the box. Nothing else. I know how stubborn you are, so I’ve taken the proper precautions to make sure this happens.

Carter. x

My first thought is, how dare he boss me around like that? Who in the hell does he think he is? Needless to say, I’m smiling like a damn fool when I think it. I secretly love his demanding side. It turns me on. I’ve been missing him since he dropped me off earlier. I love that he wants to spend time with me.

I start to wonder what he means by saying he’s taken the proper precautions. I know him, that can’t be good. I can only imagine what’s inside the box.

Reaching for the bow, I untie it. If it’s something he wants me to wear, I’m apprehensive to see what’s inside. If it’s skimpy lingerie, I’m gonna kick his arse.

Removing the lid, I gasp when I see what’s inside. It’s a dress. A beautiful, and by the looks of it, ridiculously expensive dress. It’s a pretty jade green colour, and the fabric is soft and shimmery. Lifting it out of the box, I hold it up. It’s exquisite. It sits just above my knees and has shoestring straps. My gaze moves to the tag. It’s my size. How did he know that?

I guess when he was in my room getting my clothes yesterday he could’ve snooped. Ugh! I wouldn’t put it past him. I place the dress against me and twirl around in a circle. My smile grows. I love it. Never in my life have I owned something so pretty.

When I carefully lay it on my bed, I notice a pair of matching green heels in the bottom of the box. They are the right size as well. Although sceptical, I’m extremely touched that he would do this for me. This is something the real Carter would do. The sweet one. Not the bastard he pretends to be most of the time.

To be honest, this is the last thing I expected. My thoughts drift back to the note. What does he mean I can’t wear anything else? Is he trying to say I’m not allowed to wear any panties? That’s definitely something Carter would suggest. I rush straight to my underwear drawer. I gasp when I look inside. It’s empty. All my underwear is gone. Everything. The only thing left is a lone box of tampons.

My eyes immediately move towards Carter’s bedroom. He’s standing at his window with my white lace thong hanging from the tip of his finger and a smug look on his handsome face. What an infuriating arse. A big, fat, beautiful, infuriating arse. As annoyed as I am with him, the gorgeous, playful smile on his face has me smiling too. I’m tempted to go out and buy the most unflattering pair of granny undies I can find, just to spite him, but the thought of being panty-less around him actually excites me.

I can’t wait to see what tonight holds for us.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Carter

We have no idea what tomorrow’s going to bring, so tonight I want to do something special. I want to take her out before she gets her results. Before the treatment starts. Give her a night to remember. Something to hold on to if the times ahead get tough, which I’m sure they will.

As I walk up the steps towards Indi’s front door, the nerves settle in. I’m not cut out for this shit. My stomach is in knots and this damn tie feels like it’s choking me. I hate wearing these fuckers. I wipe my sweaty palms on the front of my pants before knocking. A few seconds later the door swings open. Fuck me.

I inhale a huge breath and hold it as my eyes take in what’s in front of me. “Wow,” is all I manage to get out. I knew that colour would look perfect on her, but the image I had in my head doesn’t even come close to what she looks like in the flesh. I chose the green because the moment I saw it, it reminded me of her eyes.

Stunning.

“Hey,” she says smiling.

“Hey. You look nice.” Seriously, nice doesn’t even cut it. Gorgeous, sexy as hell, edible, would’ve been a better way to describe her. My eyes move to her perky little tits beneath the dress. Even without a bra they sit perfectly. The sight of her hardened nipples underneath has my cock stirring. I thought this no underwear thing was a brilliant idea, now I’m not so sure. How in the hell am I going to be able to keep my hands off her all night?

Impossible.

“You look nice too,” she replies, breaking my train of thought. When my eyes meet hers, the corners of her lips turn up. “Very handsome.” Christ, she has me smiling like a damn fool. What is it with her? I clear my throat and tug at the air-constricting tie around my neck. “Do you want to come in?” she asks. I look down at my watch. We really need to get going if we’re going to make it on time.

“We’re pressed for time. Are you nearly ready to leave?”

“Yes, I just need to grab my coat. I’m allowed to wear a coat aren’t I?” she asks sarcastically, rolling her pretty green eyes.

“Of course. You’re going to need one,” I chuckle. It is winter after all. She’ll freeze in that dress without one. I don’t want her getting sick.