Electrifying

xiii.

I don't know how long I've been pacing the floor, but I know it's long enough for my thumb nail to be nonexistent and enough for Carlton to ask to be buzzed up.

I let him in, but continue on my deep pondering.

His smile slips. "What's wrong?"

It doesn't make sense. I've been in contact with various men for the past decade. Have I run into him in another lifetime? But why now? Why is she doing all of this now?

"Aria?"

I move onto my other thumb and chew mercilessly.

I haven't started getting the threats until Paul showed up and it would mean Beth has been watching me.

But where is she? Better yet, who is she?

I have the strongest suspicion she's Tara. They favor with hair color and eyes, but I haven't seen Beth in centuries. She could've manipulated her features into anyone.

"Aria." Carlton grabs my arms. He flinches at the jolt of electricity that bites at him, but doesn't let me go.

I frown. "Didn't that hurt?"

"What?" He mirrors my expression.

I know my lid on things is rattling as more questions circling in my head.

He had to feel it. I know he felt it.

"The shock."

"Oh, I mean it caught me off guard, but it didn't hurt."

I pull away from him. "It's not possible..."

"What's not possible?"

All this time, he's been right here. He was in my bed!

"Oh my God." My breath comes out in pants as I clutch my chest. "How did I not even realize it?" I sit down on my couch.

My head is spinning.

Carlton is by my side in an instant. "Aria, talk to me. What's going on?"

I bite my lip to hold back a cry. He's been here the whole time. I almost pushed him away. He pulls me to his chest and holds me.

"Aria."

I pull back and cup his cheek. He looks nothing like Abel, but I know deep in my heart it's him.

"Kiss me." I demand.

"No." He holds my face. "Not until you tell me what's going on?"

"I really like you, Carlton," I say instead of saying the other L-word.

"I like you too. Is this what is going through that head of yours?" He brushes my hair back.

I nod and cry. "Yes."

He chuckles. "It's OK to like someone, Aria."

I shake my head. "You don't get it. I didn't think I'd ever find someone that I'd like after my first heartbreak."

"It's that serious?"

I nod.

"I really like seeing you."

We stare at one another for several beats of my heart.

"It's crazy. The first time I saw you in that taxi, I knew I couldn't let you go." He whispers.

"Kiss me."

He slowly leans in to press his lips against mine. It's so gentle, I nearly start crying all over again. I cling to him like he's the only thing keep me alive.