The Carrero Heart - The Journey (Book 2 of Heart Trilogy)

Chapter 23

I yawn for the millionth time in the aquarium and blink at the bright light of a flash nearby, body heavy and achy from too much today. Arrick is walking behind me with his arms around my waist, pushing my tired body around like a child.

"Maybe you need a nap before we get dinner." He nuzzles his nose against my ear from behind, pushing his knees into my legs so he can keep me walking, and holding me up bodily. To anyone watching I am behaving like a stroppy kid who doesn't want to walk around anymore, and I don't care. He has walked my legs off, after keeping me up half the night with his undying libido, after a week's separation. Taken a million selfies at various tanks and ponds and tired me out on some pedal boats for an hour. I am beyond shattered and never ever good when I am tired; I resort to being a five year old kid in a temper tantrum when I can't be bothered anymore. Completely flaked out and unable to enjoy anymore of this day without some shut eye.

"Maybe you should leave me in bed and go without me." I yawn again and this time he stops, let's go to walk in front of me, turns his back to me and encourages me to hop on. Which I do, wrapping legs around him and arms around his neck while I cuddle in. Glad to be off my feet as nearby onlookers throw us disapproving looks. A woman with two children glares at us when her kid asks why she can't get a piggy ride, but Arrick throws her a winning smile, pats my ass with the hand he slides back and then goes back to holding my thighs up and keeps walking with me. I'm an effortless weight to him it seems, doesn't even break his stride.

"Not a chance. I have seen the dress you brought over with you and I am not missing seeing you in that tonight." He squeezes my thighs and starts walking faster, skirting people as he maneuvers towards the nearest exit, having to watch my feet sticking out and saving poor children's passing faces from impalement.

"I'll wear it to bed, so you can ogle me when you come home." I yawn and rest my head against his, closing my eyes to snuggle up and sigh heavily. So much fatigue in one little body is so not good.

"I want you with me. I hate going out without you, baby." He bumps me higher on his back for a comfier grip and walks on at speed, heading towards the neon signs to leave finally.

"You're a horrid boyfriend. Forcing me to socialize and go clubbing when I am wasting away with tiredness." I whine to no one in particular and Arrick answers with a "Hmmmm" of disinterest.

"I'm pretty sure I don't care right now." I can almost feel his smirk as he carries me out of the metal gates that lead to the carpark area, still bouncing me along and getting cute looks from other couples we pass. We obviously look so adorable to non-moany people.

"Why am I even with you?" I mock huff at him, poking his cheek with my finger and sighing loudly as if he is being the cruelest person alive.

"Because you love me to death, and no other man alive would put up with your stroppy ass the way I do. Or piggy back you home, because you're too diva to keep walking." Arrick gets us out into the crowded car park and drops me on my own feet when he finds his car, holding me up as he manages to locate his keys in his jacket pocket and beep opens the locks.

"I only love you sometimes, like when you let me go to bed and stay there. I'm tired, Arry." I huff, whine up at him with soft sleepy eyes and flop around dejectedly when he positions me in the car and lifts my feet into the footwell.

"Do I need to buckle you up too or are you capable of that?" He sighs, leaning in to kiss me on the mouth and ruffle my hair. Obviously used to this side of me, patient and indulgent. I lift my hands pathetically and he sighs, leaning in and pulls my belt over me, clicking it in place with a kiss on the cheek.

"You suck. I don't like you anymore." I flop sideways so my head rests against the door frame, gazing up at him like a puppy and give a dramatic exhale; he shuts it and comes around to his own side, getting in and pulls his own shut. Arrick buckles his own belt, starts the car, and revs the engine, adjusting his mirrors before he notices I am still scowling at him.