Free Carter (Remington Ranch Book 3) by SJ McCoy

you?”
    Gina shook her head. “No, not for a long while yet.”
    “When are you getting married?” asked Summer. “I’m behind on all the news. I only just found out about her engagement party.” She jerked her head toward Cassidy. “She forgot to invite me.”
    “Well, you’re invited to our wedding,” said Gina. “I wouldn’t forget you. Will you still be here by the end of August?”
    Cassidy gave her a pointed look. “What do you think, will you be?”
    Summer didn’t know. Three months from now would take her to the middle of August. She didn’t have to leave as soon as the time was up, but she also knew Cassidy’s question was bigger than that. She was asking if Summer planned to return to her career at all. She didn’t know the answer to that yet. “It doesn’t matter either way. I’ll come to the wedding no matter what.”
    “Good,” said Gina. “We’d love you to be there.”
    Cassidy held Summer’s gaze for a moment longer. She obviously had more to say, but to Summer’s relief, she let it go. Who knew how things would stand by the end of August? So much could happen between now and then.
    “I will be. Thanks for inviting me.”
    Gina smiled.
    “Hadn’t you better get going?” asked Cassidy. “You’re not going to have much time if you want to get groceries and get home before your hot date tonight.”
    Summer nodded. “I’d better get going.”
    Gina raised an eyebrow at her. “Are you seeing Carter?”
    “I am.” She couldn’t help the big smile that spread across her face as she said it.
    Gina grinned back. “That’s wonderful! I hope you have a great time.”
    “Thanks. I’m sure I will. I’ll see you ladies soon.” Her voice cracked halfway through and she finished on a whisper.
    Cassidy shook her head. “You might want to see if you and Carter can do something that doesn’t involve too much talking.”
    Summer laughed. “I’d love to. It’s him you need to convince; not me!”
    Gina laughed. “Don’t hold your breath! You can expect a full and proper courtship from Carter. He’s not the kind to rush you into bed.”
    Summer rolled her eyes. “So, I’m finding out! But what if I want to rush him into bed?”
    Gina’s expression sobered quickly. “I think you’d be better taking your time, Summer.”
    She nodded. She already knew it. She’d hate to scare him away by being too forward.
    “Get going!” said Cassidy. “The only rushing you need to be doing right now is to the grocery store!”
    “Okay, I’m going. See you soon.”

Chapter Seven
     
    Carter finished up his workout and headed for the locker room. He felt great. He’d almost skipped the gym so that he could head back down to Summer’s place early, but the way his body kept reacting to the thought of a whole evening alone with her let him know that he had to burn off some energy somehow. He was startled when Melanie stepped out in front of him.
    “Hi, Carter.”
    “Hello.” Man, he could do without stopping to talk to her. She stood there smiling at him expectantly. What did she want? Then he remembered. She’d asked if he wanted to go out with her sometime and said he could take some time to think it over. Shit! He didn’t know what to say.
    “How are you?”
    Damn, he didn’t want to drag this out. “I’m good, thanks, but I’m in a bit of a hurry.”
    She looked so disappointed, he felt bad, but not bad enough to hang around. He darted for the locker room door and heaved a sigh of relief when it closed behind him. That had been pretty shitty of him, he thought as he collected his bag. He should have told her that he wasn’t interested. It wasn’t right of him to leave her hanging like that. He’d have to tell her straight away the next time he saw her. For now, he hurried to his truck because he wanted to see Summer—not because he wanted to escape from Melanie!
    When he got home, he went out back to check on the cats. Buster was holding court in the shed with four of