Accidental Heartbreak (The Accidental Series, Book 2) Read Free Page B

doesn’t come across
as womanizer to me,” Jacqueline said in his defense, but she hadn’t
known Carter in his adult years. She only remembered him as a
teenager and had lost contact with him after that because of the
feud with his Mother. It was just a few months ago that she was
reunited with Carter, thanks to Shayla.
    “You’re right. He doesn’t. Like I said, he’s
a gentleman.” Shayla took a sip of water, feeling like she was in
the hot seat, sweating bullets. “But I can say with confidence that
he doesn’t miss me. He’s not like that.”
    Jacqueline sighed. “I think you’re wrong on
this one, Shayla.”
    “Then why hasn’t he tried to call me or
visit the shop, Jackie.”
    “Maybe he’s giving you space.”
    Shayla shook her head, tears welling up in
her eyes. “Or maybe he doesn’t want me, just like everybody else in
my life. My parents didn’t want me. Even my own fiancé didn’t want
me.” She took a napkin and dabbed her eyes.
    Jacqueline teared up a little too, because
she was fond of Shayla. She reached across the table and held her
hand. “Sweetheart, you and Carter need to sit down and talk.”
    “Jackie, I appreciate what you’re trying to
do but Carter and I do not belong together. I’m glad we parted
ways. Now I can be independent and start a new life and that’s what
I’m going to do in Norfolk.”
    The waitress walked over and left the check
on the table.
    “Anyway, I’m gonna head on out,” Shayla
said. “Gotta work in the morning.” She left enough money on the
table to cover the check and tip.
    “Okay, hun. I’ll talk to you later, and I
want to see you before you head off to Virginia, okay?”
    “Okay.” Shayla gave Jacqueline a hug, then
walked away sad-faced, fighting back tears.
    Jacqueline was equally as sad as she sat at
the table alone now, sipping on her water and digesting everything
Shayla had told her. And why did she have to leave the state? She
could start over right here in Charlotte. The city was so big, she
could be on one side of town and Carter on the other. But
obviously, she wanted to get further away from him. But it was a
shame that two people who loved each other were trying so hard to
sabotage what could be a great relationship.

Chapter 3
     
    At work, Carter sat at his desk fumbling
through papers looking for a specific folder he needed for a 1:00
p.m. meeting. Monday mornings were hectic enough, but he was even
more irritated with the fact that he couldn’t find what he was
looking for. Frustrated, he began tossing papers to the floor. Had
his desk ever been so disorganized and cluttered?
    Carter sighed and mumbled, “Where is it?” He
stood, still looking and pushing papers around and just when he
thought he found the folder, his forearm pushed over a cup of
lukewarm Starbucks coffee. Carter, beyond irritated at this point,
paged Julie to come in his office.
    “Yes, Carter,” she said upon opening the
door. “Can I…” she began before she saw the coffee all over his
desk. “Oh, my. Let me help you with that.” She removed soaked
papers, holding them between her thumb and index finger like a
dirty diaper, retreating to her desk to get a roll of paper towels.
She blotted the damp papers then dried his desk. “I’m going to have
to order you a new desk calendar,” she told him. “And I’m sure I
can print all these documents off for you again. Tell me what they
were and I’ll get it for you.”
    Carter sat in his chair, not saying a word
to Julie. Things had been tense at work for the past few months.
His head wasn’t there and he knew why which angered him even more
that he’d let Shayla get so close to him, being without her
affected his mood. His co-workers were even beginning to complain
of his demeanor.
    “Carter?” she said to get his attention. She
wasn’t sure if he’d heard a word she said.
    “Okay, Julie,” he said irritated. “I’ll get
them to you.” He swiveled towards the window, with his back to