Chapter 11

Jason sat at the bar at Caroline's while Carly stood behind the bar with Farrah, the books for the business open on the counter in front of them.

"These figures are right on target." Carly praised her

"I expected this slight drop off since I wasn't around to personally interact with the customers. I swear some of the guys buy bottles of champagne just hoping I will have a drink with them."

"Do you?" asked Farrah

"Never. And either will you. But you make sure they buy that bottle of champagne and think they have a chance with you. Leave them feeling like this is the place where anything could happen. " Carly looked over and her eyes met Jason's. "Where dreams could come true."

"Got it," said Farrah.

"Good. Now go in my office and fill out this week's order forms for the liquor."

When Farrah left Carly moved down the bar until she was in front of Jason, she leaned across the bar and snaked an arm around his neck, her mouth met his in a quick but hot kiss that said I want you.

When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you - all the way


Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you - all the way

Celine Dion lyrics

When she pulled away, she said "Just had to do that. It had been a whole hour since your lips were on mine."

Jason smiled, "Whole hour, huh? How did you survive it, Carly?"

"Not easily, believe me." She winked at him.

Jason asked, " Is Caroline's going to be okay without you around while we are out of town?"

"It'll survive. This place has my name. That means it can make it through anything. I thought about naming it Spencer's. But then people might think Luke was still running the joint. I considered Morgan's but I knew you would hate that."

"Ya," Jason said nodding his head but still having a trace of a smile on his face.

"But you would have let me do it." she said " You can't say no to me. Not if I need you to say yes."

He pursed his lips but didn't answer.

Carly laughed, " You can't answer because you can't lie to me. And you don't want to admit it's true but I know it is so-"

His voice was soft and serious when he said, "You're right."

When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you - all the way

Through the good or lean years
And for all the in between years - come what way

Celine Dion Lyrics

Carly stopped. She caught her breath because when he used that voice she felt breathless, weak, and wanted to ravish him right here, right now. She said, "You did help me in a major way to open Caroline's, even if you don't know it."

Jason raised an eyebrow.

She said, lightly, "Don't get mad, Jase." Though she knew he wouldn't.

He titled his head. "Tell me."

She walked around the bar. No employees were in the room. Jason turned around on his stool and she slid close to him, standing between his legs.

Looking in his eyes, she said " I was determined not to borrow money from any man, even you. So I sold the most valuable thing I had that belonged to me alone-" she took a deep breath and said softly. "the jewelry you gave me. It was more than stones and gold to me though. It meant you cared enough about me to ensure my security in this world, to give me a way to get my independence. I could buy it all back now. But I don't need that jewelry to feel like I have a safety net or proof you care." She stroked his face. " I have you, Jase, and that's all I need."

Now it was his turn to pull her close for a kiss. But he took his time, slowly dragging her nearer to him, gently running his lips across her jaw till their mouths meshed in a dance of pure hunger.

A few moments later, into her ear, he said "Let's get out of here."

Who knows where the road will lead us?


Only a fool would say.


But if you'll let me love you,
it's for sure I'm gonna love you - all the way,

all

the

way.

Celine Dion Lyrics