Going Full Tilt (Carter Baizen)

Seven- The Graduation

June arrived, along with finals and graduation. Ellie was at the Baizens cramming with Lina by her side.

"I'm going to die if I read one more fact," Lina whined.

"Same." Ellie closed her notebook. "Let's go get a snack." The girls headed to the Baizen's kitchen, finding some chocolate chips and pop corn. They were chatting when Carter walked in.

"Lina, Elizabeth," he greeted.

"Hey Carter," Ellie flushed. The memories of the club surfaced, and Ellie looked away, concentrating on her water.

"What are you two up to Lina?" Carter asked, popping a chocolate in his mouth.

"Studying for finals. Don't know why Ellie is studying. She's already the class valedictorian."

"Is that right?" Carter turned to Ellie. "Congratulations Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Carter. It's not official but its kinda a sure thing. I'll find out for sure after finals."

"I'm sure the title is yours, gorgeous."

Just then, Lina's phone rang. "It's Will, I'll be right back." She left the room.

Carter studied Ellie. "You haven't texted me since the party Miss Westfield."

"I wasn't sure what to say, Mr. Baizen."

"How about that you have left Nate for me." Carter smiled. He got close to Ellie and ran his nose near her neck. "I want another taste."

Ellie pulled away. "Carter, I'm still with Nate. Nothing has changed."

Carter sighed. "I know gorgeous. That won't stop me from wanting you."

Ellie isn't sure what came over her. She and Nate had been fine, if only on different schedules. She missed his attention, but he made an effort to reach out to her. But seeing Carter in front of her, telling her everything she wanted to hear, she reacted. Ellie leaned into Carter and place a chaste kiss on his lips, catching him off guard. She pulled away quickly and tried to walk away.

Carter grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into him. He kissed her, running the tip of his tongue over her lips, asking for entrance. She moaned quietly, allowing him in. He kissed her until he had to pull away to take a breath. "What are we doing Elizabeth?"

"I don't know. But I like it," Ellie confessed.

Carter went to open his mouth to say something when he heard the kitchen door open. He stepped back from Ellie and Lina walked in. "Will wants to know if we want to go to dinner Ellie."

"I can't. I have a dinner at the house for some of daddy's partners." She rolled her eyes but looked at her watch. "I should go. I'll see you at school Lina?"

"Yeah. Only one more week to go."

Ellie laughed. "Three days of finals and graduation. Cannot wait. Will you be at graduation, Carter?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll walk you out." Ellie hugged Lina and went out with Carter. At the door, Carter pulled her in close. "What are you doing to me Elizabeth?"

"Carter, I..."

"No, don't say it. Maybe we can talk after graduation. Concentrate on school." He kissed her gently. "I'm so proud of you."

Ellie pressed her forehead to his. "Thank you, Carter. See you later."

A few days later, finals were over and as expected, Ellie was announced as the Constance valedictorian. Nate was so proud that he arranged dinner for Ellie at the favorite restaurant. Dinner had been amazing, Nate pulling out all the stops just for her. "I know I've been busy sweetheart, but I wanted to surprise you with some news."