Healing Hearts (Hope River #3) - Margaret McHeyzer Page 0,76

wants brisket, salads and bread rolls. But I need to talk to her about the cake.”

“I wish I could help.” He shrugs. “But I have no idea what they want. River tries to help her, but she’s going batshit crazy.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Did you just say your sister is going batshit crazy?”

“Uh-huh.” He takes another bite. “But I’ll deny it if you repeat that to her. If I’m being honest, she scares me a little.”

I start laughing and choke a bit on what I’m eating. “Good to know. Basically, if I need something done, I’ll go to your sister and ask her to get you to do it.”

“Or you could just ask me.”

“That’s no fun.” I flick my hand at Charlie. He grabs it, pulls me over to him, and lays me on top of him. He stares up at me as he plays with my hair. “Charlie?”

“Yeah?” He watches my lips, then flicks his gaze back up to my eyes.

“I want to kiss you, but I’m scared.”

“What are you scared of?”

“That everything will change once we kiss.”

“Everything will change when we kiss, Pop Rock.” He keeps playing with my hair. “It’ll change because you want it to, and it’ll change because I…” he stops himself. “…because I want it to, too.”

“Charlie?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve only ever kissed one man once. He was the one who took my virginity, and he never talked to me again after that.”

“That sucks, but I’m not him,” Charlie justifies.

“No, you’re not.” He doesn’t try to force me to do anything I’m not ready for. I lower my head; our lips are nearly touching. His warm breath bathes on my lips. “I’m going to kiss you, Charlie.” Jesus, I’m so nervous. My blood is pulsing heavily through my veins, and my heartrate is racing.

“About time, Pop Rock.”

But he still doesn’t move. He’s waiting for me to take my time, and make all the moves. He’s giving me space, but his hands are gripping my hips to remind me I belong here, with him. I lower my head farther, and our mouths finally meet. I part my lips waiting for his kiss. Charlie entwines his hand up through my hair, and keeps me firmly attached to his mouth. Expertly, and with extreme gentleness he darts his tongue out, licking my top lip before carefully asking for silent permission to fully kiss me.

Other than the man who took my virginity, this is my first kiss. A kiss with someone who I think I’m falling in love with.

Please Charlie, don’t hurt me.

But, I don’t think he will.

“Are you sure you’re okay to go, Aunt May? It’s just another festival. We can stay home.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m already ready.”

Aunt May has been working really hard to help herself, and most days she’s really tired from all the rehabilitation she’s doing. She’s still using the walker, but I suspect if Aunt May keeps going on this path, she’ll be able to graduate to a walking stick soon. Sadly though, I think she’ll continue to need some sort of walking aid for some time to come. “Okay, if you say so.”

“You’ll need to help fold the walker up when we get to your car.”

“Of course.” Aunt May is already heading toward the front door. “I think you secretly love these festivals, and crave the attention.”

“Never made a secret of that in the past, Tabby. I love them.”

She definitely makes me laugh. I cover the platter of food I’ve prepared, and head out the front door, where Aunt May is still making her way to my car. She opens the passenger door, and sits, waiting for me to help fold her walker away.

In no time, we’re on our way toward the town center. “Is the boy not coming with us?”

I know she’s talking about Charlie, but he and I have been really weird this last week. “I kissed him,” I say as I drive.

“About time.”

“Yeah, but it feels different now.”

“Why? He’s been over every night for dinner, he’s at the house all the time if he’s not at work. You two went out for dinner last night. What’s different?”

“My head is playing tricks on me.”

“Ah, I see. So, it’s not really different, it’s just your insecurities rearing their ugly head again. Right?”

“Yeah. And he’s just been so busy all week. The slab went down for the family retreat at the B&B, and with Hope and River’s wedding in two weeks, so they’re working harder to get the houses down on Oak