legs entwined while they watched an old James Bond movie. He stirred when the credits started to roll, checking his watch.
“I should probably go. I have an early start tomorrow,” he said apologetically.
He waited for Charlie to suggest he stay the night and go home to change in the morning, but she simply nodded and disentangled herself. He watched as she collected their glasses and carried them to the kitchen, frustrated with her and annoyed with himself for being such a sulky little kid. She’d spent the day with him. She’d laughed at his jokes, responded to his kisses, returned his affection. It was day two. He needed to cultivate some patience.
She returned from the kitchen, stopping in the doorway. She was wearing a pair of stripy pajama pants and a T-shirt with no bra, her hair mussed around her face. Her mouth was pink from his kisses. She crossed an arm across her stomach and gripped the opposite hip and attempted to look casual, even though he could see the tension in her body.
“I was thinking, we could catch up one night during the week. Maybe grab a movie or something?” she suggested.
He smiled, all his frustration evaporating. He joined her in the doorway, sliding his arms around her waist. He loved that he was allowed to touch her now. Loved the feel of her strong, slender body against his own.
“I was thinking more than one night,” he said.
Her mouth tilted up at the corners. “That’s a little presumptuous, isn’t it?”
“Presumptuous is my middle name. As well as Andrew.”
“How many nights were you thinking?”
“How many have you got?” he asked.
“I’m having dinner with Gina on Tuesday night.”
“Then I’m thinking four nights. Unless Gina doesn’t mind me tagging along, then I’m thinking five.”
She looked a little uncertain. As though she wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. He kissed her.
“This is real, Charlie,” he said seriously.
She stared at him then kissed him back, a fierce, passionate kiss that had him hard in seconds.
When she stopped they were both breathing heavily.
“I’ll ask Gina if she minds sharing me with you.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You do that.” He turned reluctantly toward the door. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? We can work out what we want to do tomorrow night. See a movie.”
“Or stay in.”
He glanced at her. She raised her eyebrows, innocent as a newborn lamb. He smiled.
“Or stay in,” he agreed.
They lingered on the doorstep, each kiss extending into another, then another. Finally Charlie slipped free and laughingly pushed him away.
“At this rate you’ll never go,” she said. “And you need to get up early.”
“Okay.” He walked down the hall. “I’ll see you.”
“Yes.”
He glanced at her as he reached the stair landing. She watched him, an unreadable expression on her face. She waved, and he followed suit. Then she slipped inside her apartment and shut the door.
He paused for a moment, fighting the urge to go to her.
You are not fifteen, she is not your first girlfriend, and you will see her tomorrow. Man up, buddy, and get your ass home.
He kept walking to his car then he drove to his place.
He would see Charlie tomorrow—and the day after that, and the day after that. He’d keep seeing her for as long as she’d have him, and he would win her trust and wipe the uncertainty from her eyes.
He would make it his mission because he loved her, and he wanted her to be happy.
CHARLIE BRUSHED her teeth then slipped between sheets that smelled of him and turned off the light. She buried her face in his pillow and inhaled the scent of his aftershave and shampoo and allowed herself to be warmed by the memories of their weekend.
It had been perfect. Better than perfect. He’d been funny, tender, teasing, sexy, generous… He’d been her fairy-tale prince, and he hadn’t put a foot wrong.
Her smile faded as she contemplated the week ahead. He wanted to see her every night. She’d psyched herself up in the kitchen before asking him if he wanted to catch a movie one night and he’d come right out with a request to see her every night. Every night.
She gave in to instinct and pulled Rhys’s pillow closer, wrapping her arms around it. It didn’t come even close to substituting for him, but it was something.
This is real, Charlie.
She wanted to believe him very badly. She would try very hard to do so. And she would pray to all the gods