AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I have more than one bedroom. You could sleep in the spare room. I'm not suggesting we share a bed.”
“Of course you aren’t.” She rolls her eyes.
“Are you upset that I'm willing to let you have your own room?”
“No. I just think it’s funny that one second you want me to be your girlfriend again and the next you’re telling me to sleep in the spare room.”
“Would you rather I suggest we share a bed?” I stare at her like she’s crazy because right now I think she might be.
“Oh, I'm sure you’d love that.” She folds her arms over her chest and glares at me.
“Are you just trying to start a fight? Like what is even going on right now? I offered you a place to stay and somehow you’re mad at me.” I stand to my full height and stare down at her. I always forget how tiny she is when she isn't wearing shoes.
“Probably!”
“Why, Char? Why do you want to pick a fight with me?” I soften my voice and take a step towards her. Resting my hands on her waist, I pull her a little bit closer, careful to leave some space between us.
“Because it’s easier to be mad at you.”
“What?”
“When I'm mad at you I remember all the reasons we shouldn’t be together. When we’re getting along, I want to give you another chance and I can't do that.”
“Why not?” I brush a strand of hair behind her ear and let my fingers trail down her neck.
“Because if I let you in and you break my heart again, I'm never going to recover. I need to protect my heart if I want to survive living in the same town as you again. It’s been eight years and my chest still aches every time I see you. Most people would consider what we had as puppy love. I can't imagine how much worse it would be this time around.”
Chapter 7
Charlie
As soon as I'm locked inside of Mom’s SUV, I breathe a sigh of relief. I don’t know if I can do this. Seeing Wyatt occasionally for holidays or when we were both home at the same time was difficult enough, the thought of not only seeing him every day, but also working with him, it’s almost crippling.
I drop my forehead to the steering wheel and squeeze my eyes shut. Maybe I'm making the wrong choice. Maybe I should stay in California and take a different job. Sure, it won't be nearly as good as the one Owen’s offered me, but I could support myself off of it and I could be happy.
My phone vibrates in the cup holder, making me let out a loud groan. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now, but if it’s anyone in my family, they’re going to call until I answer.
“Hello?” I don’t bother lifting my head or even checking to see who’s calling me.
“What’s going on, princess?” Dad’s deep voice floats through the phone and brings a smile to my face.
He’s one of the biggest reasons I even considered coming home. Wes Robinson might not be my biological dad, but he’s the best dad I could ever ask for.
“Nothing. I just got in the car and I'm about to come home from the stadium.”
“What happened?” His tone has shifted. Gone is the easy-going man who called, in his place is the papa bear who defends his cubs at all cost.
“Nothing happened.”
“Charlie, I can hear it in your voice. You’re upset. Tell me what happened or I'm calling Owen.” His tone leaves no room for arguing. I’ve been on the receiving end of this more times than I can count and I never get away without spilling everything to him.
“I don’t know if I can do this, Dad,” I whisper my confession into the empty car.
“Do what?”
“Move home and work for the Pit Bulls. I don’t know if I can see him day in and day out. It’s so hard. And Owen wants me to be the head physical therapist because the guy who currently has the job doesn’t think he’s going to last the whole season. I'm not ready for this. It’s too much.”
“Take a deep breath, baby girl.” His voice softens and his concern is clear as day. “Good. Keep breathing deeply and listen tome… You’re moving home, Charlie. I’ve spent far too long on the opposite side of the country than you and I’ve hated every second of it. Mom’s so excited to have you home. I swear it’s all she talks about. Having your grandparents in your room while we fix their house has been miserable, because I know you’re right next door and yet you’re not with me.”
