“You can lie to yourself all you want, but I know the truth.It won’t be long until Jo figures it out, and then she’ll really give you hell about it.”
“How so?”
“I don’t know much about Charlie’s story, but I can tell that it’s not good.She’s running from someone, just like Jo was.She will take her in and protect her with everything she has in her, even if that means protecting her fromyou.”
There was a sadness in Ashley’s voice as she said it.
I knew Ashley had left an abusive relationship before she came to Nowhere, but I didn’t know the details of it.I did know that she and Jo had been very close from the start, which made me think she might be right.
“I would never hurt Charlie,” I whispered, the thought of anything happening to her making my chest squeeze.
“I know.But if she starts falling for you, then she’s distracted.And tragedy happens when we’re least expecting it.She needs you to keep your head clear and protect her as much as she needs to keep her own head clear.This isn’t just some high school crush, Axel.Her life and the life of her baby are at stake right now.Don’t fuck that up for them by falling for her.”
She smiled softly and looked away as I stood there contemplating her words.
Eleven
Charlie
Ileaned against theheadboard as I finished the sandwich Axel insisted I needed after we closed down the bar.I was tired and just wanted to rest, but when my stomach rumbled with the loudest growl I had ever heard, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.Not only did he fix me my favorite sandwich, but he also loaded the plate with chips, a pickle spear, and three delicious chocolate chip cookies.
I took a sip of water and leaned forward to set my plate down when the baby kicked.
“Ouch,” I muttered, placing my hand on the side of my stomach where she kicked again.“Remind me to limit your sugar intake when you’re born.I see it makes you hyper.”
“Are you okay?”Axel asked, his eyebrows lifted as he stared at my stomach in concern.
“Yeah.I think she likes the cookies.She won’t stop kicking.Now that she’s gotten so big, there isn’t much room in there, so it tends to hurt when she moves too hard.”
My shirt was pulled tight across my stomach and his eyes widened when he saw her roll around, making my belly move with her.
I laughed and watched him as he continued to stare in amazement.
“Do you want to feel it?”I offered, smiling when his eyes lifted and met mine.
“Really?”
