Page 33 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I do…” She stops when I walk out behind him. “Charlee?”

“Hi, Reese. How are you?” I grab my clothes from the floor.

She looks from Alden to me and back. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“We’ll be out in a minute,” Alden says nonchalantly.

Reese turns, walking out as she closes the door. I start yanking my clothes on as fast as possible, but Alden is ready in a flash. My face is burning from embarrassment.

“I’ll go keep her company. Take your time, we have twenty minutes.” He kisses me before leaving.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!” I continue putting on my clothes, but I’m still wet and struggle with every piece. It doesn’t help that my palms are sweaty.

I finger comb my hair after fighting with my clothes and quietly walk through the hall to join them. I’m brought up short when I overhear the conversation. I stop dead as my stomach sinks, peeking around to watch it unfold.

“Don’t tell me you didn’t recognize her.” Reese glares at him.

He shakes his head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about and lower your voice, she might hear you.”

“It’s Charlee.” She leers at him, and my belly sinks. I’m nauseous.

“Her name is Rae.” He crosses his arms.

She shakes her head. “Her name is Charlee Rae, we went to school with her.”

“Come again?” He straightens his back.

“Charlee Rae Wright, she was two years older than us.” She waves her hand in front of him, trying to jog his memory.

He half shrugs. “I have no idea who you’re talking about.”

He doesn’t know me. I clutch at my chest. It feels as though something heavy is laying on it. I struggle to maintain my breathing as I look for an escape.

“Are you such a slut puppy that you can’t remember any woman other than me?” Reese growls.

“I wasn’t planning on sleeping with her, but she’s fucking hot.” He laughs.

Reese narrows her eyes at him. “Alden, if you hurt her.”

“Hold up, she knew exactly who I was when she got into my bed.” He leans against the counter, crossing his arms.

“I like her, we’re friends, okay. Don’t fuck this up.” Reese points at him.

“Fuck what up? We’re not together, it was sex. Just sex, Reese.” He shakes his head. “Besides, she’s a big girl. She knew what she was doing. Damn, if she didn’t know.”

I can’t take another word, I stumble from the hall. I refuse to look at him. “Hi. So I need to go.” I spin, rushing to the door.

“Hey Rae… Charlee?” Alden calls from behind me.

I turn, gritting my teeth. “It’s Charlee, like Reese said. Charlee Rae Wright.”

“So you do know me?” He stops in front of me.

My eyes dart to Reese, who looks like she wants to hug me. “Yes, we went to school together.”

“I think I’d know if you were in my school.” He laughs until I lock eyes with him. “Tell me you’re joking.”

“You once knocked me down in the hall.” What the hell, Charlee? You’ve waited thirteen years to talk to him and that’s what you say.