AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Charlie…”
He rests his finger on my lips. “I know. You’re not ready. But when you are, I’ll be waiting.”
He smiles and removes his finger, placing a gentle kiss on the corner of my mouth. He raises his head and our eyes lock.
What if Charlie is the key to letting Luke go? I remember my mom’s words from the festival. Maybe she’s right. Before I can second guess it, I press my lips to his. He stiffens in surprise at first, but then moves his hand to cradle my head. All of a sudden, he jumps away from me like I electrocuted him. He sucks in a sharp breath and sits up, squeezing his eyes shut and gripping his head. “Fuck,” he roars. I move to my knees and grip his arm.
“Charlie, what’s wrong?”
He uses two fingers to tap his temple, then his entire body sags in relief. He rolls his neck and stares at the stars for a few moments. “It’s getting late. We should head back.” He takes my hand and pulls me to my feet.
“Charlie, what happened?”
He picks up the blanket, throwing it over his shoulder. “Just a weird headache. I’ll be fine.”
We walk towards the house in silence. “Did I do something wrong?” I ask.
He stops and faces me. “No. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have pushed.”
“You didn’t.”
He sighs. “I’m sorry, Liv. It’s too… complicated.”
He pulls away, but I grab his wrist to stop him. “What the hell is going on, Charlie? You’re not making any sense.”
“I can’t explain it.” He won’t meet my eyes, but he steps closer.
“Why not?”
He takes my shoulders in his hands and looks down at me. I see a war with himself play out in his features as a wave of desire floods through my body.
“Fuck it.” He pulls me close and slams his lips on mine. My hands go to his waist as he slides his fingers into my hair. It’s just like my dream. It’s so different from what I’m used to. I want to explore him all night. A purple glow fills my vision behind my eyelids, but I ignore it. I’m sure it’s just my mind playing tricks.
He flicks his tongue across my lips, and the desire flares. My lips part for him. He tastes like honey and a hint of mint. His muscles flex under my hands and I shove them under his shirt. His warm skin sends tingles up my arms. I’m overcome with need as his lips move down my neck.
“Liv!” Garrett’s voice is like a bucket of cold water. Charlie straightens but doesn’t move. He smiles and winks before he steps away from me.
Garrett approaches and looks between us as Charlie and I continue to stare at each other. I bite my lip and he grins. “Am I interrupting something?” Garrett asks.
“We were just heading back,” Charlie says, facing him.
Garrett grunts and we take the short walk to the house while I try to get a handle on my hormones. Garrett waits for me on the porch while I walk Charlie to the steps leading to his apartment. He places a gentle kiss on my cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He squeezes my hand, and I return it before we part. I set the blanket on the porch bench and Garrett follows me inside. “You guys seemed cozy,” he says.
I turn to find him staring at me, arms crossed with a raised eyebrow. I shrug and climb the stairs, purposefully ignoring the painting on the wall. “We’re good friends.”
“Mhm,” Garrett says, his tone filled with suspicion.
I ignore him and disappear into my room before he can question me. He probably saw us kissing, but it’s none of his business. Besides, he’s the one who wanted me to make a decision. Charlie is safe and comforting. Maybe that’s all I can hope for after everything I’ve been through.
