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“Well, if we’re sharing a cab,” she says, approaching the curb. We’re next. “Let’s go to yours. I want to read some of your writing.”
I grin to myself and tease her. “I don’t know if you’re in any condition to read right now.”
“I’m not ready to go home, Charlie. I can call Rachel if you’re too tired.”
This girl is trouble. “Okay, fine.” I give in to her. “We’ll go to mine.”
“You made a rhyme.”
“I think you’re drunk.”
“I’m not drunk,” protests the drunk girl next to me. She ducks her body into the taxi, and we take off after I give the driver my address. “You live in a fancy-schmancy part of town,” she says. Her body is snuggled against mine.
“You’ll be disappointed then.”
“I doubt I could be disappointed with anything when it comes to you.”
I look at her, shocked by her comment, but she smiles all smug before resting her head on my shoulder. She’s trouble, and I debate whether I should be taking her to my place. I have nothing to hide from her, but the way she’s acting, I’m equally nervous and excited about where this might lead. I won’t take advantage of her, but her cuteness is wearing down my willpower.
I rub my hands over my face, knowing I drank too much as well. I’ll pay for this tomorrow, but I’m going to be happy in the now.
“I like it,” she says when we arrive. Dropping her purse on the entry table, she does a slow spin, taking it all in. “It suits you.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.” I toss my jacket on the couch.
“Yes, it’s a compliment.”
“A drink? Water, beer—”
“Please. Whatever you’re having.”
I grab two beers out of the fridge and twist the caps off, tossing them into the bowl on the bar. I’ve had a weird obsession with collecting beer bottle caps for a few years now. I watch her from the kitchen as she looks at my bookcase, running her finger along my desk. She moves to the window and looks out.
“You have a balcony,” she states. “Can we go out on it?”
“Mm-hmm.” I hand her the bottle and open the door for her.
We drink in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the calm compared to the loud thumping of the club. It’s breezy and a little chilly, but not cold tonight. She sets her beer down on the small bistro table and leans on the rail, stepping out of her shoes.
“You’re short.”
That makes her giggle. “Did I kill the illusion?”
“Ha! Not for me.”
“Wait until you see me without makeup, then. It’s all a mask to hide the hideousness.”
I think I’m also done drinking for the night, so I set my drink down. Playfully nudging her with my elbow, I shrug. “Whatever. I bet you look even prettier without makeup.”
She bellows in laughter, her head dropping back. “Now, that’s a challenge I won’t accept.” She turns more serious as she faces me. “Charlie?”
“Yeah?”
Shifting her weight onto one ankle, she nervously asks, “Can I kiss you?”
“What?” Not what I meant to say at all. Her face falls. Dammit! She threw me off—
“Never mind. It was silly. I just haven’t been kissed in so long, and I miss—”
I step forward, closing the gap. Cupping her face in my hands, I kiss her, cutting off her words and ending her doubts.
Chapter 10
Charlie B
My body leans against him, relaxing into a kiss that makes me forget who I am. He kisses me like I’m the most desirable woman in the world. And at this moment in time, I believe him.
The whiskey from earlier clouds my head as I press my body against Charlie’s hard chest. His strong arms hold me to him as if he’s afraid I’ll disappear. I won’t. I can’t. I’m lost in him as my body sparks to life, erupting in a passion different from anything I’ve ever felt before.
I let go and give in to my longing. I give in to him because I want to, because he’s so damn sexy, but most of all, because this gorgeous man, who was supportive and by my side just a few days ago, turns me on and wants me. It’s nice to feel desired, to feel pretty and sexy. By the way he’s kissing me, I can tell the yearning is mutual. I just hope I can make him feel how much I want him, too.
His hips press forward, trapping me between him and the railing as his hands secure me, drawing my body closer. It’s hard to breathe and hard to move, but there is nothing I’d rather be doing than this.
As his tongue caresses mine, I shiver in delight, causing him to still.
“You’re cold. Let’s go inside.” He takes me by the hand and grabs the two bottles with the other.
Walking inside behind him, I feel the warmth of the apartment. I tremble, but if I’m being honest, I’m shaking from his touch, his kisses, and the building urges inside, not the temperature outside.
