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“That was pretty fucking hot.”
He stared at her silently.
“Was it good for you?” she asked, doubt creeping in.
“Yes.” He turned away, mumbling something that sounded a lot like, “That’s what scares me.”
“I really liked these stockings,” she called after him.
He stopped in the doorway, turning back to her with a smirk. “Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.” She giggled.
“You’re right . . . I’m not.” He walked out of the room, the bathroom door shutting a moment later.
Charli smiled, her body still humming with satisfaction. She couldn’t move until the bones returned to her legs. Then she’d take a quick shower and they could go to Link’s party. Remy and Mikel would be there along with their other friends. It would be good for Finn to see people from high school.
The sound of water running filtered through the room. Maybe this was a turning point for her and Finn. The sex was explosive—it always had been, though not at this level. Damn, her husband had wrecked her in the best of ways. Was this his way of making up for the last few days of distance? Perhaps now they could move on. Her smile grew as the baby in her womb fluttered and kicked. She placed her hand over the swollen bump. Happiness descended over her like a warm, weighted blanket. Everything was right again in her world.
But every mountain had a descent. The higher the peak, the farther the fall. Hopefully this one wouldn’t destroy her.
28
Charli
Charli threaded the needle through the white material, creating small Xs in a pattern. Cross-stitching brought her a sense of calm. Every stitch was organized and tidy. Each small, seemingly insignificant pass of thread added to the overall picture. The words “I don’t spew profanities. I enunciate them like a fucking lady” was complete in the center. All she had left to do was finish the pine trees underneath in soft purple and grey. Charli smiled to herself. Emma would get a kick out of this one.
Finn walked in and set a steaming cup of tea on the table in front of her. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” She tipped her head up, hoping he’d offer her a kiss. No such luck. He hadn’t touched her since they’d had sex a week ago. At least he’s sleeping in the bed with me now. It was hard to keep up with his hot and cold moods.
“You’re welcome.” He nodded.
“Do you want to watch something?” she asked, motioning to the TV.
“Actually, can I use your phone? Mine’s charging.” His eyes darted to the ground and then back to the small circular tapestry in progress in her hands.
“Sure.” She slid it out of her pocket and handed it over.
He accepted it and moved towards the chair opposite her, his back turned. She reached for the tea and took a sip. Warming notes of ginger and the tang of lemon burst on her taste buds. Perfect.
Charli’s focus returned to the needle as Finn’s heavy steps padded closer. She looked up. His jaw clenched, and his brown eyes narrowed with rage directed at her. His shoulders bunched near his ears with tension that radiated from him.
“Finn? What—”
“What. The. Fuck. Is. this?” He pointed with a shaky finger towards the last message she’d received from the unknown number.
Unknown: I can’t wait to have my arms wrapped around you again.
Her eyes flicked back to his as she set down her needle work.
“It’s not a big deal. It’s probably a wrong number.” Or Damon. But she wasn’t ready to get into that with Finn. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she needed to leave the past in the past. Because the pain of losing the only other man she loved was too much. And if Finn found out now, it would do more harm than good for his recovery.
“Wrong number?” He scoffed and shook his head.
“Look at me, Finn.” She stood up, facing him.
His eyes blazed, brutally puncturing her with the chaos raging within them. “This isn’t the first time, is it?” he grit out.
