Page 6 of Her Nightshade

His body was warm against mine, and I could feel the firmness of his toned muscles beneath my hands as I returned his hug. His touch ignited a fire within me, and my cheeks burned when I realized how excited I was.

“Come in, please,” he said, releasing me and gesturing towards the door before opening it.

His good energy was infectious and I couldn’t help but smile as I stepped inside. I waited as he closed the door behind us, then followed him up the stairs, noticing how he glanced back at me every few seconds.

“Did it take you long to get here?” he asked when we reached a tall, black door at the top of the stairs.

I realized I hadn’t said a word since arriving.

“No, I live only six or seven blocks away,” I replied, clutching the peacoat draped across my arm.

“Oh yeah?” His smile widened, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was running through his mind.

But my thoughts shifted as he opened the door, revealing a beautiful loft with high, exposed beam ceilings adorned with hanging lights. A row of large windows bathed the space in the city’s glow. The walls were an eclectic mix of framed artwork and vibrant paintings, with sculptures scattered in various sizes. Two black leather couches faced each other in the middle of the room, separated by a coffee table piled with books. A piano sat in the corner atop a patterned rug, and green plants lined the windows. Nothing matched, yet it all came together perfectly. I was absolutely in love with it.

“Welcome to my home. Let me take your coat,” he offered, extending his hand.

“Thank you,” I murmured, my eyes still taking in his space.

His style was so eclectic and artistic. I found myself even more drawn to him. He wasn’t just a famous name and face anymore; I was beginning to see his personality, and it was reeling me in.

“So, what can I get you to drink?” he asked, snapping me out of the trance his loft had put me in. “I’ve got pretty much everything,” he added with a grin, resting his hands on the kitchen island.

“Red wine. Cabernet, please,” I replied, still wandering through the space, admiring the exposed brick wall behind his industrial-style kitchen and the floor-to-ceiling bookshelf filled with hundreds of books.

“Perfect,” he replied, and I could feel his eyes on me as he opened the bottle, watching me quietly as I continued to explore his space.

“How long have you lived here?” I asked, slipping my hands into my back pockets as I wandered further into the open loft.

He moved towards me slowly, handing me the glass of wine. As our eyes met, I noticed the faint sound of music in the background. His green eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, the flutter in my chest distracted me as he began to answer.

“About a year,” he answered with a smile, his eyes still fixed on mine, making me glance away. “Do you like it?” he asked softly.

When I looked back at him, I could see the subtle, almost hesitant need for my approval as he waited for my response.

“Yes, it’s beautiful,” I said, my voice warm with praise, and I noticed his posture relax.

His dimpled smile nearly knocked me off my feet.Fuck, I’m smitten. “Let me give you a tour,” he said, effortlessly taking my hand. My heart sank and my body tensed, the unfamiliar sensation of a man’s touch leaving me unexpectedly flustered.But when he glanced back and smiled at me, I forced myself to stay in the moment, even if it was fleeting—because it had to be. I kept repeating over and over in my mind,this is only for tonight.

He guided me through the rest of his spacious loft, showing off more art, books, and plants, until we finally ended up in his bedroom. My eyes were fixed on the large, king-sized bed in front of an exposed-brick wall, the room softly lit by a single lamp beside the bed. We lingered in front of the bed for a moment, his hand still gently holding mine. He looked over at me, and for a quiet instant, the heat between us seemed to ignite, the air filled with sexual tension.

“Let me show you the balcony. We can sit out there for a drink,” he said softly, almost hesitantly, as if he didn’t want to leave that moment.

I nodded, unsure if I wanted to move or not either.

But then, slowly, our feet carried us forward, and with his hand still gently guiding me, he pulled open the glass doors at the end of the loft. We stepped onto a small balcony, where a loveseat sat in the corner, a blanket draped casually over it. The cold air bit at my cheeks, but the warmth from Charlie’s hand sent heat throughout me.

“Is it not too cold to sit outside?” I asked hesitantly as he guided me towards the loveseat.

He sat down, pulling me with him. “I can keep you warm.” He grinned, draping his arm around my shoulders. I could feel the strength of his bicep resting against me. I let myself enjoy his touch for a moment before coming back to reality.

“Charlie…” I began, as if to protest, but I stopped as his smile faded.

“What?” he asked, his eyes slightly widening.

Just give it to him straight, Ana.

I hesitated; he already looked so sad and wounded. “I’m really attracted to you, but if you’re looking for more than something physical, I can’t give that to you.”

---