Page 34 of Just One More Affair
Knowing which gown she preferred, she tried on the silver, praying it would fit. Though she couldn’t zip it herself, she could tell the size was right, as was the silhouette. She looked like an elegant woman who just might belong at the event, especially when she’d put on one of the three pairs of Louboutins, something she never thought she’d own.
Blowing out a breath, she called downstairs and made an appointment at the salon for the works next Saturday, knowing nothing less than her very best would do. Jared deserved to walk into the event with someone who’d put effort into her appearance. Though she might pretend she fit in, at least she’d look the part.
As she slipped out of the dress and hung it back up, she noticed a small shopping bag across the dolly from the shoes. Inside she found a silver handbag that would go with all the gowns but was especially perfect for the one she’d chosen.
When she was finished trying on the other two dresses—just in case—and finding they all looked beautiful on her, she repackaged the shoes and the handbag and placed them on the dolly. Everything would be ruined if she tried to stuff it in the small closet.
Once back in her normal old clothes, she picked up her phone and she noticed her hands were shaking and her heart was racing inside her chest. No one had ever treated her so well or made her feel so special. She might want to protect her heart and her emotions so she could continue to be her non-reliant, independent self… but Jared was making it very difficult.
She called Jared, reaching his voicemail. She left a message filled with all the excitement and gratitude flowing through her at the moment. He deserved nothing less.
After the exertion of trying on the gowns, she was ready for a nap. A quick look at her phone before she closed her eyes and she discovered an email from the museum who’d requested an interview. They offered a few dates and times to meet. Charlie gave them the order of her preference and between Jared’s gift and the interview, it was a wonder the adrenaline flowing through her body let her sleep.
She woke up to a voicemail from the twins, both yelling for their turn to talk, but Dakota asking her if she wanted to go for a pizza dinner with Noah and Fallon. She called and replied with a definite yes. She enjoyed the company and the meal, so grateful to be home with her daughters.
Thursday, she packed up her hotel room and settled her account, doing a pre-checkout at the front desk. She napped in between gathering her clothing, cosmetics, and toiletries. The gowns were still in their garment bags and she’d have to make sure the driver was careful transporting them to her new home.
Jared called a few times, never letting her forget he was a part of her life now. More than once she had to calm her hormones that surfaced when she heard his deep voice and the way he—and only he—called her Charlotte. Tingles went through her body every time he said her full name. He even dialed her from the office late Thursday night. Knowing he was working late so he could be with her for the move tomorrow touched her deeply.
She tossed and turned that night, anticipation of her new life keeping her awake. So did thoughts of living below Jared, knowing he was so close, and remembering how he’d played her body perfectly.
She’d even had to unpack her vibrator and give herself an orgasm, all the while pretending it was Jared’s talented tongue on her clit while she came.
When it came to the man, she was in deep trouble and she hadn’t even moved in yet.
Chapter Twelve
Charlie met themovers at the storage facility where she’d kept her furniture and other things while she was away. After they loaded up the truck, she headed to her new apartment where Jared was waiting to give her the keys and be there while the men unloaded the boxes and placed the pieces of furniture where she directed them.
Once the movers left, they ordered in sandwiches for lunch, ate, and then began to dig into the boxes, starting with the girls’ room. It was more important to her that they be comfortable than taking care of any other section of the apartment. Jared didn’t allow her to lift anything and was at her beck and call.
She’d continued to unpack their things when the doorbell rang. Surprised, she looked at Jared. “Who could be here?” she asked.
He shrugged but she thought she caught the edges of his mouth lifting up in a grin.
Since he rose to his feet and walked out to answer, she continued her job. Dakota’s dinosaurs, those she hadn’t taken with her to her dad’s, went on a standing bookshelf along with her favorite books and other things. Next came Dylan’s coloring supplies, which went on one side of the double desk she’d bought for them, and her favorite stuffed animals on different shelves.
The sound of voices drifted toward her and she rose to her feet. Curious, she walked into the main room where she was startled to see much of Jared’s family had gathered.
“What is everyone doing here?” she asked, surprised.
Noah stepped forward, Fallon by his side. “We thought you’d need help unpacking so… here we are. Put us to good use.” He gestured around at the various family members. From Alex, who she knew no one would let help, to Lizzie, then Raven and Remy, and Dex and his wife, Samantha. The only ones missing were Aiden, who was abroad, and Brooke, who Jared explained was holding down the fort at the office.
A lump rose to her throat as she took in all these people willing to help her. Her hand went to her chest as she fought back tears and tried to find the words to convey her appreciation. She didn’t have a big family. Her brother didn’t think of her unless he needed money, which left her with no one to speak of, and this group was a lot—in all the best ways.
“Thank you,” she finally managed to say. “I’m just so overwhelmed. I—”
“No thanks necessary,” Jared’s father said, stepping toward her. “Welcome to the family.” He extended his arms and she stepped into his friendly embrace, feeling awkward and yet so very grateful.
When Alex stepped back, Charlie’s thoughts scattered, as Lizzie spoke next. “I’d be happy to get the kitchen unpacked if you point out the boxes,” she said. “You can always rearrange things to your liking later.”
Though Charlie wanted to tell everyone she could handle the unpacking herself, that was the independent Charlie talking. The more rational part of her knew she’d been nauseous since she woke up; she was already exhausted and had barely begun working on the girls’ room.
“I had the movers put the boxes in each room by their labels. All the kitchen supplies should be in there already. Thank you. I can’t express how helpful this is and how appreciative I am.”
Fallon walked over and slung an arm over her shoulders. “Everyone needs help once in a while. It’s not a bad thing to accept it. How about I direct everyone else where to go and what to do, then we can get the twins’ linen out and—”
“Raven or Samantha will make the beds,” Jared said, gesturing between Charlie and Fallon. “You two don’t need to be stretching and overreaching.”
