Page 45 of Just One More Affair
Later, with the night winding down, Charlie danced with Jared, his strong arms wrapped around her waist. She inhaled his sensual cologne and her body sparked with need. His stiff erection rubbed against her as he moved, the desire between them equal and obvious.
“This reminds me of when we spent time together at Fallon and Noah’s wedding,” she said.
He chuckled in her ear, the sound low and deep. “As if I’d forget.”
She smiled as they slow danced to the music. Aroused but also safe and content in his embrace.
“This might be too forward,” he said. “But do you want to get out of here?”
Hearing the exact same phrase he’d spoken to her that same night, she smiled. “I don’t have a room upstairs this time but yes, I’d love to.”
“My place or yours?” he asked.
The girls were sleeping at their dad’s, so she didn’t have to worry about them after the sitter left. “Surprise me.”
He checked in with his father. The twins were fine. Then they said their goodbyes and walked out, hand in hand. Jared said something to the driver and they headed home in comfortable silence, her head on his shoulder.
They pulled up in front of his building and she followed him inside where she spent a glorious night in his bed.
***
Charlotte woke tothe sound of a cell phone she recognized as Jared’s. Checking the time on her cell, she realized it was too late for a normal call. Still, she really needed to go to the bathroom, so she rushed out of bed while Jared answered the phone.
She returned to find he was out of bed and pulling on his pants. “What’s wrong?” she asked, rushing over to him.
“That was Remy. My dad’s in the hospital and it’s serious.” He ran a shaking hand through his hair. “We all knew something was wrong tonight. Why did I let him talk me into buying he was fine?”
She pulled him into a brief hug. “Let me get dressed and I’ll come with you.” She didn’t want him to be alone.
He buttoned his shirt, not bothering to tuck it in. “I should tell you to stay in bed. To get some sleep, but I really want you by my side.”
She was relieved to hear his answer. “That’s good because you couldn’t talk me into staying here and sending you there alone.”
He shot her a look of gratitude, and they finished dressing then rushed to the hospital to be there for his father.
Chapter Sixteen
Jared made itto the hospital in his car in record time. With his entire family gathered in the waiting room, there was no space for anyone else, but it was past midnight and the area was empty, except for them. There was also no room to pace, which left everyone huddled in small groups.
Despite the fact that he’d talked with his father after yelling at him for not taking care of himself, Jared was torn. On the one hand, he’d been right or they wouldn’t be in the hospital now. On the other, he felt guilty for yelling at his dad and now he was being taken care of by doctors who wouldn’t let anyone in to see him.
He and Charlotte had switched places with Remy and Raven, taking their seats while they walked over to Dex and Samantha. Fallon was with Brooke and Lizzie, while Noah stayed home with the girls.
Charlotte slipped her hand into his. “What are you thinking?” she asked.
“That I wish I hadn’t had an argument with my father about him not taking care of himself at the same time knowing I was right.”
She squeezed his hand. “He knows you have his best interest at heart.”
They sat that way for another few minutes when Remy walked over.
Charlotte rose to her feet. “I’m going to take coffee orders and go to the machine. It’s the best I can do at this hour. Can I get either of you anything?”
“Black,” they both said at once.
She nodded.
“Thanks, Charlie,” Remy said.
