Page 88 of Hold Me Instead
She groaned and removed her hand from his so she could flip up the hood of her coat. With a quick tug at the strings, she cinched the hood briefly, then released the strings and turned.
“I may have…had a crush on you. When I was younger.”
“You did, huh?”
“Why don’t you sound surprised? God, was I that obvious?”
“I, no, I…” He scratched his head. “I guess I wondered once or twice. It’s not like I thought about it a lot.”
She put her face in her hands and groaned.
He laughed, peeling one finger away from her eye and stepping close. “It’s not a bad thing.”
“Easy for you to say,” she grumbled.
“Okay, true. I’m flattered. But I’m…I’m glad the me I am now is still…someone you’re interested in.”
“Oh, I’m definitely interested,” she said, her voice adopting a husky tone.
He shivered, clenching his jaw to keep from tugging her close. Instead, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Oh, I’m definitely interested too.”
Her eyes were closed when he straightened, as though she were absorbing a kiss, her lips parted slightly. She blinked them open and looked around with a surprised giggle, shaking her head to herself. Finally locking eyes with him, her smile softened into one he hadn’t seen, one that made him want to sit in her affection and simultaneously whisk her away to somewhere private.
“So, um…ready for the holiday festivities?” Charlie asked.
He snorted a laugh.
It had been a long time since he’d shared a holiday with his family. He’d never experienced it with the kids around, either, to see what excited them, what foods they liked or hated. His mom had told them they were skipping events with relatives this year. A day together, relaxed in celebration, could be really nice.
He looked down at Charlie, and she grinned back, turning to completely face him. She kept their bodies close and brought her hands up to meet his in the coat cocoon. Looking at her under the twinkling lights was dangerous, her eyes sparkling, her mouth inviting. The thought of seeing her in Christmas-themed scrubs was as appealing as being with her now, close together, only them existing in this holiday fanfare.
He’d enjoy it all while he could.
“I’m ready.”
Chapter 25
Charlie
“Whenareyoutwogoing out again? Don’t get me wrong, I like your mug, but I figured you’d jump at any free time to spend with him. I know you guys are there together long hours, but I don’t see you getting frisky in that office.” Amber chuckled, following Charlie into her apartment.
Charlie hung up her coat and settled onto the couch, Toothless sauntering over for a pat. She’d invited her cousin over with the sole purpose of talking with her. After telling Magnolia, it had been a little easier for Charlie to picture sharing her vaginismus with Amber, and with the way she and Zachary were advancing, she needed the support.
“I don’t know. We’ve been swamped, plus he’s helping with his dad. We see each other almost every day, though.”
“That’s not the same as going out! How are you keeping your hands to yourself?”
They had trouble keeping their hands to themselves. Each day was part of a painstakingly sexy foreplay, and Charlie was an excited participant.
Amber squealed. “You’re blushing! What happened with the sexy vet?”
“Well, he knows I had a crush on him.”
Amber gasped. “Did he figure it out?”
“I kinda let it slip.” She laughed at Amber’s pained groan. “It ended up being a good thing. He was very sweet about it.”
“I’m excited for you. I know he’s a big deal, but you’re so happy. And youdeserveto be happy. Also, I’m surprised you haven’t jumped his bones already.” She chuckled.
