Page 53 of Falling Slowly
“This is Charlie. We know Charlie.” Teresa’s voice carried a heavy dose of conviction. “The only child who’s never been denied anything in his whole life. If you want to be his newtoy, go for it. Get yours. But I wouldn’t expect too much going forward.”
My mouth twisted. “Maybe that’s a good thing? I’m not ready for anything.”
“Then ride that bronco. Have fun. Use protection.”
I let out a nervous chuckle. “Would you think less of me if I told you I already… kind of…” I swallowed a gulp of air. That would hurt later.
“Good for you! I hope he treated you right?”
“He did. It was all for me, to be honest. He didn’t even… you know.”
Teresa fell silent. I heard the toilet flush, then the tap being turned on. Had she done her business during our conversation? After a moment, she came back on. “You’re telling me Charlie took care of you and walked away?”
“Well, I’m pretty sure he took care of himself in the shower. And he didn’t exactly walk away. We talked and fell asleep. I think we spooned.” I winced. “And now things are weird between us.”
“Okay. Are you sure you’re talking about Charlie Wilde? The Mini Fridge?”
“I know! It’s odd, isn’t it? Do you think it’s an act?”
“He’s very clever. He can talk anyone into buying anything.”
I nodded, my mouth dry. “He seems so sincere. I feel like I’ve misjudged him.”
“That’s how brilliant he is.”
I swallowed a lump and my stubborn heart argued back. “But why would he lie to me? I mean, I’m not asking for commitment. I would have slept with him. He’s the one acting weird, saying he wants to date me and now he’s all hurt because I can’t see this going anywhere. It can’t, right?”
“Would you want to date Charlie?”
Teresa’s question threw me. “I… I can’t.”
Another long silence. “Well, be careful, okay?”
“I will.”
I ended the call and climbed into the loft to get dressed. After a quick phone call to Mom and Celia, I rushed across the yard in a light drizzle.
At the doorway, I ran into Leonie.
“Good morning, Bess. Just so you know, we’ve postponed the forest excursion until this afternoon. The weather should improve soon.” She looked up at the sky and smiled apologetically, as if the rain was somehow her doing.
“Sounds great,” I muttered, pushing past her, my eyes searching for Charlie.
There he was, sitting across the table from Miranda. I felt a strange fire churning in my belly. He’d pulled me into this fake relationship nonsense, awakened desires and messed with my head. Whether I wanted to date him or not, in the context of Rubie Ridge, I already was. Charlie had better remember that.
I marched across the room.
“Charlie!” I smiled sweetly, sliding next to him.
I snuggled up to him, burrowing my face in the crook of his neck, breathing in his scent. Lemon and pine. “The weather is awful. We should go back to bed.” I slipped my hand over his thigh, brushing against his crotch.
His breath seized. “Hi, Bessie-Boo.”
He weaved his fingers into my hair, then tugged my head back until he could claim my mouth. I’d never been part of such an explicit public display of passion, but I’d decided to commit, so I did. I met Charlie’s tongue with mine as his cock pulsed against the back of my hand. Fire coursed through me, surging blood between my thighs. When he finally released me, Miranda had disappeared. Instead, Harry stood at the end of the table, head cocked, a funny smile on his face. “You guys are shameless.”
Charlie shrugged, looking a little proud. “Sorry. I can’t keep my hands off her.”
“No apology necessary. I just thought I’d let you know the nude drawing workshop’s about to start.”
