Page 72 of Unburdening His Heart

I sigh, wishing he was here with me. It’s just impossible for right now. Thinking about our future and how this may work also consumes my thoughts. Would I have to move to Sacramento? Even thinking about it is intimidating. Irene has offered me an incredible opportunity with the café, one I don’t want to walk away from. Not to mention all my friends are here. Friends that are more like family.

But would he come here? Would he move here to be with me?

My thoughts continue to swirl and consume me. We told ourselves we’d take it one day at a time. That nothing could be decided until after the trial, but I just can’t help myself from thinking about it all.

My cell phone blares through the speakers in the kitchen, cutting off the upbeat tune I was swaying my hips to. I look down at the blueberries to find they’re finally done. I turn off the burner and wipe my hands off on my apron before turning to the phone sitting on the counter to the left of the stove.

Speak of the devil. I swipe to answer and disconnect my phone from the speaker.

I smile. “Hey there, you.”

“What are you up to?”

I stir the blueberries absentmindedly. “Just in the kitchen, baking. You?”

“Sitting here, wondering if you’re mad at me or not.”

I huff, confusion playing on my features. “Why would I be mad at you?”

“Because I didn’t call last night. I’m sorry I didn’t. You never responded to any of my texts today, so I thought you might be angry with me.”

This morning I was in a rush to get out of the house, then work was busy, then I got the big news from Irene. I never had a chance to respond. He makes it sound like I might’ve ignored him all day.

I move the phone away from my ear and pull up our text message thread. A couple of other text messages came through while I was baking. Oh, shoot. I should be the one apologizing.

“I’m the one who should be sorry. I was busy this morning, then I got some really exciting news, and I lost track of time this evening.”

“Oh, yeah? What kind of exciting news?” His voice picks up to match my excitement.

“Irene wants me to partner with her at the café!”

“Oh, baby, that’s awesome!” His pride shines in his voice, and my heart warms at the use of the endearment.

“That’s not even the best part!” I’m giddy and can’t hold back the rest anymore.

His deep chuckle filters through the speaker. “What’s the best part?”

“She wants to expand with my cakes and desserts! Can you believe that?” The shock and excitement still haven’t waned from earlier.

“Of course, I can believe it. You’re fucking awesome, Charlie, and your cakes aren’t half bad, either.”

“Ha! You know my cakes are the best thing you’ve ever put in your mouth. Admit it!” A giant smile splits my face. This is what I was missing… him. I wanted to share this with him, to have him be proud of me, happy for me.

“Your cake is definitely not the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” His tone deepens and turns darker, more seductive.

My excited smile turns to something a bit more devious. “Oh, and what is the best thing?” My core tightens as warmth spreads across my stomach and travels down. I have a feeling I know what his favorite thing is, but I want to hear him say it.

“It’s sweet, with just the right amount of tang. It’s the most succulent taste I’ve ever put in my mouth. It’s unique and all fucking mine.”

I rub my thighs together. It suddenly becomes hard to think. “What is it, big man?” I whisper.

“You know exactly what it is, Charlotte Reed. When can I taste it again?”

“You have to tell me what it is first,” I say, my voice becoming raspy. “Say it.”

A deep growl reverberates through the speaker straight into my ear, and it sends goosebumps racing across my skin. “I want you to taste it for me since I can’t be there with you. Describe in detail exactly how fucking unbelievable your pussy tastes on your tongue.”

I inhale sharply, my core tightening almost to the point of pain. The phone vibrates in my hand, making me jump from the suddenness of it. I pull the screen back to see Andrew wants to facetime.

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