"Stop looking at me like that," I warn, fighting a smile.
"Like what, Shortcake?" he asks, all innocent eyes and wicked smile.
I roll my eyes but can't help smiling back. "Like you're mentally undressing me when you literally just dressed me."
"Can't help it." He stands and stretches lazily. "I'm already thinking about round two."
All I can do is laugh.God this man is going to wreck me.
"What did you buy?" he asks, curious.
"Nothing," I say too quickly. "Just some things. For people. That aren't you."
His eyes light up. "You got me a present?"
"Maybe," I hedge, though I can feel myself blushing. "It's not a big deal."
"It is to me." His smile turns soft, almost shy. "I got you something too."
"You did?" The thought warms me unexpectedly.
He nods. "It's not wrapped yet, but... yeah."
We stand there smiling at each other like idiots until I finally break the spell. "We should go downstairs before they send a search party."
"One more thing first," he says, pulling me close again. "I just want to make sure you know that this isn't just sex for me. None of this is just physical."
The sudden seriousness in his voice makes my heart swell. "I know," I whisper. "It's not for me either."
"Good." He kisses my forehead. "Because I'm kind of stupidly in love with you, Charlotte Whitaker."
The words punch the air right out of me, not because they're unexpected, but because hearing them again, here, after what we just shared, makes them impossibly more real.
"Well, I'm kind of stupidly in love with you too," I admit, the words coming easier than I expected.
His smile could light the whole town. "Yeah?"
"Yeah."
We finally make it downstairs, where Emily takes one look at us and rolls her eyes. "Seriously? You two couldn't have waited?"
I feel my face flame. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Uh-huh. Your sweater's inside out, genius."
I look down in horror to discover she's right. Bash bursts out laughing, not even trying to hide it.
"You could have warned me," I hiss at him.
"And miss that look on your face? Never." He kisses my cheek, still chuckling. "I'll make it up to you later though."
From the gleam in his eye, I know it's a promise he fully intends to keep.
Chapter thirty-six
Charlie
I smooth my hands over the navy silk that hugs my curves, letting the expensive fabric slide along my fingers. The mirror reflects a woman I barely recognize. Polished, elegant, confident. The dress is a risk: plunging neckline, fitted bodice, and a thigh-high slit that reveals a flash of leg with every step. My hair falls in loose waves over my shoulders, and the makeup Emily insisted on applying makes my eyes look wider, and my lips look fuller than they naturally are.
