He bites his lip, obviously debating whether or not to tell me.
Fuck’s sake. The last thing I want is to make him uncomfortable, so without thinking, I lean forward and put my hand over his. “Sorry. You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” His gaze snaps to where my fingers curl around his, and I quickly snatch my hand back. “Shit, sorry. Again. I’m a tactile guy, and sometimes I forget that not everyone appreciates it.” He looks at me for what feels like forever without saying anything, and I can’t help but sigh and say quietly, “I’m fucking this up, aren’t I?”
His expression softens, his smile slowly widening until it reaches his eyes. If I’m not mistaken, there’s a flicker of amusement in them. “No, you’re not.”
It takes me a moment to get what he means. “You sure? Because for a minute there, you looked like you’d rather be anywhere else.”
He grimaces, and I want to bite my tongue off. “It’s not that. I just...” It’s his turn to sigh and take a sip of his drink, and it feels like he’s stalling.
I want to reach for him again, but I clasp my hands instead. “Honestly, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“Iwritebooks.”
He speaks so quickly it takes me a second to work out what he said, then I huff out a laugh because that was so not what I was expecting him to say.
Charlie bristles and my stomach sinks. Fuck’s sake, I’ve done it again.
“I’m not laughing at what you said?—”
“Really.” All the warmth has gone from his voice.
Shit. “Well, I am, but not because you’re a writer.”
He raises both eyebrows, still looking less than impressed.
There’s no wonder I’m single.Jesus. “I’m only laughing because it was the last thing I was expecting you to say, and it surprised me, that’s all. It wasshockedlaughter.”
The tension in his shoulders lessens, but not by much.
I can already feel the evening coming to an early end, and I could kick myself. “I’m sorry.” I hope he hears the sincerity in it, because I mean it. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I’m not upset. It’s just...” He sighs and slumps in his seat, one hand finding his hair. “Let’s just say it’s a sore subject and move on.”
I really,reallywant to ask him more about it, but even I can take this big of a hint to let it drop. “Okay.” I bite my bottom lip, trying desperately to think of something else to say, but I’m coming up blank. It obviously shows on my face because Charlie snorts and throws his hands up in defeat.
“I can see you’re dying to ask, so just ask.”
“Nah, it’s fine, honestly.”
He sits forward just as Hailey appears with the worst timing ever, bringing my hot chocolate.
“Here you go, Pete.” She sets it on the table in front of me. It’s in a Christmas-themed mug—cream ceramic with decorated green Christmas trees all over it.
I look up to find her grinning at me. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?”
She shrugs. “Just a happy coincidence. We got these new in today. Char thought it’d be a nice touch.”
I shake my head but smile, because she’s right. It is a nice touch. The festive mug, coupled with the mountain of whipped cream and mini marshmallows on top screams Christmas. “Thank you. It looks incredible.” It really does, and I catch Charlie eyeing it and licking his lips.
He glances at his Coke and sighs. “Wishing I’d had one now.”
“I can get you one, it’s no trouble.” Hailey says, turning her smile his way.
“Tempting, but I’d better not. I’d probably fall asleep in my chair if I had one of those, and I’ve got plans for later.”
“Okay then.” Hailey can’t hide her smirk fast enough as she looks between us. “I’ll just leave you to it. Enjoy.” She winks at me as she turns to leave.
If only I was part of Charlie’s plans.
