“Thanks.” His cheeks flush, lips curving into a smile as his gaze sweeps over me in return. “You, um... you look good, too.”
Okay, it wasn’t awkward over text, but it’s a little awkward now. Not helped by the fact that I really want to kiss him. Now that I’ve done it once, I don’t think the feeling’s going away any time soon. “Shall we?” I say instead and gesture behind him.
“Oh yeah, sorry.” He turns and heads into the main part of the pub. My gaze drops to his arse, can’t help it. The back view is just as good as the front.
Fuck. It’s going to be a long night.
Before we get far, Charlie spots Hailey over by the bar and heads that way instead. Looking back at me, he says, “I just need a quick word with Hailey.”
“I’ll come with you.” I realise after I’ve said it that he might not want me with him, that what he wants to talk to her about could be private.
Before I can say any of that, he flashes me a warm smile. “Okay.”
I ignore the way that lights me up inside.
“Hailey,” Charlie calls. “Have you got a minute?”
She turns to face him, giving him her full, professional attention. “Of course, what can I do for you?”
He runs a hand through his hair and scratches the back of his neck. I have a sudden urge to put my arm around him.
I don’t, obviously, but I want to.
“I think there might be a leak in the skylight in my room. I felt a few drops when I was getting ready earlier.” As soon as he finishes speaking, there’s a loud crack of thunder and rain lashes the pub windows.
Looks like we’re in for another night of shit weather.
When I glance back at Hailey, she looks mortified for a second before smoothing out her expression. “I’m so sorry about that. I’ll get someone out to look at it as soon as possible. Hopefully while you’re at dinner.”
Normally I’d rate her chances of getting someone out here at this time as zero, but Char’s family own the holiday park up the road and more than one member of her family are responsible for the maintenance of it. Looks like she’ll be calling in a favour.
She glances at me. “Sean booked the big table in the corner. Why don’t you order drinks, on the house,” she adds, looking at Charlie now, “And I’ll get this sorted.”
“Thanks,” Charlie and I say at the same time, then head to the bar.
As soon as we’ve got our drinks, I lead Charlie over to the table Hailey mentioned. It’s got a great view of the Christmas tree I brought over for inside the pub, decorated in silver, red, and green this year, matching the rest of the pub.
Charlie grins as he takes his seat, not seeming bothered about the leak in his room. “I love it in here. It’s so warm and festive. Makes me feel all Christmassy.”
I glance from the tree to the bar covered in fairy lights, tinsel, and dark green and red garlands along the underside of it. With a Christmas song playing in the background, I have to admit, it does evoke that feeling of Christmas spirit. I’m surrounded by it all day, every day this time of year, and as the days roll on, I get immune to it.
Being here with Charlie gives me a fresh perspective.
It’s . . . nice.
I wish I could come up with a better word, but I’m not the author here. Which reminds me. “I thought you were going to let me read one of your books?” We’ve met up twice now and he still hasn’t produced it.
“Oh god, I did say that, didn’t I? Sorry, I forgot.” He looks genuinely apologetic, so I don’t think he’s been avoiding handing it over. “I get so wrapped up in my writing, I forget everything else.” His expression clouds. “Dan used to hate it.”
I reach for his hand without thinking. “Well, I’m not Dan. I understand getting caught up in your work. If you still want to lend it to me, then I’m more than happy to wait.”
That smile returns, softer this time, and there’s no mistaking the effect it has on me.
“Thank you.” His fingers tighten around mine, but he doesn’t let go, and neither do I. “I’ll get it for you later. Don’t let me forget this time.”
“I’ll try.” There’s no way I’m leaving here without that book. If he’s willing to show me a part of him that is obviously something incredibly private, then I’m going to grab that with both hands.
I ignore the warning bells going off in the back of my mind.
