I laugh, fucking delighted.
“Don’t look so smug.”
“I’m not.” I so am. I don’t even bother hiding it. “So you’re enjoying it?” I press, hating how needy I sound.
He grips my jaw when I look away, gently turning me back to him. “Yes. It’s wonderful, even if it makes me question every noise this old house makes.”
My smile is huge, as is the relief that follows.
Thank fuck.
I would’ve been gutted if he’d hated it.
“Right,” he says, throwing back the covers and getting up. “Food.” He grabs the T-shirt he was wearing and uses it to wipe off his stomach, then passes it to me to do the same.
Then I’m treated to the glorious sight of a naked Pete walking around his bedroom as he pulls out some sleep pants and a new T-shirt to wear, then throws some more to me.
“Might be a bit big,” he says, frowning. “Thought they’d be more comfortable than jeans.”
He’s not that much taller than me, but he’s broader across the shoulders and chest. Yes, the long-sleeved T-shirt drowns me a little when I slip it on, but the bottoms are okay.
And the T-shirt smells of Pete.
I try not to be obvious as I take a deep inhale.
“Come on,” he says, holding out a hand for me. “Let’s go eat, then we can do the tree if you still want to?”
He looks less than certain that I’ll say yes, but honestly, it sounds like the perfect afternoon. “Yeah, I do.”
He beams at me, his whole face lighting up.
I did that.
The knowledge fills my chest with a gentle warmth and I groan a little inside.
Oh Charlie. You are in so much trouble.
PETE
My phone chimeswith a text as I’m making us a late lunch.
Sadie: I put Charlie’s groceries in his fridge
Pete: Thank you. I’ll let him know
My gaze drifts towards the front door and I sigh. She’s going to be unbearable, but I can’t deny that her putting mistletoe above my front door helped break the ice when we got back here.
Pete: I appreciate the mistletoe, too
Sadie: Thought you might
Sadie: I popped some more in your bag with your wreath. In case you need it
I laugh out loud.
Pete: Thanks
I set my phone down and turn to take our sandwiches to the table. Charlie’s watching me, curiosity evident. “That was Sadie. She says she’s put your groceries in your fridge.”
