I yell out SEVEN as I spot him making his way back from the loo.
I miss SIX and FIVE, too busy watching him as he spots me and smiles.
I love that smile.
FOUR has me gesturing for him to hurry the fuck up, as there is no way in hell I’m missing it.
I laugh through THREE as he dodges around a group of drunk, giggling women.
TWO hits as he comes to a stop in front of me. I grab his wrist and tug him close.
We both whisper ONEtogether.
As cheers erupt around the pub and “Auld Lang Syne” blasts out on the TV above the bar, I do what I’ve been dreaming about for fucking years.
I kiss the man I’m in love with.
It’s way too soon to tell him that—I’m not a crazy person‚ but I know what that feeling bubbling inside me is. He moans as his hands slide along my jaw and into my hair, tilting my head the way he wants, and deepens the kiss into something definitely not PG enough for the middle of a pub.
Hopefully everyone’s distracted enough not to pay us much attention.
When the cheers subside and the music returns to normal, it takes all my willpower to ease back enough to see Charlie’s face. “Happy New Year.”
He grins at me like the Cheshire cat. “Happy New Year.”
Two seconds later, we’re joined by my very drunk sister. I fully expect her to sling her arms around me, but instead, she hugs Charlie to within an inch of his life.
“I’m soooo happy you came back for him.” She lets him go long enough to reach over and slap me on the chest. “Hewas so fucking sad when you left. Misrabble.” She frowns. “Miserrebbel.”
“I think they get it, babe.” Tim laughs as he peels her off Charlie and into his arms.
“Yes, thank you for that.” I can’t pretend I’m mad, because every word is true. “I was,” I admit and shrug.
“I’m sorry,” Charlie says quietly, but I shake my head.
“No. Don’t ever apologise for taking the time to sort your feelings.” I pull him in for another quick kiss—can’t help it now that he’s mine. “I’m just happy you’re here now.”
That smile I love is quick to return. “Me too.”
“And how longareyou here for?” I know he’ll have to go back soon, but I’m crossing everything that it’s not tomorrow.
“I can stay until the fourth if that’s ok?”
“It’s more than okay.” I’m just about to kiss him again when Sean and Jerry appear beside us. “All right?”
Charlie smirks. “Just going to get us another drink.” He squeezes my shoulder, then heads off to the bar.
We all watch him go.
“We’re really happy for you.” Sean slings an arm around my shoulders.
Jerry ruffles my hair. “You deserve this, Pete.”
“Thanks.” I know I’m blushing, but for once I’m not bothered. They mean every word, and I’m going to do my damnedest to deserve Charlie.
And keep him.
I know we don’t have everything worked out yet, and a long-distance relationship won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth every struggle we have to go through if I get to be with Charlie.
