I’ve lived in this city my whole life, and I used to love it. I never imagined being anywhere else, until now. After everything we’ve been through here, maybe it’s time to move on. Charlie’s talked about his hometown, and missing his mom, and I think I just might be okay with settling down somewhere smaller.
“What are you thinking about?” Charlie asks, his fingers stroking the skin on my neck.
“I’m thinking that maybe city life isn’t for me anymore.” I meet his gaze. “I’m thinking that maybe Willowhaven sounds kinda nice.”
Charlie’s eyes light up, and he smiles. “You want to move to my hometown?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I do.” I grin back. “I could start up my own gym there. Offer classes, personal training, that sort of thing.”
“Yeah?” Charlie leans forward and brushes his lips against mine. Leaning back, he continues “I think that’s an amazing idea.”
“But if we move, what will you do? I can’t imagine there’s any huge companies needing I.T. support around there.”
“Honestly, I fucking hate my current job anyway. It’s not what I wanted to do when I went into tech.” Charlie falls silent for a moment, thinking. “But, maybe I could help a certain businessman with the office side of things at his gym? I could do the website, anything technology related, and the managing side…”
My heart warms. But you know I have to tease Charlie, just a little bit. “Hmmm…I don’t know…I already found another scorching hot office manager slash tech guy to work for me…I’m just not sure there’s room for another.”
Charlie shoves at my chest. “Oh, fuck off with that.”
“I’m kidding, baby. You’ve got the job. Although, with both of us quitting our jobs, and me trying to start a business, money might be a little tight for a while.”
“Well, we could always try to move in with my mom for a bit. I think she’d actually love that. She always talks about how much she misses having me around. And with your big, strong, vampy muscles, I’m sure she could find some projects for you to do as payment.”
“Oh, so you’re gonna use my body for payment in exchange for housing?” I say, aghast.
“Yes, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.” Charlie smirks.
“Yeah, you’re right. It’s not a bad idea.”
“I’ll call her tomorrow. She’ll be pumped.” He’s so excited.
I’m glad I made this choice. It feels right.
Charlie falls quiet, his excitement ebbing a bit, and being replaced with nervousness.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, stroking the frown lines that have appeared at the sides of his mouth.
Charlie sighs. “Even though I’m excited to see my Mom, and I love parts of Willowhaven…I’m scared too…” He meets my eyes. “You know, with everything that happened my senior year? I think Jeremy still lives in town…what if…what if he bothers me? I really don’t want to see him, but I also don’t want him to be the only reason that I avoid my home. I don’t want to give him all that power.”
“So don’t.” I reply softly. “Don’t give him that power. You’re so fucking brave and strong, baby. So what if he still lives there? By showing up and living your best life, you’ll prove to him that what he did to you means nothing. That he doesn’t have any impact on your life.” Leaning in, I brush a kiss against his lips. “Not to mention, you’ve got a super buff and hot vampire soulmate, who would do anything for you. I haven’t used my powers to compel anyone, but I’d be willing to give it a try on Jeremy. Make him leave town, or whatever you want.”
“You’re right.” Charlie laughs. “It would be kind of funny to compel him to do something wild, like move to the middle of Antartica alone. But, if we do that, isn’t that proving that he does still have a hold over my life? Anyway, I have you now. I know you’ll protect me. And honestly, fuck Jeremy. He’s not worth the worry.”
“Exactly.” I grin back. “If he bothers you, I could also compel him to leave you alone. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you comfortable. You shouldn’t have to avoid a place you used to love because of one scumbag.”
Charlie’s eyes shine brighter, his frown lines long gone.
“You don’t hear this enough, in fact, most people tell you the opposite…” His gaze connects with mine, locking in. “You’re super smart, Kip. You have a level of emotional intelligence that’s astounding. You don’t show people that, and I think that might be on purpose. You and Iare the same, in a lot of ways. We both put up a front to hide who we really are. But I see you. And I love you.”
My breath hitches, tears springing to my eyes. Charlie loves me. I don’t think anyone has really loved me since my parents died. Sure, Tyson said he did, but I truly don’t think he knows what love is.
I roll Charlie over, following the movement until I’m hovering over him. My thumbs brush his cheeks, our eyes connected. “I love you so fucking much.” I whisper against his lips.
“Show me how much.” Charlie rasps, lunging forward to press his lips harder against mine.
His tongue slides against the seam of my lips, and I open for him, letting my tongue brush his. I’ll never get tired of this. I was never really big on kissing with previous hookups, but everything is different with Charlie.Better.
Charlie moans against my mouth, our tongues tangling. One of my hands curls around his cheek, my fingers stroking his soft hair. The other trails down his side, fingers teasing the skin of his stomach. We’re both already in our underwear, every inch of exposed skin pressed together.
