As if knowing what he was trying to convey, her smile returned, though it was small. She patted his hand.
“It’s okay. As far as family goes, it’s just my aunt and uncle now,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “They’re great, always supportive. Not to mention they are happy that I’m back on the West Coast.”
Pierce nodded, though it didn’t get past him, that she chose not to speak about her dad or brother, not to mention she never said anything about her mom. He didn’t push it, though. Maybe one day, when she felt ready, she’d tell him. For now, he let it go, keeping the conversation light.
Before he realized it, nearly two hours had slipped by, the conversation effortless in a way he hadn’t experienced in years. He’d enjoyed every minute—learning her laugh, the way her eyes lit when she talked about the foundation, the quiet strength beneath her easy smile. Talking to Charley didn’t feel like workor a distraction. It felt easy, grounding, and definitely something he already didn’t want to end.
Pierce glanced at his watch and wanted to curse. His disappointed look must’ve shown.
“Something wrong?” Charley asked.
“I hate to end this, but I’ve got to head back to the base soon.”
Charley smiled and sighed dramatically. “And I’ve got a date with a screwdriver and a TV console that needs to be put together. Lucky me.”
Pierce laughed. Before they stood to leave, Pierce decided to bring up dinner next Friday at Ray and Jessica’s. “By the way, Ray invited me over to his place for dinner on Friday night. He mentioned that Jessica was going to reach out to you to extend an invite.”
Charley laughed. “She did. I actually got her text while I was on my way here. I guess they’re playing matchmaker.”
Pierce chuckled, shaking his head. “Seems like it. But I’m not complaining.”
She gave him a teasing look. “Me neither. They’re not very subtle, are they?”
“Nope,” Pierce said, laughing along with her. “But hey, I like where this is going.”
Charley’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “How about we ride together? We don’t live far from each other, and Ray and Jessica’s place is a bit of a drive.”
Pierce smiled. “I’d like that. I can pick you up, if you’d like.”
Charley smiled. “Sure. That sounds good.”
As they walked out of the coffee shop toward Pierce’s Jeep, he felt a contentment he hadn’t felt in a long time. He told her how much he’d enjoyed their time together and that he couldn’t wait for Friday.
“Ugh, Friday feels like a lifetime away,” Charley joked. “It’s only Sunday.”
“Yeah, it’s going to be a long week,” Pierce admitted.
“Well, if you get bored and have some free time, feel free to give me a call,” she told him.
He smiled as he leaned against his vehicle. “I just might take you up on that. Are you sure you’re good walking home? I can drop you off if you’d like.”
Charley smiled. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m good. The fresh air will do me some good. Plus, there is a little shop I saw on the way here that I wanted to pop into.”
Before he could respond, Charley stepped closer, rose onto her tiptoes, and brushed a soft kiss against his cheek. Pierce went still, the warmth of it hitting harder than he expected, his thoughts scattering as he watched her smile. He thought it was adorable how her cheeks flushed afterward.
“You’re cute when you blush,” Pierce teased, earning him a playful shove.
“Well, thank you again for the coffee and the company. I enjoyed it,” she told him.
“You’re welcome, and I enjoyed the company as well,” he told her, then leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Can’t let you be the only one giving out kisses,” he teased and winked.
Charley grinned, her blush deepening. “See you Friday, Pierce. I’ll text you my address.”
“Can’t wait,” he replied as he opened the door to his Jeep and hopped in.
He waited until she made it safely across the street before he pulled out of the parking spot. She smiled and gave him a little wave as he drove past her, which he returned and honked his horn. He laughed, watching her in the rearview mirror as she shook her head, laughing.
As he drove toward the base, he couldn’t stop smiling.
