“I have some issues with my family,” he clarified. “About their business. That’s the other reason they want me to come home.”
“Besides the anniversary party?”
He answered with a sigh. “My dad expects me to take over after he retires. But it’s not the life I want.”
Jean tried to picture Charlie riding a tractor, somewhere dusty and far away. “That wouldn’t leave much time for doing snake science.”
“No, it wouldn’t. But we were talking about you.”
“That’s okay. I’m sick of that story.” She hesitated. “You’re sure you’re not spooked?”
“I like it when you tell me things.” He kissed the back of her neck.
“I like it when you tell me things too.”
“Even if it’s about snakes?”
“Especially then.” She raised his arm to her mouth, pressing her lips to the pulse point at his wrist. “I didn’t mean to get all heavy on you. Otherwise I would have written, ‘unsolicited emotional vomit’ on the treasure map. Right next to the X.”
“The treasure was perfect.” Charlie pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Better than gold doubloons.”
“The chocolate kind or real ones?”
“Both. Now I need to plan something special for you.”
“Like what?”
“I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”
“Charlie,” she wheedled, turning to face him. “Please.” In case the pleading eyes weren’t powerful enough, she gave him a lingering kiss.
“I’m sorry, Jean. But no.”
“Why not?”
“Because I haven’t thought of it yet.”
“Okay, but if you did know, you’d sing like a canary, right?”
“Anything for you.”
She harrumphed like she doubted him, even though Jean wasperilously close to believing every word out of that beautiful mouth. “We’ll see about that.”
“Tomorrow?”
“If you’re lucky.”
“I don’t need luck if I have you.” He pulled her closer, a warm blanket of Charlie.
“Fine. You talked me into it.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he promised, pressing his cheek to hers.
Note on the Back of a Candy Wrapper:
I owe Jean one (1) foot rub.
Signed,
