Charli gasps. “Just for that, I’m bringing it to your place and hanging it over your couch.” Her eyes dance with mischief.
Man, I love this Charli. This fun, teasing, sassy version that’s been overshadowed by her morning sickness this past week.
Oh, who am I kidding?
I love every version of Charli, but my favorite right now is pregnant Charli. She’s more vulnerable and actually allows me to help her. It’s a refreshing change over the woman who refuses my help just for spite.
“All right, boys, don’t get into trouble. I need to use the restroom and return to my Monet.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I watch her walk away, casually following her progression as she makes her way to the hallway at the back of the bar. I wait until she’s inside the ladies’ room before standing myself and saying, “Be right back.”
Camden is talking to Cade, who just returned to his seat, and just nods in understanding.
I go to the men’s room and step inside. Fortunately, it’s empty, so it doesn’t appear strange for someone to see me standing by the door, listening. After a couple of minutes, I hear the other door open, and I quickly slip out and act casual.
Charli has to pass by me in the hallway, since the men’s room is the first door, and when she sees me step into the hall, she hesitates and gives me a small smile. “Hey,” she says, preparing to continue walking.
“Can I stop by? After you’re done here?” I blurt out, needing to speak with her without the watchful eyes of the Miller brothers.
“Tonight?”
“Yeah. I’ll be quick,” I assure, knowing she gets tired earlier than normal now that she’s pregnant.
“Umm, I suppose.”
“All right, I’ll head out shortly after you but wait long enough so no one is suspicious.”
“Gotta go,” she says, walking away.
I look up, returning to my seat, and find three sets of eyes on me. All her brothers are watching, but I don’t sweat it. I’m not doing anything wrong, and what I am doing is none of their business.
I just pray when it all comes out in the open, they leave me with some of my teeth.
“Hi.” Charli pulls open the door and steps aside, granting me entrance.
“Hey. Thanks for letting me swing by,” I say, moving so she can close the door.
“Did you drive?”
“Uhh, no, I went ahead and walked over.”
Nodding, she glances around her living room, as if not sure what to do. “Want to sit?”
“Sure,” I state, holding out my hand for her to go first. She walks to the couch and has a seat on the edge. “So? What’s up?” She’s a little stiff, her words a bit terse.
I sit beside her, turning toward her, and reach for her hand. “What you saw, back at The Lizard, that wasn’t reciprocated or encouraged.”
She offers me a small smile. “I know.”
My heart rate slows as I finally relax for the first time since Gabby walked into the bar and practically threw herself at me. “I don’t know why she does that. I’ve never once taken her up on her advances.”
Charli snorts, sitting back on the couch and crisscrossing her legs. I move back to join her, sitting comfortably beside her. “She’s a piranha with extensions and too-white teeth.”
I chuckle. “She is. And she only does that to get a rise out of you.”
She rolls her eyes. “She’s gross.”
“She is,” I confirm, reaching for her hand a second time. “Anyway, I just wanted you to know I’m not into her and have never considered taking her up on her offers.”
