I’m not sure if he’s talking about the texts or the tension between us. “Fuck, no.”
He laughs. “Okay. Then what’s going on?”
I shrug. Not sure if I pull it off. Everyone in that room is worried about him leaving again. Worried he won’t be able to make it on his own. Even though he already has. They want to cover him in bubble wrap and keep him safe.
“Let’s put a pin in that for now.” He shakes his head and tendrils escape his messy bun and fall across his face. My fingers itch to sweep them back. “This whole thing has been confusing. First, the texts?—”
“Those were a mistake. I thought…” But my steam runs out.
His mouth twitches. “You sent my dad a dick pic.”
I spread my hands out. “It was a joke.”
Charlie’s eyes sparkle in amusement. “I disagree, Brad. That cock was no joke.”
9
CHARLIE
Huh.I’ve managed to shock Brad Rathborn.
My laugh turns into a giggle, and I cover my mouth with my hands.Way to be the adult, Charlie.
Brad pulls my hands down and lets go. “I’m sorry I sent you that text, Charlie.”
“Chas.”
He smiles. “I’m sorry, Chas.”
I sigh. “Look, it’s not a big deal.” My face heats at the word big.Stop thinking about his monster cock.I wave a hand at him. “That wasn’t my first dick pic. Well, it was my first one covered. I mean, with clothes—” I stop. My face gets hotter.
He scowls. Is he jealous? Or does he still see me as a kid? He doesn’t need to know my only prior dick pic was a few years ago after I downloaded—and promptly deleted—a dating app.
But then his eyes darken and swallowing becomes difficult. Does he think I want an uncovered dick pic? Do I? Oh hell. I choke on my spit and cough a few times.
“You asked for the picture.”
I gape at him. “I did not!”
He pulls out his phone and looks through it. “I have the texts.”
I grab his hand before he can read them off. “That wasn’t what I was asking. I wanted a picture of—”The woman. No, the blond. Me.“Never mind.”
“My point is, Charlie, I didn’t know who I was texting. And yeah, that’s on me.” He pins me with a look. “You knew exactly who was texting you. And you didn’t say a word.”
“Fine.” I gesture with my hands to get him to stop. “The texts aren’t the problem. You’re sending mixed messages. Last Wednesday at my office—and then Friday night, you were—everything was fine. Tonight was…awkward. And I get it. You’re my dad’s best friend.”
“It’s more than that. I was your high school coach. Your teacher. It’s complicated.”
“I know, okay? We agreed it would be a mistake. And I don’t date coworkers?—”
“Coworkers?” A smile slips out. “You’re my boss.”
“No. That’s not— I’m not. Pfft.” Way to be coherent. But I don’t feel like his boss.
The look he gives me is fond. “What do you want from me, Charlie?”
“I want you to treat me like an adult. Not like Chuck and Minni’s son.”
