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But on the plus side, it also comes with a heightened understanding of my senses, including touch. I feel everything more. And the pleasure it gives me . . . Let’s just say that if you were here . . . I don’t know, it’d probably be over in less than two embarrassing minutes.
And I don’t know if I’m having the right read with you. I’m not 100% sure, even if part of me believes that I do.
I can’t wait for the day I get to hold you, Charlee. It’ll be the most special day of my life.
Should we exchange our numbers for when we meet? Just in case? Come up with a plan to find each other?
With love,
Oli
Attached article
Sparks fly: The power of touch when two people share the need for physical connection
Chapter Twenty-Two
FOREVER AND A DAY
Oliver
The day after our improvised camping trip, we land in Pine Falls, just Charlee and me. Emma texted me earlier this morning, signaling that she and the rest of the MNL crew would be on their way back shortly as well.
I haven’t even started thinking about the consequences of all of this yet. Not now, not when Charlee is still in so much pain. Although I know they’ll come, and I know I’ll pay the price for my choices.
So be it.
I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had continued to drag Charlee through such dangerous terrain while she could barely put her foot on the ground. God knows how much worse it could have gotten.
Trevor was still fuming by the time we returned to the lodge after our night in the wild, but frankly, I couldn’t have cared less. We packed our bags, Charlee said goodbye to Emma, and here we are now.
My leg bounces up and down while I wait in one of the hospital’s worn-out chairs. The glaring lights in the waiting room are giving me a headache, and I haven’t eaten since six a.m., but at least Charlee is finally being checked out by a doctor.
I sink a little deeper into the armchair, my head falling against the back of the seat with a thud. I can’t stop my mind from drifting back to the last few hours I spent with Charlee in the tent. Guilt gnaws at me, despite knowing I made the right call for myself.
She wanted me. And, god, I wanted her too. I’ve wanted her for the last five years.
My beautiful Charlee.
She felt divine against me. I could have spent days, weeks, inhaling that distinctively sweet scent of her, peaches and vanilla, until I was high on it.
But my body’s reaction to her, my need for her, that’s one thing.
I simply couldn’t let go and give myself to her.
It doesn’t have to mean anything.
I sigh, scrubbing my hand over my face. And that’s the problem, isn’t it? How can it not mean everything when it’s her and me?
To deny her, though. To feel how ashamed she was . . . I almost took it back and buried myself to the hilt in her warmth, but I knew that if I did, I would never forgive myself for giving in.
I want all of her, not just bits and pieces. Everything. And when she comes to that same damn realization, then, and only then, will I spend the rest of my life worshipping her body for the marvel that it is.
My pocket buzzes. I slip my phone out and unlock the screen.
Lola
How are you back in town already?
