Page 30 of Dive Into Me

“Thanks, Vera. I’m going to go get some air. Can I escort you back upstairs first?”

“I’m going to enjoy the dance floor a little while longer. I’ll see you later.”

After a curt nod, I weaved my way through the crowd, feeling ashamed about my illogical jealousy and angry as fuck that Charlotte might have just said yes to Lincoln’s let’s reconnect proposal. They looked pretty cozy…

I headed to a set of open doors on the other side of the room. It turned out to be a terrace that overlooked the ocean. I liked that just about anywhere you were in Kohala, you could see the water.

The area was fairly empty. There were just a few people scattered about. The music was still audible from out here, but not as blaring. I found the darkest corner and disappeared into it. I figured the fresh air would calm me down and help me get my shit together.

“Damn…” I sighed as I raked my fingers through my hair.

A moment later, I heard a familiar voice that ignited warmth in my chest. It was always so melodious and soothing. “Jamie?”

I stifled a groan. “What are you doing out here, Charlotte?”

She peered into the shadows and I stepped forward a little so she could see me. “I saw you slip out and followed to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine.”

She stepped in my corner, and I had to suppress another groan. She was clueless about the havoc she wrecked with her proximity. We proceeded to watch each other, no one saying a word.

In order to break the awkward staring contest, I asked, “Did you follow me out here to glare at me, Charlotte, or is there something on your mind?”

She was indeed throwing daggers at me with her eyes, and I couldn’t fathom what she had to be upset about.

“You and Vera looked pretty cozy,” she said.

My eyes snapped to her face. Vera was right. Charlotte was as into me as I was into her. Of course, I had suspected. Each time we interacted, I felt the connection and she had made it pretty clear that she was interested in something other than friendship, but…

“So did you and Lincoln.” The words came out as a low growl and I hadn’t intended to take that tone. Clearing my throat, I asked, “Has he asked you yet?”

Charlotte sighed and stepped closer to lean against the terrace’s guard rails. The position placed her directly in front of me. We stood so close that I could see the hint of pink in her cheeks even in the dim lighting.

Instead of answering, she asked, “Do you like Vera?”

My eyes narrowed on her. If she insisted on playing… fine. “She’s nice.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Why does it matter to you if I do?” A flash of irritation lit up her orbs and my lips twitched. Admittedly, I just wanted to see the fierceness in her eyes and the way her cheeks burned crimson. I chuckled. “I’m not into your friend, Charlotte. We were just talking.”

“Oh…” She looked down and I studied the top of her head.

“It's your turn to answer my question,” I said.

Her eyes met mine again. “No, he hasn’t asked yet.”

“Hmm. If he had, what would your answer have been?”

“Seriously?” She scoffed.

I lifted my eyebrows and she rolled her eyes.

“Maybe I would have told him that my interest lies elsewhere… in someone else.”

She lifted her chin defiantly as if daring me to ask if it was me. It had better be me… even though we couldn't do anything about it. That thought reminded me why we shouldn’t be alone in a dark corner with our mouths practically touching. I hadn’t even noticed that I’d inched closer to her and lowered my head.

Catching up on myself, I drew back. “You should get back inside. Lincoln will miss you.”

---