Page 53 of Fake Out

He pulls me up and leads me to the dance floor. We move with the music, our bodies swaying together in sync with the rhythm. His hands on my waist are solid and warm; mine on his shoulders feel secure and right.

His breath is hot against my ear, stirring loose strands of my hair. “You’re incredible, Marissa,” he whispers into the space between us.

My cheeks heat up at his words, and I hide my face in his chest to conceal my blush. This feels intimate, more real than any relationship I’ve ever had, even though it’s only been a couple weeks.

Suddenly, he pulls back to look at me, his eyes searing into mine. He leans forward until our noses are almost touching, and then his lips are on mine.

The kiss is soft, almost tender, a delicate exploration that sends shivers down my spine. I can taste champagne on his tongue, mixed with the distinct flavor that is uniquely Charlie. His other hand comes up to cup my face, thumb gently caressing my cheek.

We stay like that for a while, dancing and kissing, lost in our little bubble amidst the crowd. His laugh vibrates through me as he spins me around, and I have no choice but to join in, my giggles mingling with his.

“Let’s get out of here,” he murmurs in my ear, his voice husky with promise.

He guides me off the dance floor, hand securely holding mine. We navigate through the throng of people, weaving our way towards the exit.

Outside, the cool air is a welcome relief from the heat of the club. He opens the car door for me and hurries around to the other side.

The ride back to his place is filled with anticipation. I sneak glances at him from under my lashes, finding him already watching me with darkened eyes.

The tension crackles between us like an explosive charge waiting to detonate. When we finally stumble into his house after the torturous car ride, he backs me against a wall.

His hands bracket my face, his eyes seeking the permission I’m too weak to voice. A curt nod and that’s all he needs. He takes my lips again, hungrily this time, leaving no space for doubts or second thoughts.

His fingers tangle in my hair, pulling gently till my head tilts back. The world spins around me as he ravishes me with his mouth and hands. His taste is intoxicating, sending lightning bolts crackling through my veins, making my heart race.

We stumble together through the hallway, our hands exploring, our breaths intermingling. Somehow, we make it all the way to his bedroom. His bed is soft and inviting, a stark contrast to the raw passion between us. Yet there’s something else too; a tender connection that can’t be denied.

Getting on his knees, Charlie removes my heels and pants. His lips trace a line of kisses across my inner thigh.

His hands move up, slipping under my top to unclasp my bra. His fingers are hot on my skin, creating a trail of fire that has me arching towards him. He pulls my blouse over my head, leaving me bare except for my white lace panties. His gaze rakes over me, and I feel his approval like a touch.

We collapse onto the silk sheets, a tangled mess of limbs and heated breaths. He hovers over me, his forearms planted on either side of my head as his chest rises and falls in heavy pants.

His lips descend on mine again, soft and tender this time, like he’s trying to memorize every moment of this night. It feels more intimate than any moment we’ve shared yet.

He pushes my panties down my thighs, and I kick them the rest of the way off as he quickly undresses. When he finally enters me, all thoughts fly from my head. I’m lost in the sensation of him, the way he moves within me, deliberate and unhurried, his eyes never leaving mine as he sets a rhythm that has us both gasping for breath.

I reach up, my fingers sinking into the soft hair at the nape of his neck. I urge him closer, deeper. He growls in response, a low, animalistic sound that sends shivers down my spine.

My climax surges through me like a tidal wave, the world spinning as it crashes over me. He follows soon after, his body tensing above mine before he collapses onto the bed next to me.

We lay there in the aftermath, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my bare skin.

“That was…” I search for the words to describe it.

“Incredible?” he suggests, a smile playing on his lips.

I laugh softly. “That’s one word for it.”

A contented sigh escapes me as I snuggle closer to him. This place right here, tangled up with Charlie in the soft sheets of his bed?

This feels like home.

The realization shocks me, but it also feels so right.

Being with Charlie feels right, like a wondrous spell has been cast over us, and nothing in the world could ever break it.

CHAPTER 23