Page 55 of A Night To Remember

“Oh, this and that.” Laura smiled with devilment.

“Good things I hope.”

“You could say that.”

Charlie knew Laura was trying to stir the pot as usual, and she felt like committing murder that very moment. “Laura, why don’t you come into the kitchen with me? I need help with the pudding.”

“But Jake and I were talking. Besides, you didn’t need my help before,” Laura pointed out saucily.

“Well, I changed my mind,” Charlie said through clenched teeth.

Charlie shot her friend the you’re-in-big-trouble look. “Okay. Okay. Don’t get your panties in a bunch,” Laura said to Charlie before she turned to grin at Jake. “We’ll be back.”

Jake nodded absently. He was too busy listening to Kristy chatter away.

In the kitchen Charlie turned to Laura. “What the hell was that all about?”

“Oh, lighten up, Char. I was just having a little fun.” Laura grinned at her as if that explanation would fly.

Charlie wasn’t amused. “Well, it isn’t funny. He probably thinks I’ve been fantasizing about him or something.”

“Well, haven’t you been? I’m sure he already knows you have the hots for him.” Charlie hated her friend’s shrewdness at times.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Charlie protested.

“Yeah right.”

“Okay. I do have the hots for him, as you so graciously put it. I want him badly. Now there! Is that what you wanted to hear?” Charlie practically shouted.

Laura grinned knowingly. “Whether it was what I wanted to hear or not, I’m sure Jake just heard you, too.”

Charlie’s face grew hot with embarrassment. She hadn’t realized how loud her voice had risen. “Oh my God. Do you think he heard?” she asked in a panicked whisper.

“So what if he did? You want him and he wants you. You haven’t confirmed any of those rumors, but you certainly didn’t deny them either. Char, what’s so wrong with admitting you want the man? He’s drop-dead gorgeous, he’s rich, and he’s crazy about you.”

“Crazy about me? I think he’s crazier about getting into my pants.” Charlie pursed her lips and crossed her arms.

“How do you know? Girl, when he walked into the living room, you should have seen the look on his face when he was looking at you. He looked like a lovesick puppy. By the way what happened to his mouth?” Laura asked.

“Too much testosterone.”

“What?”

“Never mind. Look, I really think you’re mistaken about Jake’s so-called feelings for me.”

“I don’t think so, Char. Jake Fox is crushing on you in a big way.”

“Well, even if it’s true, I can’t return his feelings.”

“Why the hell not? Girl, if Jake Fox wanted me the way he obviously does you, I’d be on my knees kissing his hairy nut sack every day.”

“Because I just can’t,” Charlie answered stubbornly. “And must you be so vulgar all the time?”

Laura grinned. “Not all the time. I have to sleep sometimes.”

“Ha ha. Very funny. Not.” Charlie rolled her eyes. “I meant what I said about Jake.”

“You’re not fooling anyone but yourself. You can’t live in constant fear for the rest of your life.”

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