Page 52 of Take It Offline

I slip back under the covers. “My plans haven’t worked out so well, so I’d rather try something new.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Are you going to argue with me the entire time?” I ask, although, honestly, why am I even surprised? Charlie loves to antagonize me. “Because I can find someone else.”

“Consent is a thing, you know. I’m not an asshole.”

I wince.Right, yes. “Of course, I’m sorry. Um, I need to be out of my head. Give up control. So, it’s up to you.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

“Stop calling me that,” I say, even though it thrills me to hear. I’m supposed to be taking a back seat here.

“All right, sweetheart.”

The shiver that runs through me is so strong I almost drop my phone.

There’s a rustle of sheets on his end of the phone, mingled with his steady breathing, as if he’s shifting, making himself comfortable. Suddenly, I want to know; what does someone like Charlie wear to bed? Sweats? Boxers? Nothing at all?

“All up to me, huh?” he asks, and it’s clear he’s smiling.

Giddiness kicks up in my belly. I hum, hiding my smile in my pillow. “Don’t make me regret it.”

“Or what?”

He’s a menace. “Have you always been this contrary? Your toddler years must have been on par with the Herculean labors.”

“Yeah, well,” he says, his tone gruff, “when you get tossed around the foster system from before you can talk, you learn to give back as good as you get.”

Oh.

“Charlie, I’m so s?—”

“Hey,” he says, cutting me off. “It’s late. Don’t worry about it. We should sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

A click, and I’m alone again, miserable because I’m starting to see just how much I’ve misjudged him.

CHAPTER 19

ROUND ONE

EMMA

There’s no need to be nervous. I asked him here. He said yes. This is probably a regular Tuesday night for Charlie.

Nothing special. Wake up, go to work, give a girl an orgasm.

The usual.

I’ve already spent an hour tidying my apartment, and it’s too late to hide the stuffed raven I won in last year’s Secret Santa. If Charlie’s afraid of claws, even plush ones, maybe he can’t be trusted with my pussy.

A sharp knock makes me jolt and sends my heart racing.

Okay.

When I pull the door open, Charlie’s as easygoing as I’ve ever seen him. The suit jacket’s gone again, tie loose, collar undone. There’s a tan line I’ve never seen before, whispering clues about who he is underneath the suit. I shouldn’t be as tempted as I am to find out.

This isn’t supposed to be about him.

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