Page 75 of Stars and Scars

I feel him release inside of me just as I reach my own peak. I clutch at him with all four limbs, raking my nails down his back as I lose all control.

He collapses on top of me, panting, holding me tight.

“Charlotte,” he gasps, again and again. “Charlotte. My Charlotte.”

The golden flashes begin to subside. I’m not sure I want to go to Wyatt’s now. I’m not sure I ever want to leave this cabin.

Moments of perfect happiness are rare. I know that now more than ever. I intend to savor this one as long as I can.

20

GRAYSON

Istuff another log into the fire, further heating the copper pipe feeding from the stream to our outdoor shower. I glance over at Charlotte’s lovely naked form as she stands beneath the spray.

“Is that better?”

“It’s perfect, thank you. Now get in here before the water gets cold again.”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice. I join Charlotte, stroking my hand down her glistening back.

We scrub each other thoroughly, washing away the sweat of our latest encounter. I feel invincible right now. I never thought I would meet someone who could make me feel this way. For once, I don’t feel the guilt that normally comes with a happy moment. I think my sister would approve of Charlotte.

I grab a big, fluffy, comfy towel and use it to dry Charlotte. She puts her arms up over her head and basks in the attention. I finish off with a peck on her lips, which soon grows into something more.

“Okay, enough,” she says with a giggle, putting her hand on my chest and pushing me back. “We need to get ready. And that will require another trip to a clothing store.”

“Why is that?”

“Because on further reflection, I don’t want to be an outfit repeater. And you need a new look.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Charlotte purses her lips as her gaze grows distant.

“I’m trying to find the right words…basically, you look a bit, um, intimidating. We need to make you as unthreatening as possible for our return trip.”

I consider her idea. It seems sound enough.

“All right, you have a good point. Although something tells me this is about you wanting to dress me up in a disguise more than anything else.”

She chuckles and rubs my forearm. God, she looks so amazing right now. I have to restrain myself from kissing those perfect lips all over again.

“Let’s call it a side benefit. I think you’ll like my idea.”

I start up the Jeep after several failed attempts, and we drive down the mountain. The sun sinks toward the horizon, but we have a couple hours of daylight left.

This time, there’s no super fancy designer store. Instead, we stop at a strip mall. I’m more than a little dubious as we pull up outside the clothing store.

“You want me to buy clothes here?”

“Yes, I do. No one would ever expect a CIA agent to shop for his clothes at Dudebros Inc.”

I find it hard to resist Charlotte’s smile, or the chocolate pools of her eyes. I sigh and hold the door open for her.

“I can tell when I’m beat.”

“Good,” she says with a wink.

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