Page 36 of Quiet Longing

“Well, I thought you were going to be exhausted when you got home, so I put this plate together for us. I found the Xbox you mentioned, in the playroom.” She waggled her eyebrows like she considered it a funny name for a room. “They don’t haveFallout, but I figured we could playMario Kartthen pig out on these snacks.”

Eh, was I dreaming? She was too fucking perfect.

I must’ve been standing there for a while, unsure how to respond, because Charli continued, “You said we could game together this weekend, remember? It’s okay if you’re too tired.”

I shook my head. “I’m not too tired. That sounds great.”

Her smile widened. “Cool, come on. I’ve set everything up.”

She moved to lift the plate, but I intercepted her. “I’ll carry that.”

Charli appeared to flush, her eyes flickering to mine and then away. “Thanks.”

I followed her to the room, where the game was already running. Setting the plate down on a table, I turned to Charli, gently touching her arm to get her attention.

Her gaze rose in question.

I wasn’t sure why, but I felt like I needed to broach the elephant in the room. I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t made her uncomfortable that morning.

“About earlier,” I began, and her eyes widened, a flush rising in her cheeks again.

“Oh, Rhys, you don’t have to—”

“I didn’t mean for us to wake up like that. And I certainly never intended to—”

She lifted her hand, her delicate fingers meeting my chest. “You don’t have to explain yourself. I know how the male anatomy works, and that certain things occur first thing in the morning. Really, it’s fine. It’s probably my fault. If I sleep in bed with anyone, I tend to get a little snuggly.” She gave a chuckle,and I was struck with a pang of jealousy at the idea of her snuggling with other lads. “That’s what my friend Gwyn says anyway,” she finished, and instant relief set in. She snuggled with her friend; that was all. Or at least that was what I was determined to believe because imagining anything else would just have the uncomfortable jealousy hurtling back.

I swallowed and nodded. “You’re sure you’re okay? Because I’ve been feeling like a fucking creep.”

“Oh my goodness, no! Don’t feel that way. I wasn’t uncomfortable, seriously. I know you’re a good guy, Rhys.”

“All right,” I breathed, feeling mildly better.

“Now, can we please get gaming? I’m dying to dig into these snacks and I know I’m going to beat your ass atMario Kart.”

Heat spread across my chest. This girl. There just something so … amazing about her. She made me feel like a better person than I was. Maybe she wouldn’t think I was such a good guy if she knew the thoughts I’d had about her. The daydreams while we stood scrubbing dishes together at the hotel.

Mustering a smile in return, I replied, “Challenge accepted.”

9.

Charli

We’d been playingMario Kartand chomping away quietly for a few minutes before I chanced a peek at Rhys. I was a little obsessed with his profile, the dark eyebrows arched over thick lashes, a straight, slightly larger than average nose, and lips that were fuller at the bottom than the top.

“What?” he asked, hands on the controller as his eyes flicked briefly to mine. “Have I got crumbs on my face?”

A gentle smile tugged at my lips. “Nope. I was just admiring how pretty you are.”

“Funny,” Rhys said, and I realised he thought I was being sarcastic.

“You don’t agree that you’re pretty?” I questioned curiously.

His brows drew together. “Is this some kind ofMean Girlstrap?”

I chuckled, surprised he’d seen the movie. “I promise I’m not trying to Regina George you. Scout’s honour.”

He blew out a breath. “In that case, no, I’ve never considered myself pretty.”

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