Page 57 of Quiet Longing

Jo gave my shoulder a soft pat. I wanted to argue about the doctor, but seeing the look of relief on Charli’s face prevented me. She’d been worried about my injuries, and if letting this doctor check me over gave her peace of mind, then I’d do it.

It was scary the things I’d do just to make her happy.

We ate breakfast in quiet, and I noted Charli had her work uniform on. She must’ve been on shift, and though I was relieved for the paid week off, I regretted that we wouldn’t get to spend that time together. It barely felt like work when she was there.

After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways, and I wasn’t too keen on the sad looks I was getting from the twins. Charli cast me a glance that said she understood how difficult it had been to be honest with everyone about my father. That she was proud of me for being open.

She’d just put her plate in the dishwasher when she approached me, her delicate hand coming to rest on my shoulder. “How are you feeling? I missed you this morning,” she said quietly.

“Sore,” I answered honestly before whispering low, “I didn’t want to leave.” My attention caught on the few tendrils of hair that had come loose from her ponytail. “But you’d get in trouble if Jo or Padraig caught me in your bed.”

She leaned forward, her coconut scent invading my personal space, and I welcomed it. “It would’ve been worth the risk.”

Something stirred low in my groin at the look in her eyes. I quickly doused it by changing the subject. I was in no condition to be getting worked up, and I certainly didn’t need anyone walking back into the kitchen and catching me with a semi.

“Are you working today?”

Charli nodded, her gentle fingers reaching up to check the small bandage she’d put on my temple last night. “Mm-hmm,” she answered absentmindedly as she continued to inspect her handiwork. I liked it when she fussed over me. It almost made the bashing I’d taken worth it. I stared at the faint freckles that dotted her cheeks and jaw before her eyes came to mine. “Promise me you’ll rest today? After the doctor sees you, just chill, okay?”

“Only if you promise to come see me when you get home from work,” I countered low, and she inhaled sharply.

“Of course, I will. We can hang out and play video games.”

My hand swept down her arm, cupping her elbow as I pulled her closer. “I’ll hold you to that.” Then I did something crazy and leaned in, catching her lips in a gentle kiss. As soon as my lips met hers, arousal coursed through me yet again. I wanted her badly. Even with all the stuff happening with Dad, I could barely get the other night out of my head, all the things I wanted to do to her. Things I’d never done before.

The kiss deepened. I’d only meant for it to be a quick brush of the lips, but suddenly, Charli’s arms snaked around my neck, her tongue sliding past my lips. I had to hold in a groan. The cut on my mouth stung, tearing open a little, but I didn’t care. All I cared about at that moment was getting lost in her. She pressed against me, and I lost the ability to think straight. Thankfully, Charli was the one to draw away, her breathing choppy as she looked at the clock.

“I better get to work.” She ran her hands over her uniform, straightening it out before she stepped away. “I’ll see you later.”

“See you later,” I breathed, my vision hazy with lust as she hurried from the room.

The following few days passed in an easy rhythm. I spent most of my time in Derek’s room either playing video games, reading, or researching and making plans for the end of summer. The doctor came as promised, but as I already knew, there was nothing that needed major attention. She prescribed me some painkillers and was on her way.

Every evening, Charli would come find me, and we’d hang out. It amazed me how easy and enjoyable it was being in her company. Derek had made it his mission to make sure I was doing okay after the whole thing with Dad, so he was around a lot, too. It meant there wasn’t much opportunity to kiss Charli again, but I didn’t mind. Just spending time with her was enough for me.

It was the weekend before my face finally started to look a little normal again. My ribs and stomach were still tender, but otherwise, I was on the mend. Aidan and Theo came over to play pool, so we all hung out in the den. Charli was out somewhere with Nuala and Jo, and I was a little bit restless to see her. It was embarrassing how obsessed I’d become. At night, I’d lie on the bed on Derek’s floor, replaying our kisses and fantasising about all the ways I wanted to make her moan and sigh. I wanted to know all the possible reactions she might make when I touched her.

It seemed Derek and Tristan had kept quiet about what happened with my dad because Aidan and Theo didn’t act any differently around me, which was a relief. I wasn’t going to lie for my father anymore, but I’d also prefer to avoid talking about him where possible.

It was late evening when I spotted Charli walk by in the direction of her bedroom. The door was slightly ajar, and I had to fight the urge to follow her. She was carrying a few bags from a women’s boutique and was probably tired if she’d been out shopping. I should let her get some rest. That was the sensible thing to do, and yet I found myself muttering to Derek about needing the bathroom. He nodded, continuing his game of pool with Theo as I left and headed for Charli’s room.

After knocking gently, her silky voice called, “Come in.”

I opened the door and stepped into the room. The shopping bags sat on her bed—and recognising one of the store names—my throat ran dry. It was a well-known women’s lingerie brand, a fancy one.

“Hey, Rhys,” she said, smiling when she saw it was me. “Oh, your face looks so much better,” she went on as her eyes ran over me. “How are you feeling?”

“Thanks. I’m good. Better. Were you shopping?”

Charli’s attention went to the bags, and she flushed, seeing I’d noted the lingerie one. “Oh, yeah. Nuala and Aunt Jo invited me on one of their shopping trips. I used some of my summer job money to treat myself.”

“Good,” I said. “You deserve it.”

She bit her lip, glancing at the large flat screen on her wall. “Um, I was going to put a movie on. Do you want to watch something with me?”

My chest tightened at the invite. I wanted to say yes, but I’d already told Derek I’d go with him and the boys to a small party on the beach.

“I can’t. The lads and I are going to the beach in a little while for a party. You should come.”

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