Page 53 of Free

I flick on a few lights, the quiet of the house pressing in like it always does after a night with people. After a night with her.

What would have happened if Sunshine hadn’t interrupted us on the beach? I know the answer, of course. I would’ve taken Charlie home, kissed her until neither of us could think, let the walls fall completely, and then… Well, that’s the problem, isn’t it?And then what?

I toss my jacket over a chair and head for the shower. The water is hot, doing nothing to cool the heat still simmering undermy skin. If anything, it makes me think of her—the warmth of her body against mine, her soft laugh, the way she whispered,Then take me,like she wasn’t afraid of what that might mean.

By the time I step out of the bathroom, my thoughts are no clearer. I dry off, pull on a pair of sweats, and grab my phone from the nightstand. Before I can overthink it, I shoot her a text.

Get home safely?

Charlie

Yep

All tucked into bed

The image that brings to mind is gasoline to the fire of my longing. I hesitate for a moment, my thumb hovering over the keyboard, then type out another message.

Wish I was there with you

It’s the truth. As much as I’ve tried to keep my distance, to convince myself that we should just be friends, every instinct I have is pulling me toward her. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye tonight. I’m not ready now.

Her response comes quickly.

Wow. You don’t do shades of gray at all

I am a man of extremes

But I don’t see how it applies here

I’m just saying, you kissed me at your house, then ghosted for a week

Then kissed me again at the beach, now you’re trying to get into bed with me…

From one extreme to another

I huff an oh-shit laugh. As much as I’d like to get into bed with Charlie—as much as I’ve wanted that for years now—I actually wasn’t thinking along those lines. Not tonight. Though there’s no way in hell she’ll believe me.

First, I meant I miss you and had a nice time at the bonfire and wasn’t ready to go our separate ways

And second?

I hesitate, but only briefly, then go ahead and hit her with a dose of honesty.

Now that you mention it, climbing into bed with you wouldn’t be a bad thing

Yup. Definitely skipping a few shades of gray

Sunshine jumps onto the bed and drops her head into my lap. I stroke her fur and smile gently, the back and forth with Charlie feeling as natural as it always has. She and I click together like we were made for each other. Like two halves of a whole.

I wish I hadn’t pushed us apart.

I wish I hadn’t spent so long without her.

Leaning back on my pillow, I tap out a text and hit send before I lose the nerve.

I owe you an apology

For skipping the gray? Come on. I feel like, after everything we’ve shared with each other, I pretty much know what to expect with you

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