Page 226 of The Charlie Method

A million times over

SIX MONTHS LATER

ICLOSE MY LAPTOP AND SHOVE IT INTO MY BAG, MY MIND ALREADYdrifting toward home. It’s late afternoon, the golden sun reflecting off the waves as it inches toward the horizon. The view from the lab window reminds me of everything good about being here. Australia has been everything I didn’t know I needed. I never realized how incredible the ocean smelled. Beckett and I are thriving in ways I never imagined.

And yet there’s always that lingering ache.

A space in my heart where Will should be.

As I sling my purse over my shoulder, something falls out and flutters onto the table. I pick it up and smile. It’s a note from Beckett, folded up small. I unfold it, wondering what my man has to say today.

Hey sugar puff, can’t wait to see you tonight. You’re my favorite part of every day. Love you more than you’ll ever know.

My heart swells, warmth scorching my cheeks. I glance over at my tablemate, who’s watching me with a raised eyebrow.

“Does he leave you these notes every day?” she teases with a grin.

I laugh, tucking the paper into my purse. “Not every day. He likes to keep me on my toes.”

“Damn, girl. Don’t ever let that man go. He must really love you.”

“Yeah, he does. I’m lucky.”

“Lucky? Girl, you hit the jackpot.”

I smile, but the thought makes my chest tighten a bit. Yes, I’ve certainly hit the jackpot with Beckett. He’s everything I could ask for.

I head out, excited to get home. Our place isn’t far from campus, and as I walk through the streets of my beautiful new city, the salty ocean breeze wafting over me, it reminds me of how far we’ve come. The apartment Beckett and I share has a view that feels almost unreal, like something out of a dream. We’ve built an incredible life together, and I know I should feel complete.

But that hole—Will’s absence—it’s always there.

When I walk through the door, Beckett is already waiting, leaning against the kitchen counter, grinning as soon as he sees me. His happiness is infectious. He’s got this wild energy about him today, and before I can even say hello, he strides over and tugs me into his arms.

“You,” he murmurs against my neck, “look incredible.”

I laugh, but the way he’s looking at me, I know what’s coming next. “I just got home. Can I at least get a proper greeting before you—”

His lips crash against mine, cutting me off. The kiss is deep and hungry, and any thought I had of taking things slow dissolves instantly. But the truth is? I don’t want slow. Ilovethat this man can’t get enough of me. I love that he’s so desperate for me that he can’t even think straight. Can’t wait. Can’t bother with a hello.

It’s the way I’ve always wanted to be wanted.

“I missed you today,” he says, his hands already working on the button of my jeans.

“Beck,” I gasp as his fingers slip inside my underwear.

He backs me up against the kitchen counter and then drops to his knees, kissing his way down my stomach until I can’t focus on anything except the heat building between my thighs.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day.” His voice thickens with lust. “Couldn’t concentrate on anything.”

“Yeah?” I breathe. “What were you thinking about?”

“About getting you out of these clothes.” He tugs at my jeans, pulling them down in one swift motion. “About tasting you. Fucking you until you’re screaming my name.”

His lips tickle my inner thigh as he peers up at me, his eyes gleaming with hunger.

“Spread your legs for me. Let me see how wet you are.”

I lean back on the counter, my breath hissing out faster as I obey, opening myself to him. And then he’s there, his mouth hot against my pussy, his tongue teasing until I can’t contain the moan that escapes my throat.

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