Page 5 of Cherishing Little Charlee

Confiding in Charlee was a safe bet. She was such a sweetheart. I doubted she would blab anything I told her, not that my story was a secret. But it left my heart unprotected. As if my chest was wide open allowing it to be plucked out and crushed. Despite the fear of my sweet friend potentially causing heartache, not explaining wouldn’t do any good for either of us. Even with my hesitations, I acknowledged I wanted to embark into a relationship with her. If she’d have me.

“Yeah, Charlee. I appreciate your offer. You’re a good listener most of the time,” I said good-naturedly.

She chuckled at my observation even with the heavy topic hanging over us.

“Right now? Or tomorrow when we get treats at the bakery? If you still want to go,” she offered an out. “You don’t have to take me anywhere unless you want to.”

“Yes, sweetheart. We will go tomorrow. I promised you confectionery delights and I’ll follow through.”

“You always do, don’t you?” she teased as if trying to lighten the mood.

“Yes to the conversation and to the trip. Dr. Nelson gave me your instructions. I expect you to follow the doctor’s orders.”

“Yes, Pierce,” she answered automatically. “I’ll do what I was told. Mostly.”

“Mostly? It sounds like you need someone to keep an eye on you.” I cleared my throat again, trying to clear the lump growing there. I had a feeling she wasn’t going to follow any of the regimens presented to her. I suddenly felt obligated to ensure she did.

“I don’t need anyone to mind me,” she sassed. “I have two eyes, thank you very much.”

“While that is a true statement, darling, you don’t sound very convincing.”

“In case you haven’t noticed? I do actually have two eyeballs. They are gray and blue with little flecks of gold in the right lighting.”

“Naughty little thing,” I said growling.Damn it. I had zero right to be speaking to her in such a way. Her eyes widened.

“I’m not alittleanything,” Charlee retorted.

Since I’d spent a lot of time around submissives of all sorts including brats, I had a very strong inkling. But I had nothing to back up my wondering. Hopefully, tomorrow I'd get the confirmation I’d be seeking. Tonight though, Charlee seemed to be engaging me in battle. She seldom won. Didn’t stop her from trying.

“You’re tossing a bratty ‘tude in my direction. I’m happy to adjust it for you. Not tonight, but after you’ve gotten some rest.”

Charlee cocked her head, looking at me as if she’d never seen me before. “Physically?”

Bingo. So, my reaction was heavy on her mind. I let her stew for a moment longer. “Does it need to be physical?”

“No. Pfft. Of course not. That’s not even in the script.”

At least those were the words that came out of her mouth. Her body language screamed the opposite. I allowed the sass, hoping tomorrow would be the turning point for the two of us. “Becoming your shadow for the next few weeks while your wrist heals is my current plan.”

“I veto that plan,” she negated it immediately.

I expected her to balk but had hoped she would at least hear me out first. “We’ll talk more after I fill you up with goodies.”

“Is that what you call your–” Charlee looked down at my crotch before suddenly tugging her hand out of mine.

We flirted often but she’d never gotten inappropriate. I read into what she didn’t say. “My what? Go ahead, sweetheart. Ask me.”

“Never mind. Thanks for taking care of me tonight, Pierce. I wouldn’t have been okay alone.”

“I’m glad I was here for you, but circle back.”

“I’m walking in a straight line,” she taunted.

I had half a mind to hurry our trek to the golf cart so I could swat her gorgeous, curvy behind. But I refrained. Unless she kept poking. “You’re not off the hook. Ask your question.”

Charlee licked her tongue along her lip, darting it out and in again.Fuck. That one gesture drove me wild.

“You’re wearing bossy pants. It’s super annoying.” She rolled her eyes.

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