He held his hand out to her. “I’m Rhett.”
Her grip was surprisingly firm, and he enjoyed the feel of her soft fingers against his callused ones more than he cared to admit.
“Charlie.”
It suited her. “Nice to meet you, Charlie. Want to join me for dinner?”
She laughed, caught by surprise. “I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
She opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. “Actually, sure. Okay, I’ll join you for dinner.”
Rhett’s face split open into a wide grin. Charlie smiled back.
They found a table outside on the lawn to one side of the building, lit by lights strung between trees. The moonlight cast a glow over the dark water, the sound of waves lapping against the rocky shore a familiar, calming sound.
If they’d actually been on a date, it couldn’t have been more romantic.
A moonlit evening, a singer crooning blues over the diners, and a woman who turned out to be as interesting to talk to as she was beautiful.
Rhett forgot all about being tired, or the work that was waiting for him tomorrow. He didn’t want this evening with Charlie to end.
“Where are you staying?” He asked as they were finishing cups of coffee after their meal. The blues singer had long since packed up, and the only staff left were cleaning the inside tables.
She shot him a sharp glance, and he lifted his hands as if defending against a blow.
“Whoa! Not asking so I can get into your pants, Charlie.” Although he wasn’t opposed to the idea. Did she even think about him like that? He gave himself a mental shake.
Get a grip. It’s only been a few hours. She’s just after some company.
Charlie stifled a yawn behind her hand and then gave him a rueful smile. “That’s a shame. I wouldn’t mind getting into yours.”
Rhett had, unfortunately, chosen just that moment to swallow the last of his coffee and choked. He fought to not splutter too badly, but failed dismally.
She started laughing and stood up to pat him on the back as he cleared his throat. “Did I take you by surprise?”
He turned to straddle the bench seat and face her, which put him level with her breasts. And dear god, she had gloriousbreasts. All night he’d fought not to stare, but now he gave in to temptation. They were big, but not out of proportion to the rest of her deliciously curvy body, and he bet they were gloriously soft and fit just perfectly in his hands.
“Eyes are up here, buddy.”
He flushed, dragging his attention away from her chest to her face. She was smirking at him, one eyebrow cocked.
“Can I get your number?”
She smiled. “Sure, but I’m only in town for a few days.”
“Oh.” A spike of disappointment ran through him. He gave a mental shrug. He’d enjoyed her company and that would have to be enough.
He did have a problem though. There was absolutely no way Rhett would be able to stand without Charlie seeing exactly what effect she had on him. He shifted slightly on the bench.
“Rhett, I like you. You’re cute and fun. I think we both know where this could go, right?” She reached out and touched the side of his face, brushing her thumb over his lower lip.
He nodded and turned his head to nip at her digit, soothing the bite with his tongue. Her mouth dropped open slightly, her tongue darting out to wet her bottom lip. He groaned and tugged her towards him, sliding his hands around her waist.
He’d never been so turned inside out by a woman. And never in such a short amount of time. Maybe he’d been wrong and she did want what he did? He’d take whatever she was willing to give.
Charlie’s hands gripped his shoulders, bracing herself as she shifted to straddle his lap.