Page 57 of Jesse and the Ice Princess
And her parents.
The two parts of her would forever be at odds.
"Don't tell me we can't." His fingers wrapped around her arm. "I've never..." He blew out a shaky breath. "You're different, Charlie."
"Different from what? All the girls who lasted a month? We're trouble, Jesse. I could fall for you. Irreparably. And you'd break me. Then what would we have? I'm not willing to risk everything I've worked for." She crossed her arms over her chest to try and hold in some warmth. "I'm sorry."
Jesse ran a hand through his hair. "No... you're right. We can't do this. I just... I like hanging out with you."
She smiled, her face almost freezing in place. The feeling was mutual. "I'll make you a deal. Your friendship idea still stands. But no kissing."
He nodded. "I can do that."
"Do you promise?"
"What?" He grinned. "You don't believe me?"
"I mean... you've kissed me both times we've been alone. Your track record isn't exactly stellar."
"I'll keep my lips to myself."
She held out a hand.
A laugh burst out of his mouth. "So, we're shaking on it now?" He shook his head and water dribbled into his eyes. "You are not like most girls." He clasped her hand.
"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not."
"Oh, it is." He released her. "Come on, we should get back before we freeze to death."
15
Jesse
By the time they reached Charlotte's house, all Jesse knew was he couldn't let this girl go. Not yet.
They froze when they entered the house to find both her parents waiting for them. Jesse averted his eyes from Coach, but that wasn't any better because he found himself staring into Mrs. Morrison's more terrifying eyes.
"Charlotte, how is it that every time you return from spending time with this boy, you're soaking wet?"
Charlotte sighed. "It's called the rain, Mom. And the ocean."
The woman started to say something else, but Coach cut her off with a kinder tone. "Go get changed, sweetheart."
Charlotte looked from her mom to her dad once more before bolting up the stairs, leaving Jesse to face them alone. She’d admit it. She was a coward.
His eyes followed her, only returning to her parents when Coach cleared his throat.
"Put your shirt on, kid." Coach gestured to the shirt clutched in Jesse's hand.
Mrs. Morrison crossed her arms, her gaze more curious than stern.
Jesse shrugged his shirt on over his head. "Coach, Mrs. Morrison, I... I like your daughter. A lot. I think I need to be her friend. She's smart and determined. She doesn't smile easily, but for some reason she smiles at me. Please, don't punish her for spending time with me. It's my fault."
Mrs. Morrison glanced at the stairs. "Jesse, I know what Charlotte thinks of us. Maybe we've made mistakes, but..." She took her husband's hand.
"Friends." Coach eyed him like a father commanding his son. Jesse couldn't remember the last time his dad gave him a stern talking to or even advice. Was it before his mom died?
Jesse nodded. "I just want her in my life."
