Page 27 of Consumed By Fire

"I need a shower," I confess. She smiles and takes off her pajama top, revealing her perfect boobs as she walks back to the bathroom.

"Are you coming?” she asks, turning around and pulling down her pants as she enters the bathroom.

"Oh, you bet I’m coming, baby," I tell her, undressing myself as I reach her.

15

CHARLOTTE

I love him. I told him. Hiding it would have been like lying. He loves me and showed it to me in the shower, several times.

We go down for breakfast and see my mother, still wandering around the hall, frustrated.

"You’re on private property, in my house, and I don't want you here. Go away or I'll call the police,” I tell her without even looking at her.

"I'm your mother. Don't you dare talk to me like that, you stupid little girl!"

"You stopped being my mother years ago. In fact, I'm not even sure you are! Poor Dad, who had to put up with you for so many years."

She approaches, ready to slap me and Dylan blocks her hand. "I don't think you really want to do that," he says, pushing her out and closing the door. "Let's go have breakfast and then we'll head to see your father,” he says, wiping his hands as if he has thrown out the garbage. This makes me smile.

We spent the day with Dad. We also meet Annais, who is a very sweet person. Seeing them together, happy, makes me feel calm. We say goodbye, making them promise that they’ll come to Armstrong for Valentine's Day. Dad isn’t surprised to find out that I own a B&B. He told me that he’s proud of me. I knew he’d keep an eye on me, as he always did. Even though no one had told me this for a long time, I felt like the little girl of many years ago.

I decided to go home, to my real home. Grandpa left it to me and told me to sell it. He knew that I wouldn’t stay in Boston, but this house holds so many memories, so many emotions and dreams. For me, it’s a treasure chest and I don't think I'll ever be able to sell it.

Before leaving Boston, we went to greet my grandfather. It’s a stop that I’ve wanted. He raised me and educated me and it’s thanks to him that I am who I am today. Dylan stands by me in silence, giving me the space I need. I close my eyes and thank him for everything he has done for me.

We return to the car, leaving the cemetery when the sun breaks through the clouds, just for a few minutes. I know it’s a sign from my grandfather.

We resume our journey with a serene soul, no longer as friends. Maybe we have never been friends. Maybe our souls chose each other a long time ago. Of one thing I'm sure: Dylan belongs to me.

We stop and I wait for Dylan to return from the gas station. His cell phone, which he left charging, rings. His father is calling him and I answer, catching him off guard.

Since I have no idea what to give him for Valentine's Day, I convince his parents to come down to Armstrong, making them promise to keep it secret. They agreed. We also planned that they’ll call back in about ten minutes to talk to Dylan.

Upon his return, Dylan is sulking.

"What happened?" I ask, refraining from laughing. When he’s sulky, he’s so adorable.

"They don't have chocolate. I wanted to get it but I couldn’t find it," he explains to me, snorting.

I burst out laughing. I lean toward him and kiss him. "I don't need chocolate when I have your sweet lips all the time."

"Hmmm, really?"

"We have a long way to go, Dylan. Don't get distracted so easily."

"You’re a tempting devil!"

"I know, but you love me the same, don't you?"

"More than anything else in the world." And I know he's sincere, I feel it. I've always felt it. Only I was too afraid to listen to my heart.

I watch him as he drives. He holds my hand and strokes it. When he notices that I’m looking at him, he smiles, which makes me happy.

The music is interrupted by a call. Seeing the name of Aiden Huntington worries me a little, as Dylan has entrusted him with the collection of the furniture delivery.

“Hey, Aide, what's up?”

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