Page 135 of Charlie

"So that's why you had the cooler crammed full. I wondered why we needed so much for a five-hour road trip." The four of us walk through the shadows of the church, following Cam to what he assured us will be the perfect spot for a picnic.

It is perfect. A vast, lush expanse of lawn shielded from the wind allows plenty of room to spread out and a perfect view of the abbey. I shake out the blanket, and Jack takes the opposite corners, helping me spread it on the grass. Cam and Lach sit on one side, Jack and I on the other, the cooler between us. Lach immediately starts unpacking the food. He sets two large foil packets on the blanket and then pulls out a bowl of fruit salad. He carefully pulls away the foil to reveal a gigantic focaccia sandwich, already cut into pieces.

"You brought enough food for twenty people," Jack grumbles, although he doesn't seem too upset about it as he grabs two pieces, handing me one.

"We all need our energy for tonight," Lach says, a grin tugging at his lips as he waggles his eyebrows at me.

"We still have dinner, you know," Cam laughs, taking a massive bite of his sandwich.

"I know. I just couldn't let this opportunity go to waste."

"It's perfect," I tell him, pushing to my knees and leaning over the food to kiss him.

"Sit the fuck down," Jack growls at me, jerking my hips down until my ass is firmly planted on the blanket.

"What's wrong with you?" I swat at his hands until he pulls them back into his lap.

"If you do that again, with that pretty little ass peeking out of your skirt like that – begging me to fuck it – I swear to God, Charlotte. I'll push you down on this blanket and fuck you out in the open where everyone can see. Do you understand?"

Oh God. His words are a potent aphrodisiac, racing through my bloodstream like venom until I can only focus on the heartbeat between my legs.

I nod, my voice abandoning me when my heart jumps into my throat, forming a knot so big that I can barely breathe. I have to get this sweater off. I grab the hem and pull it over my head, taking big gulps of air once I feel like I'm not choking. Cam makes a strangled sound, his gaze locked on the way my nipples are pressing against the fabric of the tank top.

"Why didn't we go straight to the hotel again? This is torture," he whispers, licking his lips before dropping his gaze and adjusting himself.

"This is either going to be the best or worst eight hours of our lives," Lach says, laughing.

"Eight hours?" How the fuck am I going to last eight hours? I'm this close to taking Jack up on his offer.

Lach nods. "Our dinner reservation is at seven."

"We can't just go to the hotel after this?" I ask, nibbling at my sandwich.

"Because we're going to wine and dine you properly, Charlotte," Jack says. "There are three of us and only one of you – the least we can do is buy you a proper dinner before we fuck you."

"Okay," Lach interrupts, finally starting to look as ruffled as the rest of us, "Why don't we change up the conversation a bit before we all combust?" He turns to me. "Have you thought about the job Jack told you about?"

Last night, when I was lying in bed having trouble getting to sleep, I gave the job offer a lot of thought and finally decided. "I'll take it," I say, looking at Jack.

"Thank fuck," Jack mutters, sending a silent prayer to the sky.

"We were going to have to hire somebody," Lach says, explaining Jack's reaction, "And that probably meant having to house them, too, since there aren't many people that live on Harris – especially ones that specialize in marketing."

"I'm actually really excited to start. I have so many ideas. Have you guys made any sort of plan yet?"

"Nothing is set in stone yet," Jack answers, "Now that I have your answer, we can meet with Isla and brainstorm."

"You, too," Lach says to Cam, giving him a stern look.

"Me? But I don't have any stake in it."

"You fucking live there, Cameron," Lach grumbles, annoyance flashing over his features.

"Fine. I'll be there," Cam says, lifting his hands in surrender.

"Charlotte, where do you want to live?" Jack asks me, the intensity of his gaze warming my cheeks.

"Um—" I stammer, not realizing I was going to be put on the spot like this, "I guess I had assumed we'd live in the castle since you and Cam are already there."

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