3. CHARLIE
3
CHARLIE
Y oure late.
I stumble a few steps away as Hayden opens the front door, brushing his tousled hair away from his forehead as I raise my hand to knock.
My heart was already pounding in my chest just from walking across to his house. But now, as he stands in front of me in a tank top that clings to him like a second skin, curving over every bulging muscleand a pair of low-hanging sweatpants that dangle proactively from his hips, pulling my gaze to the V-line of his abdomenI have to struggle to keep my knees from buckling.
Hayden clears his throat, and I instantly raise my eyes to meet his. A flush creeps up my neck into my cheeks.
We never decided on a time, I defend weakly.
Hayden turns around without another word, and I take a moment to remind myself that I dislike him. In fact, I hate him.
If only I could convey the message to my lady friend down there.
I take a deep breath and reluctantly follow behind him. The moment I do, I am immediately assaulted by the scent of his cologne, intertwined with a subtle hint of... cinnamon?
My eyes scan the walls, the floors, and the ceilingtheyre all almost the same. My breath catches in my throat as a wave of nostalgia washes over me. Instead of bringing peace, it gives me goosebumps and an empty pit in my stomach.
It feels like Ive stepped into the past, and the only thing thatll differentiate between then and now is the absence of family portraits or decorations. His walls have been stripped of any warmth, any familiarity, anything that would say, This is my home.
Yet, memories of us together still fill every inch of this room. My footsteps slow to a near stop.
Dear Lord , my heart races, and I glance at the couch where hes sitting.
Feather-light touches, deep grunts, hungry kisses.
I can see myselfhalf nakedholding onto the arm of the chair as he has his way with me.
The further I walk in, the more I regret coming here. I hope my poker face is doing me justice because the heat against my skin is working overtime against me.
Hayden sits comfortably, his legs stretched out in front of him, a bottle of Scotch open, and two glasses perfectly placed on their respective coasters.
Is your dad here? I ask, desperately trying to divert my attention to anything else. However, the kitchen island beckons me from just a few steps away, and all I can imagine is Haydens head between my legs, his hand firmly gripping my hips, gently rubbing those sensual circles that he knows I love.
Keep it together, Charlie.
Hayden raises an eyebrow at me. Youve been living here all your life and never noticed that my father moved out five years ago?
Five years ago.
I clear my throat and gingerly take a seat a few cushions away from him.
In my defense, he rarely ever shows his face. I just thought he kept to himself, maybe even had a secret lair underneath the house or something.
Hayden ignores my feeble attempt at a joke and picks up the Scotch, pouring himself a glass. He raises the bottle in my direction.
No, thanks. I dont drink.
Still? he raises an eyebrow as he replaces the cap on the bottle, and I nod. Good.
Hayden raises the drink to his lips, gazing at me over the rim of his glass. Another wave of warmth washes over my body, pooling between my legs.
So, I clap my hands, clearing my throat as I survey the table for his notesdocuments anything, please . Are you ready to discuss?
Actually, Hayden takes another sip, I think I agree with you.
My eyebrows furrow. What?
You were right. I spoke with Jared, and we both agreed that Prime Properties is not currently in the ideal position for a merger. I didnt see it from your point of view, but when he explained it . . .
I clench my teeth together, letting out a scoff. Because hes a man.
I didnt say that.
You didnt have to, I place my hand on my knees as I rise from the couch. But, you know what? At least we have reached some common ground.
Hayden raises an eyebrow at me, running his tongue over his lips. I thought youd be happier about this, Charlieyou got what you wanted.
Me too. I thought I would be happier about this, but Im irritated. I dont even care about this stupid merger idea.
Hayden suddenly reappears and behaves as if nothing happened.
As if he hadnt dropped off the face of the Earth and left me behind to deal with all the memories, unsure of what to do with them. I feel my face flushing with anger and confusion.
Hayden sucks his teeth for a moment, nodding his head as if hes just come to some revelation.
I get it, he says, lowering his glass onto the table and standing.
What do you get?
My lips part as he stalks toward me.
You never changed, did you, Charlie? Youre still that sweet, sweet girl who believes everything must happen for a reason.
The closer he gets, the louder my mind screams for me to create space between usbut I cant move.
Hayden stops just inches away, and all I have to do is step forward before Im pressed against him.
A heated breeze envelopes me as he lifts his hands. And I should really run now, but I dont. Because deep downI crave it. My body craves it.
I just left you all those years ago when I promised the exact opposite . . . but youre already searching for a reason to forgive me, arent you, Charlie? He asks softly, his voice husky from the alcohol, his fingers softly brushing against my cheek, cradling it. It takes all of my strength not to close my eyes. If you had a reason to placate your mindto silence those voices in your head telling you to runwould it make you feel less conflicted if I simply took you from behind and fucked you right here, right now, on this couch?
Hayden! I gasp, my eyes wide, my mouth moist, and my head spinning into a frenzy.
He brings his face closer to mine, and the hairs on my arms stand to attention, fingers aching to reach out and return his touch anywhere hed let me.
Or would you rather I take you in the kitchen, against the counter? On top of the island?
Haydens lips . . . his tongue brushes against my ear like a feather, barely there, with every word. Dear Lord, my knees are about to buckle. I close my eyes, my feet unconsciously drawing me closer as if Im falling forward. Is that his
A soft grunt from Hayden pries my eyes open, and I dont have to look to know that Im pressed against his dick. I desperately want him to move his hand lower. My nipples are as hard as pebbles, pressing against my bramy shirtmaking their presence known.
But then he says, Get over it, Charlie, and it feels like a cool bucket of water has been poured over me. You deserve more than thathave a little self-worth.
My hand wraps around his hands, shoving them away from my face as I glance up at him, my face dripping with disbelief. Hayden hardly flinches. He simply takes a step back, clasping his hands behind his back.
I think thats it for our meeting. Im glad things worked out in your favor.
Anger surges through mea tight lump lodging in my throaton the brink of releasing a damn of tears. I watch as he plops onto the couch, refills his glass, and brings it to his lips.
I cant help but feel like an idiot, ready to give in so easily to someone who has broken my heart and doesnt seem to care.
I pivot on my heel and make my way back to my house. My throat burns, and I need just about anything to ease the sensation.
Home already? Jared asks, leaning against the kitchen island. I mumble a response under my breath. I assume the meeting didnt go well.
He no longer wants to merge.
Jareds expression morphs into shock.
Why do you look surprised? He said the two of you decided on it.
He raises his eyebrows and stands up straight, letting out a small laugh. Noyeah. I mean, we discussed it, but I didnt realize he actually listened to me. You know how stubborn Hayden can be.
I sigh heavily, dropping my shoulders as I open the refrigerator.
If Hayden is going to attend these company meetings more often, Ill need a vacation every weekend, I grumble while grabbing my water bottle adorned with a small daisy.
That reminds me. I didnt get to congratulate Ms. COO, Jared teases, opening his arms. I roll my eyes, but I walk into his embrace with a knowing smile. You worked so hard for this, C. Its surreal to see you actually accomplish it.
We pull away, and I cant help but notice that my smile widens. Thanks, Jared.
And I mean it. You worked so hard for this . . . If you decide to take a vacation this weekend, I wouldnt blame you.
Yeah, not with all of those proposals sitting on my desk, I chuckle as I slide onto the stool, and Jared shrugs.
Who do you think went through them before you were appointed? The cabin is empty, and Ive noticed you falling asleep at your desk one too many times.
I wince, remembering the night I slept in my bedroom, hunched over the desk. I woke up feeling as if my spine had permanently shifted into a bent position.
Youre fresh from trainingtwo years of non-stop training. After the company nearly met its end, you put in twice the amount of work. You are behaving like a slave. Even Dad knows to take a break sometimes.
I hum, pondering while I consider my options.
Where are they, anyway?
Date night, he explains, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pack of gum. But back to what I was saying. I think you should really take the time to rejuvenate, enjoy the success of your new position, and come back refreshed on Monday.
I purse my lips, my eyes shifting towards the house across the road. Under any normal circumstance, I would have said no. But right now, I can practically feel Hayden draining the energy out of me, even from just a few feet away.
Fine, but Im taking your car.