Chapter 33
CHARLIE
I’ve never felt more wretched in my entire life, not even when I accidentally set Blake’s five-hundred-dollar costume on fire two years ago.
I knew eavesdropping on Troy’s conversation was wrong, but jealousy and insecurity clouded my judgment for a moment.
I had to know what he would do upon hearing his ex’s confession.
I had no idea he would say what he did in the end.
And now I don’t know what I’m going to do with that information.
He said I’m endgame. How does he know? It hasn’t been that long since we were at each other’s throats. It’s too soon for him to be making those types of declarations—at least that’s what my mind is telling me. My heart, on the other hand, skipped a beat when he said that.
The ride back home is quiet. Troy is sitting as far away from me as possible. The distance feels like a chasm. We both thank the driver when he drops us off, but no words are exchanged between us as we walk side by side to the front door.
The urge to cry returns. I messed up royally, and my heart is now twisted in agony. I don’t want him to see me like this. I’m too full of pride for that, so as soon as he opens the door, I say good night and make a beeline for the stairs without looking back.
I’m two steps shy from it when Troy circles his free arm around my waist and pins my back to his chiseled chest. “Don’t go,” he whispers in my ear.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach as I melt against his body. I close my eyes for a second and allow myself to get lost in the feel of his arm keeping me in place, on the way his warm breath turns my already overheated skin into molten lava.
“I don’t want to go, but….”
He turns me around, keeping me trapped against him. “I didn’t mean to get so angry.”
“You had every right to. I broke your trust.”
“You didn’t break my trust, not exactly. You didn’t hide in that bathroom on purpose with the intent of spying on me.”
“No. It was a matter of too many beers and a too small bladder.”
He chuckles. “I can’t stay mad at you when you say stuff like that, babe.”
His eyes drop to my lips and stay there. He doesn’t make a move, maybe because he’s still gung ho on not losing the bet. I couldn’t care less about that anymore.
“You win,” I breathe.
He brings his eyes back to mine. “What?”
Oh for fuck’s sake . Lack of sex has clearly addled his brain.
I rise on my tiptoes and kiss him hard and deep, leaving no room for doubt.
This is my surrender.