31. Like Stars Looking Good Together
31
LIKE STARS LOOKING GOOD TOGETHER
CHARLES
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I run my fingers over Daisy’s cheeks. She’s much better now, even the red on her face has returned.
“Did you pay for Lulu’s tea party?” Daisy asks instead, her voice almost a hiccup.
“Um, Lulu?” The furrow between my brows deepens.
“The girl at the charity event.”
My entire frame goes rock solid. “How do you know about that?”
“I was going through the emails.” She points toward her laptop on her lap. My official email is open, and there’s a picture of kids sitting in a park wearing my sister’s latest collection. “Did you do it all because of me?” Daisy asks carefully, and my head jerks up.
There’s so much hope and affection in her eyes that I can’t even think of lying. It was by coincidence that Chloe visited me in my office when I was browsing the net for kids’ designer clothes. Any other day, I’d have forwarded such a task to Daisy, but not this time, when I’d caused her pain with my attitude.
It was Chloe’s idea to send her designs for the kids. She even organized a big photoshoot for them. But I only agreed to everything because I haven’t been able to erase the image of Daisy’s hurt face soaked in rain from my memory.
“I don’t know. Maybe I did it because I knew you didn’t like how I behaved. Or maybe I did it because I didn’t like how I behaved.” I glance away from her, grabbing the laptop from her lap and placing it on the floor.
“You’re so sweet sometimes that I can’t believe you’re a real human being, let alone a businessman, Charles.”
“Why did businessmen become unpopular?”
Daisy’s eyes narrow an inch, as they always do whenever she’s trying to make sense of my mood. And it’s not long before she takes a hint. She knows I don’t want to talk any more about the pictures, because they speak about the part of me I usually keep hidden from everyone.
But not her.
Her expression slowly changes, and she removes the thin throw blanket placed over her. A blush takes over her face as she sits cross-legged before me.
“The doctor okayed me for work.” She rolls her shoulders, and I have to bite back my smile. A sexy comment is soon coming my way. “And other things too.”
“Other things, you say.” I can feel my lips stretching.
The office has been no fun without her. I’m never going to admit it out loud, but post-lunch, I’ve spent all my meetings in a distracted state of mind, more interested in the clock as the minutes ticked by one after another, nearing the time I could leave without getting raised eyebrows from my staff.
I lean forward, my nose brushing against hers. “What other things do you have in mind, my dear wife?”
“I thought I’d have to persuade you some more, given you showed no interest in me this last week.” Her low voice is barely above a whisper.
“There can never be a time when I would not want you, butterfly. Do you know how hard these days have been? My hand is chafed and my dick on the verge of falling off from the treatment I’ve given myself in the shower since you’re off-limits. I’m counting the seconds for you to get better.”
Daisy’s jaw drops before she throws her head back in laughter. “I can’t believe you just said that,” she says in between her giggles.
“It’s true.” I pounce on her, taking her with me to the carpeted floor of the bright sunroom. My thumb trails down her jaw before sliding against her lower lip. “I’ve missed you. I’ve missed your mouth. I’ve missed your kisses. I really like kissing you, Daisy.”
Even though my intention is to keep it light and fun, when I kiss her, I’m not thinking about sex. I am thinking about heart and feeling and all those emotions which I have kept at an arm’s distance until now.
“Me too, Charles. But right now, I’m hoping for something more than just a kiss.” She rolls her pelvis against my cock, thankfully making me forget all the deep-shit feelings.
“Is that so, butterfly?” I grin, my fingers tracing a path from her back to her waist, reaching her stomach, and finally resting on the waistband of her shorts. “Are you saying you want me to fuck you and remind you to whom you belong, Mrs. Hawthorne?”
A little moan escapes her at the name, and she nods frantically, her thighs rubbing together as I tug her shorts down.
When the tip of my little finger slips under the waistband of her panties, skimming the warm skin, she groans. “Holy fuck, Charles.”
I never hear Daisy curse except when we’re like this and she’s turned on. I can’t be more proud knowing that I make her forget her manners.
“How are you so fucking wet so soon, Daisy? What were you thinking about?” She’s dripping on my fingers already.
“You, always you.” When I push her silk blue panties down, she eagerly helps me, kicking them off with her feet.
Her eyes gleam when she tugs on my belt. Now, with a practiced finesse and not missing a beat, she takes off my notchless belt before unzipping my pants. My boxers come down next, and this time it’s my turn to groan when my cock gets the much-needed space.
She pumps my already hard cock a few times before lining it against her clit and we both moan together.
“Fuck, you’re heaven, butterfly.”
But the next second, when I slip inside her, I go rock solid and she does too. It’s as if we both recognize at the same time why this feels so goddamn good and amazing.
“I don’t have a condom on me.” I groan, my head hitting against her shoulder, and I pull back and slip out. My cock almost protests and weeps, pre-cum landing on her thigh.
“You mean, not even one?” Daisy’s voice is shaky, and I shake my head.
I’d thought the absence of condoms in my home would be another reminder that I can’t fuck her until she’s perfectly fine. If only I knew that she’s not just fine but in need of me.
“Charles.” Daisy’s voice is soft, while I’m still cursing my luck. Talk about missed opportunities. “I’m on the pill and I’m clean. I’ve never done this… I mean, without a condom.”
My brain seems to freeze, incapable of forming coherent thoughts.
Do I want to experience everything with Daisy?
Fuck yeah.
Do I want to give her an experience she’s never had before?
Without a doubt.
But this…this is so much more than that. This is about trust and so many more emotions I’m scared to name right now.
“Me too,” I reply, confirming my status. “So, this is it?” My mind buzzes with excitement in anticipation of another unforgettable life moment.
“Are you nervous, Charles?” Daisy bites her bottom lip before a giggle shoots out of her.
But soon those turn into a gasp when I turn her over on her stomach, bring her knees up on the soft Persian carpet, and then push them apart with my own to give me better access. I push inside her once again, inch by inch, and God my eyes roll back.
“You’re so goddamn tight, Daisy. Do you feel me? My skin, my cock moving inside you, butterfly. Tell me you feel it.”
“Fuck, Charles. I do.” She moans, pressing herself back into me, encouraging me to thrust inside her, and I’m all too happy to oblige.
My hands slide up from her perfect hips, inside her silk top, and reach her boobs covered in a silk bra. I push it down, and those full tits fall into my hands.
“You are so perfect everywhere, and so mine, Mrs. Hawthorne,” I whisper, my breath skating over her earlobe, and she lets go of the sexiest moan.
“You like hearing that, don’t you?” I ask, even when I know her response. “You like hearing that you’re mine. You like hearing that all those reporters who are eager to see any personal side of my personality are now dying to know how I fuck my wife when we’re alone.”
“God, Hawthorne.” She exhales. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“Never.” My one arm tightens around her chest and pulls her up a little, while my other goes for her clit, fingering that nub in a fast tempo.
“Charles, I’m—” she cries, but I already know she’s coming as an orgasm racks through her.
I pick up speed as she shudders and mutters indecipherable words in a moan. Her sex squeezes me, my breathing turning labored as her warmth chokes me.
“Fuck, Daisy.” I grip her hips, and in two punishing thrusts, I empty my load inside her.
Inside her and not a condom.
That fact doesn’t escape me, especially when I pull out and see the evidence of what we did dripping from her sex onto the carpet.
It’s established right then.
Forget porn.
Daisy on her knees, wrung out on pleasure with my come leaking out of her pussy, is my biggest turn-on.
It’s been a few days since the most amazing sex of my life, and so many things have changed since.
“For someone who just got what he’s always wanted, you look pretty glum,” Ray comments as I tear my gaze away from Daisy and her friend Willow across the hall.
The board cast their votes, and as of last night, I’m officially the new CEO of the Hawthorne business empire.
Right now, we’re at a party arranged by Jimmy, and everyone who’s someone in Cherrywood is in this room, drinking expensive champagne on my tab.
Like Ray said, this moment is everything I’ve dreamed of since forever, yet instead of feeling relief and excitement, my skin itches as if I’m dressed in tattered rags.
And it seems I’m doing a shitty job at hiding my feelings.
“For someone who complains about social events, you’re being seen an awful lot here these days. Is your land deal still not through?”
My cousin’s jaw pulses, and I follow his gaze as he throws daggers toward Daisy.
“Why the hell are you glaring at my wife like she’s broken your favorite toy?”
His flared nostrils relax at my sharp tone, but I don’t miss the tightness around his eyes.
“I’m not staring at anyone. I zoned out. And don’t worry about my business. I have it under control. Speaking of your wife, why is she so far away? Isn’t acting like she’s completely smitten with you part of her job?”
His grin is all Lucifer, and I’m glad Ray is my cousin and not just some business associate. Because suddenly the title of murder convict isn’t looking that appalling.
“Something wrong?” His smile fades. Once Ray has his eyes on something, it’s hard to escape his trap—a trait I appreciate in business, but not so much in this moment.
“Nothing’s wrong. If anything, everything’s just perfect.” I nod toward the yellow banner proudly displaying my name and CEO title.
“You and I have been friends even before we became cousins, Charlie. I can read you better than our favorite well-worn comic book, dog-eared and all.” He sets his untouched whiskey glass onto the corner table.
How long has it been since he drank at social events?
A simple moment once again changing lives.
Yeah, you’re one to talk, Hawthorne.
I steal another glance at Daisy, who’s looking stunning in a bright red off-shoulder dress, matching heels, and a crimson bow in her hair. Lately, I find myself doing this often—admiring her from a distance.
It didn’t take me long to notice she’s been avoiding me since our mind-blowing adventure in the sunroom. She spends a lot of evenings at her dad’s place, and her lunch hours are often spent in training new assistants.
But last night, during the official announcement, I caught a glimpse of the Daisy I’ve known all these years. She jumped into my arms without caring that we were in the living room and Mrs. Kowalski was right there changing flowers. But before things could escalate beyond a kiss, she stepped out of my grip, and then until I fell asleep, she was on a phone call with Willow.
“Come with me.” Ray tucks his hands into his pockets and strides away without waiting for my response. I’m so fucking tempted to blow him off and stay put. But knowing Ray, he’ll return and drag me until he’s at the root of my troubles.
When it comes to family, everything is personal for him.
With one last look at Daisy, her teeth sinking into her bottom lip as she listens to her friend’s animated chatter, hands flailing and all, I make my way toward the door Ray just exited.
I find him standing on the dark balcony, illuminated only by the faint glow of streetlamps and the tip of his lit cigar.
“So she can smell booze on you but not tobacco?” I hate my irritated words as soon as they leave my mouth.
“Does that make you feel better?” He takes another drag before flicking the butt into a glass of water he must have picked up on the way, the lingering aroma of spent tobacco subtly filling the air.
“Sorry. It was an asshole thing to say.”
“It was, but also not like you, not when it comes to Quill. So tell me what the fuck is going on with you and Daisy.”
“She wants kids,” I blurt. The tension has been simmering inside me for so long.
I’m not stupid. I know why she’s pulling away.
“Was that also part of the contract?” Ray crosses his arms over his chest.
“Can you stop bringing up the contract every time we talk about Daisy?” My teeth clench painfully. “She’s my wife, for God’s sake, not some business deal.”
“I thought her becoming your wife was part of a deal.”
“I don’t know why I thought talking to you was a good idea.” I turn around to storm off, but he grabs my arm.
“I’m not trying to get a rise out of you, Charlie. I’m genuinely trying to understand what has changed between you two.”
How can I explain that not one thing, but everything has changed? I’ve started yearning for things that had no place in my life.
Like making her smile.
Or waiting in bed to watch her sleep until she opens her eyes because I want to be the first thing she sees every day.
“You like her?” he asks cautiously, devoid of humor or emotion.
If it weren’t about me, I’d find the situation laughable—two big-shot businessmen hiding from everyone and talking about a girl like a pair of high schoolers.
“I…I don’t know.” How long are you going to hide from the truth, Hawthorne? “But what I do know is we want opposite things in life.”
“So she wants kids and you want…?”
“Not to have kids.” Every muscle in my body tenses.
“Why?”
“Because she wants her own family.”
“I was asking about you, smartass. What she wants is a natural thing.”
“I can’t bear the responsibility for someone. Keeping them safe, watching them twenty-four seven.” A tightness grips my chest. “I don’t want to mess up anyone’s life even by mistake.”
“How do you have such strong feelings about something you haven’t experienced?” His calm voice is judgment-free as if we’re talking about the weather and not my marriage, which is on the verge of failing.
“She says the same thing, but I don’t have to eat poison to know I’ll hate dying.”
“Please tell me you didn’t compare having kids to eating poison in front of her?” Ray glares at me, my words finally breaking his poise.
“I didn’t. Not because I feel differently, but because she’s barely spoken to me in days.” I tug on my tie, the knot feeling too tight. “I think she’s planning something.”
“What do you mean?”
My mouth dries up, voicing my biggest worry. “Once I become the CEO, she can ask for a divorce. We’ll pretend to be married in public for a few more months, but unofficially, we won’t necessarily have to live in the same house, the same room.”
Ray’s brows rise. “And that’s in the contract?”
I nod. “It is.”
He’s quiet for several beats as he grabs the wrought-iron railing. “When you both want different things in life, isn’t it better this way, to split up soon? Or are you having a change of heart?”
Am I? No fucking way.
“Not on this matter. But I don’t like that she’s drifting away like this. Life was good until now.”
“For whom? You or her? You can’t have it all, brother. You can’t choose to enjoy the rain but also not want to get wet. If you don’t want the life she does, you have to let her go. That’s the only fair thing.”
A weird scratchiness settles in my throat, making it hard to swallow as I imagine my home without her. Life will once again become bland, save for the occasional burst of color she brings into my office. And like dried leaves yearning for the first gentle touch of an autumn breeze, I’ll wait for those moments.
But what if she no longer wants to work for me?
She’s receiving enough money in return for the marriage, and didn’t I offer to buy her a house in any city she desires?
Fuck, what was I thinking?
No, Daisy won’t leave her dad. She’ll stay for him, if not for me.
“Let’s go. We’ve been away for too long. Plus, I need a few minutes with the mayor before she leaves.” Ray pulls away, breaking the silence.
As we reenter the ballroom, the atmosphere has shifted. There’s more chatter, the music pulses louder, and there’s a noticeable increase in servers darting around with empty glasses.
“Are we in the right room?” Ray scans the area, but my focus is fixed on one person—Daisy.
“Absolutely.”
The worry lines on her face have melted away, replaced by a soft rosy glow that paints her cheeks, making her look stunning.
“Great. I just spotted the mayor.” Ray pats on my arm. “You keep in mind what I said, Charlie.”
I only half listen to his words as I make my way toward my wife.
“Thank goodness you’re here, Charles. Can you please take Daisy home? She’s had a bit too much to drink.” Willow guides a tipsy Daisy to my side.
“What happened here?” I draw Daisy closer, her hand clinging to mine around her waist.
“Mayor Coggeshall happened.” Willow tightens her bun as a few red strands spill out. “She was convinced Daisy was pregnant because, apparently, old women have X-ray vision and all.” Her words hit me like a sledgehammer.
“And?” I force the words out, hiding my rising panic as best I can.
“And what?” Willow looks at me like I’m insane.
Doesn’t she realize the bombshell she’s just dropped on me?
“Don’t worry, Charles. I showed her she’s way off base. If me gulping down six champagne glasses in a row isn’t enough to prove her wrong, I don’t know what else is.” Daisy winks at me lazily, her eyelids drooping.
She looks so breathtakingly beautiful that I can’t tear my gaze away from her.
“You can gawk at your wife at home, Charles. For now, please leave. If you stay another minute, I guarantee she’ll either pass out or get sick.”
“Daisy, we’re home.” I gently shake her shoulders as she lies sprawled over me in the back seat of my Porsche. “Let’s get you into bed.”
“Which one?” She slowly opens her eyes, her chin resting on my chest.
But my heart lurches at her question.
Why would she ask that?
Except for one night, she’s never slept anywhere else but in my bedroom, including the last few days, when she either pretended to be asleep before I joined her or waited for me to doze off before slipping in beside me.
“You have always belonged in my bed, butterfly.” I stroke her cheek, and only when she leans into my touch before closing her eyes does my heart settle back into its normal rhythm.
I place Daisy on the bed and untie the straps of her heels. My gaze stays on her pink toenails for a beat too long before I pull the covers up to her neck.
“I missed you. I missed us.” The tiny quiver in her voice knocks the wind out of me.
Fuck, butterfly.
“I missed you too,” I whisper, and her eyes widen. “Too much.”
Miss doesn’t even cover how I feel these days.
Daisy’s fingers trail up to my forehead, then down the corner of my face before running through my hair.
“You, Charles Ashcroft Hawthorne, are a dream I never even dared to dream. I never thought I’d marry someone like you, someone who would show me things I didn’t dare to wish for. Even if it’s only temporary.” She wets her lips while I’m frozen in place. “I wish this was real and we weren’t like stars that look good together but in reality are light-years apart.”
Her voice cracks, and a single tear slips from her eye before she falls unconscious, her head resting on my chest.
I don’t know if there’s a word for the emotion I’m feeling right now. The tear tracing down her cheek, seeping into my jacket, feels like acid ready to burn me.
She wants me.
She doesn’t think she can have me.
“I wish I was enough to make all your dreams come true, butterfly.”