Chapter Eighteen
O ne week had passed since Charlie was threatened on the street by someone her brother was involved with. Thanks to Jared, she had a female bodyguard named Mia with her during the day, and even Charlie had to admit, the other woman did well blending in at the museum so Charlie could work.
She called her brother more than once, hoping she could relay the message from the man Remy still hadn’t tracked down. The first couple of times, Dan’s phone went straight to voicemail. The last time, she got a message that the line had been disconnected and her stomach clenched in fear. Knowing there was nothing she could do until she heard from him, she did her best to go about her life. She missed her girls but knew that them being safe was the most important thing.
Jared came home early every night, often bringing work with him. He’d make calls from his second bedroom office while Charlie handled dinner. In return for his generosity, she wanted to make his life as easy as possible. He’d been so helpful and easygoing, and she was grateful.
Even she had to admit she was enjoying the routine they’d fallen into, she thought, as she plated the angel hair pasta and meatballs she’d cooked for dinner. The garlic bread and broccoli came next.
Once she had the food on the table, she knocked on Jared’s office door and pushed it open as he’d once directed her to do. He wasn’t there, so she walked down the hall to the primary bedroom. This time she knocked and waited for him to let her in. She might be sleeping with him at night but she didn’t want to treat it like it was her bedroom. It was the only way to remember this was a temporary situation.
Before she could think further, the door swung open and Jared stood before her, naked but for a towel wrapped low on his hips.
“Hi!” he said, greeting her with a relaxed smile. “Just thought I’d shower real quick before dinner.”
“And I came to tell you dinner is ready,” she said, but she couldn’t tear her gaze from those tight abs and light sprinkling of hair disappearing below the towel… which was rising the longer she stared.
He cleared his throat and she shook herself out of her stupor.
“Oh God. Embarrassing.”
He winked. “I liked the fact that you were looking. And if you aren’t sure about that, just look down again and—”
“I know!” Her voice rose and her cheeks heated with a pretty flush.
“Tell you what? I’m starving, so let me have an appetizer before we eat.”
She thought about all the food in the kitchen. “I have garlic bread if you want to eat that first.”
He shook his head, then bent at the knee and scooped her into his arms, losing the towel on his way to the bed. “What are you doing? This carrying me around has got to stop. I’m just getting heavier—”
He gently placed her on the bed. “You’re perfect,” he said, and hooked his fingers into her leggings. He slid them down and off her legs, underwear with them.
Next thing she knew, her legs were propped on his shoulders, his face level with her sex, and he licked straight up, teasing her with the first stroke of his tongue.
Her core clenched and she moaned.
“Louder,” he said, sucking on her folds and nibbling on her clit with his teeth.
She rose with every nip and pull, her body soaring, reaching for something greater than her. “Jared!” she screamed as the first wave of her climax hit.
He slid a finger inside her, pumping deep, then added a second. “Oh God!” She bucked against his hand and when he curled those fingers and rubbed, a second pulsing sensation crested and she rode it until she toppled over, breathing in short, choppy inhales and exhales.
“Now, that’s what I meant by an appetizer,” he said from where he lay on his side, grinning at her, his mussed, wet hair giving him strong sex appeal.
She eased herself up and maneuvered until she was sitting.
“You liked that, did you? Well, now it’s my turn.” She turned on her side and scooted lower on the mattress so she was eye level with his impressive erection. Her eyes watered just looking at it and her sex pulsed once more.
Gripping his cock in her hand, she ran her grip up and down the elongated shaft, reveling in his loud groan. He always made her come first, satisfied her in all ways, and she couldn’t wait to reciprocate.
She slid her tongue around the tip, tasting his salty essence. Then, she took him into her mouth until she nearly gagged, gliding him out and in again, all the while making sure to keep her hand moving. Taking her cues from his grunts and groans, she kept up the momentum even when he arched his hips up and his cock hit the back of her throat.
“So fucking amazing,” he said in a guttural tone, one that aroused her and had her empty sex clenching with need again.
Knowing she pleased him gave her a high she’d never experienced before and she wanted more. She slid a hand down and cupped his balls in her hand, tugging lightly.
“Fuck!” he yelled, wrapping her hair in his hand and tugging. “I’m going to come.”
Ignoring his warning, when he stiffened and his climax took hold, she swallowed until he collapsed against the bed.
She sat up and met his gaze. “That was my appetizer,” she said and grinned.
A few minutes later, he’d regained his strength and hauled them into the shower. After soaping each other up and rinsing off, she put on a T-shirt of his that hung to her knees. He dressed in a pair of gray sweats that reminded her why women appreciated that choice.
Together they ate cold spaghetti and meatballs, laughed over her mortification in Remy’s office, and cleaned up the kitchen before turning in for the night.
As she lay in bed, Jared hugged her against him, his hand on her growing belly, and she accepted the fact that she’d fallen in love with this man. It frightened her but all she could do now was hope and pray he lived up to the person he’d shown her so far.
***
Charlie hadn’t been able to shake the feelings she’d experienced after making love with Jared. The last barrier around her heart had crumbled and knowing that, she needed someone who wasn’t emotionally involved to help her through it.
She let Leo into her apartment and they settled onto the sofa to talk.
“Okay, tell me what’s wrong,” Leo said, his expression filled with concern.
“I’m in love with Jared.”
Leo’s eyes widened. “That’s a huge admission coming from you.”
“A frightening one.” One she’d fought against, but she was powerless against her own emotions. “I’ve always let my past define my actions,” she explained. “My mom died, she had no control over leaving me. But my father had a choice and it wasn’t me. Noah’s a great guy but he was never the one . Jared’s given me no reason to think he’s in this for the wrong reasons, but what if I’m misreading the situation?”
“What if that’s your fear talking?” Leo asked. “Love is scary for everyone. But if you don’t leap, you’ll never know all the good things that are waiting for you on the other side.”
Valid point, she thought. “Are you speaking from experience?” Her lips twitched as she thought about her friend falling hard.
“I’ll tell you that next time. We’re talking about you.” Leo, still dressed in a suit since he’d come straight from the office, crossed one leg over his knee. “I think you’re strong and can handle whatever happens next, but if not, I suggest you walk away now. It’s not fair to Jared for you to lead him on.”
She blinked, his words startling her. “What?”
“Think about it from his perspective. He seems to be doing everything right and you still don’t want to totally trust him. He deserves better, don’t you think?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it again. “I never thought of things that way.” Embarrassment creeped in along with the feeling she’d been selfish in her thinking.
He nodded. “I’m a guy. I can see things you can’t and look from Jared’s point of view.”
Something she’d never done.
Leo steepled his fingers and remained silent, obviously thinking. “You know I love you, right?” he asked at last.
She nodded.
“Well, take this in the spirit in which it’s intended. Jared is a good, patient man, but even he’ll have his limits. In the end, only you can decide which way to go. And…” He paused, obviously hesitating.
“Just say it.” She curled her fingers into fists.
“Don’t be your own worst enemy, Charlie. Stop letting your past define your present and your future. Because if you don’t start believing in yourself and your own worth, you’ll never accept any man in your life. And that would be a damn shame.”
Before she could answer, Leo rose to his feet. “I have to go. I’m meeting Lisa for dinner.”
Charlie smiled. “I’m so glad you found her. You deserve a good, solid relationship.” She hugged Leo and stepped back.
“So do you. Promise me you’ll think about what I said?” he asked.
“I will.” She had a feeling that’s all she’d be considering.