Chapter Three #2
She stepped back. “You obviously have somewhere you need to be. It’s OK, you can go. This was probably a bad idea. I shouldn't have asked. Forget it.” She turned away to hide the tears in her eyes.
“Did you hear what I said?” He reached out, placing a hand on her arm and she looked up at him.
“I... yes...thank you. But you don’t have to be nice to me just because I’m Nate’s sister.”
Donnie shook his head. “That’s not why I said it. You are beautiful. Inside and out.”
He glanced at his watch again. “Hang on, let me send a text.”
Charlie waited, unable to speak. This was not how she had expected this conversation to go. Finally, Donnie pocketed his phone, then surprised her by taking her hand and leading her to the couch to sit down. He sat beside her but didn't let go of her hand.
“I like you, too.”
“You do?”
“Yes.”
“So, is that a yes to my question?” she asked, her voice trembling with nerves.
“No.”
Disappointment flooded her and she tried to pull her hand away, but Donnie tightened his grip.
“I like you,” he repeated. “Why do you think I’ve been hanging out here so much? All the conversations we’ve been having? I like talking to you. I like being with you. I like looking at you.”
Charlie had stopped breathing. Was this happening? Or was this some kind of practical joke.
“Breathe, Charlie.” He smiled that amazing, wide smile that lit up his whole face.
“I love our conversations, about real stuff. You speak your mind, you have opinions. You're interested in more than posting photos online and trying to get likes. It’s refreshing, and it makes you even more attractive to me.”
She was still finding it difficult to breathe. No one had ever complimented her like this. “I... then why is it a no?”
He brought his hand up to her face, cupping her cheek, and she almost fainted at his touch.
“Because it’s not the time. I want to get you know you better.”
She frowned. “Donnie, you’ve known me for years.”
“As Nate’s little sister. I want to get to know you as Charlie. But...” He dropped his hand, and she wanted to grab it and put it back.
“But what?”
“You’re Nate’s sister, and he’s my best friend.”
Her stomach dropped.
“So, we have to do this right,” he said, running a hand over his head. “I need to ask Nate.”
“Ask Nate what?”
“If he’s OK if I ask his sister out. That’s if, I mean, if you’d like to?”
Charlie stared at him speechless, not sure if she was more shocked he wanted to go out with her, or that he seemed nervous and unsure if she would say yes.
“Charlie? Do you want to?”
“Sorry. Yes, of course, I would.” She was rewarded with another big smile.
“Good. But Nate has to be cool with it. I won't do it behind his back. You understand that right?”
She nodded. “I can talk to him.”
“No. I will. In the meantime, no having sex with anyone, got it?” he said giving her a grin.
“I promise. No one wants to have sex with me anyway.”
He cupped her face, holding her still. “I do.”
Charlie didn’t move. She had never kissed a boy before and now the boy of her dreams was holding her face.
“Perhaps one kiss won’t hurt before I speak to Nate.”
Oh, God, he wanted to kiss her. What if she messed it up?
“Is it OK if I kiss you?” His face was inches from hers.
She bit her lip nervously, looking at him, then nodded.
“Stop thinking so hard. Relax and follow my lead. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a while.”
Before she could respond, his lips touched hers, ever so softly.
Then he did it again and again. Kissing her top lip, her bottom, the corners of her mouth.
She relaxed, closed her eyes and tentatively returned the kiss.
His little sounds of encouragement gave her some confidence.
She opened her mouth a little and his tongue immediately slid inside.
As his tongue explored, she placed her hands on his biceps, his skin warm against hers.
Copying his movements, she moved her tongue, letting it entwine with his, tasting him.
Oh, Lord, her panties were wet from a deep throbbing between her legs.
She’d read about this in romance novels, but nothing had prepared her for the real thing.
All too soon, Donnie gentled the kiss and then pulled back, and she opened her eyes. He was still cupping her face. Then he smiled at her before kissing her forehead.
“That was beautiful.”
“Was I OK? I mean I’m not experienced—”
Donnie’s finger over her lips silenced her. “You were perfect. How was I?” He winked.
She laughed. “It was amazing. You were amazing. I can’t believe you kissed me.”
“Get used to it.”
The shrill sound of a phone broke the moment. Donnie’s. He didn’t move.
“Shouldn’t you get that?” she said quietly.
“Whoever it is can wait. I don’t want to move. You look stunning. That dress is so damn sexy.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, her jawline, then his lips moved down.
“Mmm.” he muttered against her neck as he nuzzled her. Charlie was pretty sure she’d died and gone to heaven.
“I want to touch you, Charlie. So bad,” Donnie murmured, bringing his mouth to her lips and kissing her again.
He had one hand behind her neck and the other on her waist. Her skin tingled under his touch.
Her breasts strained against the cotton fabric of her dress, begging to feel him there.
She wanted him to touch her. She placed her shaking hand over his and guided it from her waist upwards. Donnie pulled his mouth from hers.
“Charlie?”
“I...I... want you to...” Shyness stopped her saying more and she looked down to where her hand still covered his just under her right breast.
“Charlie, I can’t. I have to talk to Nate.”
She breathed in, forcing her breasts out as she dropped her hand from his, but he left his there, right under her breast.
“Shit. You’re driving me crazy.” He lifted her chin with his other hand until her gaze met his. Her cheeks felt flushed, and there was a stirring between her legs. This was all so new to her, and it scared and thrilled her. Donnie was here, kissing her.
“Stop looking at me like that.” His voice was low. His phone rang again, but he ignored it.
“Like what?” she said nervously.
“Like you want me to do whatever I want to you.”
“I do.”
“Jesus.” He shook his head with a slow smile. “You have no idea how sexy you are.”
“Show me.” Damn, did she just say that out loud?
He kissed her again and slowly moved his hand up until it covered her breast. A groan instantly escaped her mouth at the feel of him through the fabric.
His hand was warm and sent the most amazing sensation straight to her pussy.
When he kneaded it softly, she pulled her mouth away from his and looked down at his hand.
“Do you like that?” he asked huskily. The change in his voice sending shivers down her spine.
“Yes,” she whispered. Bravely she raised her arms to the back of her neck to untie her dress.
“No. Don’t.”
She froze, wondering what she’d done wrong. Another phone rang, this time hers. She ignored it.
“Not yet, Charlie. Not today. We’re going to take this slow, and I still need to talk to Nate.”
“Can you not mention my brother right now.” She lowered her arms as Donnie chuckled. “OK.”
She was vaguely aware of her phone ringing again. It got louder and then she realized Donnie’s was ringing too.
Donnie kissed her again, gently on the lips. “I guess somebody really wants us.” His hands dropped, and he got up, pulling his phone out of his pocket to answer the call.
Charlie watched him. Whoever was speaking, it must be bad news. The lock of horror that spread across his face made her stand in alarm. Then her own phone rang again.
She moved to the kitchen to grab it off the counter.
“Don’t answer it.”