Chapter 40 Boundaries Laid Out
Boundaries Laid Out
Charlie
Two Months Later
While I wait for Keaton to arrive, memories from the past two months swirl through my mind like autumn leaves caught in a gentle breeze.
Walking into Blooming Brews and seeing the barista flirting with Keaton left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it faded quickly.
I noticed his shoulders tense with each attempt, discomfort clear in his body language.
When he saw her number on his cup and turned her down, I felt a warm rush as happiness fizzed through me.
I knew he meant me when he told her he was deeply in love.
As he turned and noticed me watching, he looked startled and a bit awkward, but I was grateful I witnessed it.
It showed me exactly how he handled attention from someone else.
Since that day, we’ve had three more coffee dates, each revealing more about the man Keaton is now.
The more I discover, the more I like him.
He’s changed in every way. Emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
His muscles are more defined, he has more tattoos, and I think I even saw the shadow of new piercings beneath his shirt.
A shiver skims down my spine as I imagine catching him shirtless, wondering what other secrets his body might be hiding now.
Desire flickers deep within me, stealing my breath for a moment.
Oh, boy.
Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s not. Only time will tell.
We’re both learning each other all over again, two new people shaped by a year of change.
Our dates have been fun, but not always easy. I’ve faced a few old triggers, but Keaton always notices, always finds a way to pull me back and coax out a smile.
He’s been so damn amazing, and every time, I find myself surprised all over again.
I’m more than ready for this real date, eager to see what he’s planned. After every coffee date, he’d tease that he was working on something special, leaving me buzzing with curiosity.
There are still a hundred ways this new relationship could fall apart. But I don’t want regrets. I want to keep discovering this new Keaton, because I’m irresistibly drawn to who he’s become.
I haven’t let things get physical between us. Not that he’s pushed. I’m still taking it slow. When he asked about boundaries, I told him handholding was fine. And, because I can’t stop wondering what those soft lips of his feel like, I let him kiss me anywhere but my mouth.
Every time his velvety lips graze my skin, sparks of arousal shoot through me, lighting me up from the inside. It’s been so long since I felt that with him, I always close my eyes and savor every second.
I crave more of his touch, hugs, and kisses, and everything in between, but that longing scares me. I need us to be more than just physical.
Keaton pulls up, hops out, and circles the car to reach me in a heartbeat.
He smiles, his eyes roaming over my body as he takes me in. “Fuck, you’re so beautiful.”
“You said casual, so I’m hoping this is okay,” I reply, running my hand down my rolled-up jeans.
I paired my jeans with a vintage AC/DC tee knotted at the waist and chunky wedges. My makeup is simple—just mascara, eyeliner, and gloss—and I scrunched some mousse through my hair for good measure.
“It’s more than okay, beautiful. Are you ready for this?”
I smile up at him and bounce on my feet. “Yes!”
Keaton slips his hands into his pockets. It’s a move I’ve come to recognize as his way of holding back from touching me. Sometimes I want to tell him to just go for it, but I’m never quite sure I’m ready, so I bite my tongue.
God, I wish I could just make up my mind. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s not to force myself before I’m ready.
He rests his hand at the small of my back, guiding me to the passenger side and helping me in with a gentle touch.
As we drive, I clear my throat, nerves fluttering as I try to figure out how to bring up what’s on my mind.
“Is everything okay, Charlie?”
I sigh and push my head back against the seat, then roll it so that I’m looking at him. “Can we go over some things?”
“Of course,” he says, his brows drawing together.
“I’m ready for this—for us, for dating—but I still want to take it slow. No labels yet. I just want to take it one day at a time, you know?”
“Whatever makes this easier for you, Charlie.”
“I want more with you. I need you to know that. Just… go slow with me, give me time.” I thread my fingers through his and rest our joined hands on my thigh. “When the time is right, I want us to get tested together. Is that okay?”
“Sure,” he says, squeezing my hand. “I haven’t been with anyone, but I know you need that reassurance. So, when and if you’re ready, just make us appointments. Okay?”
“You’ve been incredible about all of this, you know? Not once have you gotten upset or frustrated,” I say softly.
His head spins my way, and his gorgeous eyes are wide with surprise. “Why wouldn’t I be? I get to have you, Charlie. You’re not asking for anything out of the way or anything that I’m not okay with.”
For the first time since we started seeing each other, I lean across the console and press my lips to his cheek, lingering there for a few heartbeats before pulling away.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
As Keaton drives, I watch the world blur past, his thumb tracing lazy circles over my hand.
It’s a touch I’m starting to crave. After so long without contact, I expected silence to feel awkward, but instead it’s peaceful.
Sometimes, silence lets us communicate what words can’t. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Keaton pulls up to one of Granite Bay's older parks. It’s always been one of my favorite places to go in the city.
I turn to him with a smile. “You brought me to the park?”
He winks at me, grabbing an enormous basket from the back seat. “I have.”
While I wait for him to come around, I can’t help but wiggle in my seat, excitement buzzing through me. Keaton opens my door and offers his hand, pulling me out so fast I stumble straight into his chest. I gasp, feeling the solid warmth of him, and when I look up, his eyes are smoldering.
Oh, man. Oh, crap. Will he kiss me? Do I want him to? Yes. No. Crap. I don’t know.
Bad idea.
Maybe not.
I lean in, the heat of his breath ghosting across my skin.
Then, Keaton closes his eyes, tightens his fingers at my hip, and moves his mouth to drop a quick kiss to my forehead.
I exhale a shaky breath and let him lead me, curiosity tugging me along to whatever he has planned.
As tempting as a kiss sounded, I’m grateful he pulled away. My heart isn’t ready yet, no matter what my body craves.
He stops beside the pond, sets the basket down, and lets go of my hand. He kneels, opens the basket, pulls out a blanket, and shakes it out before spreading it on the grass. One by one, he arranges our picnic across the soft fabric.
A picnic at the park.
Be still, my fucking heart.
It’s absolutely perfect.
“Keaton,” I breathe, watching him lay out all my favorites.
Chocolate-covered strawberries. Little finger sub sandwiches. Freaking chicken strips with buffalo dipping sauce. Wine.
He remembered every single thing.
He shrugs and gives me a sheepish smile. “I figured you’d want something simple, but would want it meaningful. Since this is one of your favorite places, I thought I would pair it with your favorite foods. I have a few other things planned while we’re here, but I wanted to feed you first.”
He helps me sit down, then turns on some music at a low volume from his phone. He makes me a plate and passes it to me, along with a glass of wine.
“How are your mom and dad?” he asks before taking a bite of his sandwich.
I finish my chicken tender and take a sip of wine before answering. “They’re great. Still working and being their usual smoochie selves. How are yours?”
“They’re really great. They miss you,” he admits softly.
I sigh, set my plate aside, and lean back on my hands. “I miss them too. Mom and Dad don’t talk about you much, but I know they miss you.” I bite my cheek, then offer, “Why don’t you go see them? I think they’d like that.”
His eyes widen and water a little. “Really? Are you sure? I’d love to see them too.”
“Yes, Keaton. I’m sure.”
He shakes his head and smiles at me. “You’re fucking amazing, Charlie.”
“Damn straight,” I quip.
We finish eating, laughter bubbling between us as we clean up and pack the basket together. Fingers entwined, we carry it back to the car. This time, he grabs a bag of oats and sliced grapes, handing them to me with a grin.
“We’re gonna feed the ducks?” I ask excitedly.
“Yeah, beautiful. We’re going to feed some ducks.”
I squeal and spin in a circle, his laughter ringing out. It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve heard in ages. Admitting how much I’ve missed Keaton is hard, but if I’m honest, I’ve missed him for longer than I care to admit.
We feed the ducks, laughing at their ridiculous antics as they waddle and gobble up every crumb.
When the last oats and grapes are gone, I grab Keaton’s hand and tug him toward the swings.
“Push me?” I ask, turning to him.
“Of course,” he replies, brushing a finger down my cheek before helping me into the swing.
He gives me a gentle push. “Do you have any idea how absolutely fucking beautiful you are when you let yourself be free?”
As I swing forward, I lean back and close my eyes, letting the breeze kiss my face. “There’s something about letting it all go. The worries. The burdens.”
When I swing back towards him, he grabs the handles and pulls me to a stop. I’m still leaning backwards, so I’m left peering up into his face as he looks down at me.
“There is. Just don’t ever brush the important things away because sometimes those need to be faced.”
“I’m not. I just know how to manage things better now.”
When I’m done swinging, we stroll around the pond, our hands swinging between us. He holds on tight, like he’s afraid I’ll slip away, but he doesn’t have to worry. I’m not letting go just yet.