Chapter 16
Teague
C harlie had agreed to try. I would have done a happy dance if it had been the right time. But he’d just been open and vulnerable with me in a way I could tell cost him, and wiggling would not be appropriate. I let myself have a few seconds of internal celebration and then brought myself back to the present. I really wanted to grab him, hug him tightly to me, but I wasn’t sure that was the right thing either. He said he had a problem with touch, but he really looked like he needed a good old warm hug.
Only one way to find out.
Keeping my voice soft and light, I said, “Can I hug you?”
It took Charlie a few seconds to respond, and when he did, it was only a loosening of his arms and a slight nod. I moved slowly, telegraphing my every intention as I first reached out and then gently gathered him in. I was one for tight, squishy hugs but I kept it gentle as I put my arms around him, waiting to see how he reacted before I did anything more.
A beat passed. Then another. Then Charlie made a sound that was somewhere between a sigh and a choked off sob and relaxed against me. Giving me his weight, melting into me, was all the cue I needed. I got the distinct impression hugs were lacking from this man’s life. Fortunately for him, I was a hugger. I squeezed until I was holding him tightly, snugged up against me. It was a little awkward because of the way we were sitting but the way he exhaled told me I’d made the right move.
We sat there in silence, and I was content to hold him until he was done. The sun started to creep lower, disappearing behind the tops of the tall trees. It would be a while yet before it really set, and even if we stayed there until it did, we’d both be warm enough. He was wearing my flannel, and I ran hot. But even though I was content to do so, it probably wasn’t practical.
But that didn’t mean we couldn’t enjoy it for a little while longer.
“Listen,” I began, and then gave him a squeeze when he went to pull away. He didn’t fight it, settling back against me. Damn, but I loved the way we fit together and the feel of him in my arms. “We can finish the porch tomorrow. Just have to lay the floorboards and put up the railing. Should only take a few hours. Do you want to help still?”
Charlie’s voice was muffled against my chest when he said, “Yes. Nic said I could and I’m…well, I don’t know how much help I am but I’m enjoying it. The work and, you know, spending time with you."
His tone was so tentative that I couldn’t help but smile. This sweet, sweet man. I bent my face to drop a kiss on his head, but aborted at the last second and just laid my cheek on his hair. We hadn’t discussed kisses of any kind, and I wasn’t about to cross any lines of consent.
“Awesome. I love it, too. So, I’ll be here in the morning, we’ll knock out the porch, and then we can both get on with our days. How’s that sound?”
“Good.” He was quiet for a few, long moments. Then, “Does that mean you’re leaving now?”
“Nope.” I squeezed him again then started rubbing his back. I’d thought he’d been as melty as he could be, but with that action, he sagged into me further. I didn’t mind in the least. “Oak’s helping with dinner service tonight, so I’ve got some time.”
“Can we just sit here for a while longer then?”
It was all I could do not to pull him into my lap, even though he wouldn’t quite fit. And the truck bed wasn’t exactly the most comfortable spot for this kind of cuddling, but I wasn’t about to suggest moving locations because I didn’t want to break the spell.
“As long as you want.”
I had a plan to give Charlie the best first date in the history of dates, but it required preparation and gathering of intel. Most of the plan had formed in my mind while I tossed and turned last night, but I needed information. Not wanting to tip my hand, I didn’t want to ask Charlie directly, but I did have other sources.
Normally, I just dropped the Sugar Rush boxes off on the long buffet table and then bounced, but this time, after I placed them, I wandered to the kitchen. Dana was busy, but I cleared my throat to get her attention. She spared me a glance and continued on.
“What?”
I chuckled at her brusque tone, knowing I was interrupting so I didn’t take it personally. “What’s Charlie’s favorite food?”
She went still, her body freezing even if her hand kept stirring whatever it was she was stirring. Then she turned just her head to look at me, eyes squinting in suspicion.
“Ask him.”
“Come on!” I held up my hands in surrender. “I’m trying to plan a surprise here, and if I ask him, he’ll know. Help me out, eh?”
“I swear to god, Teague. If you—”
“Have absolutely the best of intentions. I swear.” I crossed my heart with my right hand so she would know I was serious.
Dana huffed out a breath but didn’t otherwise react for a few minutes as she finished whatever she was doing. I was prepared to wait her out, even if I was getting anxious to get to the cabin and see Charlie. I didn’t want him to think I was blowing him off or anything.
“Spaghetti,” she said eventually, and it took me a few seconds to realize she was answering my question.
I nodded. “Okay. And sauce? Marinara? Bolognese? What are we talking here?”
She sighed, moved the pot off the heat, and then turned to face me. She crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her gaze. “My wife will murder you and they’ll never find the body. Charlie’s brother and I will provide an airtight alibi. You understand that right?”
I laughed, because what else could I do? I liked that Charlie had people so fiercely protective in his corner. Charlie clearly needed that, that support and care. Of course, I was aiming to be the fiercest protector of them all, but they didn’t need to know that yet. I’d show them just as much as I showed Charlie.
“I am aware, I swear.” Then I grinned. “So, sauce?”
Dana studied me for a moment, and then her face broke out into a reluctant grin. “Either is fine, to be honest. He likes them both. But his favorite is when I sort of…mix them. A light Bolognese if you will.”
I could totally work with that. I pressed my hands together as a praying gesture. “I thank you.”
Dana scoffed and rolled her eyes, but her tone was soft when she said, “I like you, Teague. I like you for Charlie. But you gotta understand that he’s got—”
“I know.” I cut her off before she could say anything more. Not that I wasn’t hungry for all things Charlie but I wanted to find out everything on my own, from him. I wanted him to open up and share everything with me himself. It was important. “I’ll get out of your hair now. Thanks, Dana.”
I left before she could say anything else.
Driving past the inn and to the cabins, I couldn’t help but imagine Charlie’s face when I pulled up. But nothing prepared me for seeing him leaning against the doorjamb with Steve at his feet and wearing my shirt. It hung off his shoulders and covered his hands, but he looked so damn good. I’d never had a particular kink of seeing my partner wearing my clothes but with Charlie, I could definitely see it becoming a thing. Since I didn’t want to draw attention to his appearance, I hopped out of the truck with his cupcake in hand and simply called a “good morning” as I strode closer.
“Hi,” he said, and a smile twitched at his lips. He took the box without pushing back the sleeves. He was freaking adorable.
I leaned in conspiratorially. “I almost got the Vampire’s Bite for you this morning, but as much as I want you to try it, the Unicorn Fart is where it’s at.”
Charlie laughed quietly. “I’ll make a point to get to Sugar Rush one day and have a tasting. I want to experience more of Regan’s genius.”
“If you want me to take you, just say the word.” I straightened and then grinned. “Eat up, because you’ll need your strength. Then join me and we’ll get ‘er done.”
I winked and then walked away, more to give him time to sort out his thoughts and hopefully eat his cupcake without any pressure. He joined me ten or so minutes later. I’d already laid down the first boards and was using the deck screws to secure them.
As always, we worked well together. Sometimes in silence, other times deep in conversation. He really liked talking about his niblings, and I was happy to listen to him ramble. The carefree way he spoke just reaffirmed how much he loved them, and all three, but especially the youngest, sounded like a freaking trip.
Several hours later, we were sweaty but done. Charlie had shed my shirt at some point, and it was hanging over the new railing. I didn’t mention it, so he didn’t feel the need to cover up his arms again.
“It looks so good,” Charlie said, his gaze roving over our completed project.
“It does. Go us!” I fist pumped, hoping he would laugh, and when he did, I chuckled too. “Now, it’s pressure treated lumber, so it just needs to be sealed. You can do a stain if you want, or just use a water seal.”
Charlie hummed while he thought. “I like the color as is, so probably just a seal.”
“Great.” I clapped my hands which startled him, but I pretended not to notice and just pushed on. “I can do that tomorrow, won’t take but a minute. I’ll talk to Nic on my way out.”
“You, um, you’re leaving?” Charlie’s eyes were wide and sad.
“Alas, dear Charlie, I must depart.” I placed the back of my hand on my forehead as though I was swooning or something, playing it up. His smile was a reward for my efforts. “I do have shit I have to do this afternoon, so I really do have to go. I’m sure you have work too.”
Charlie sighed. “Yes. I’ve been neglecting some things to work with you.” Seeing my face, he quickly added, “Not that it’s a problem! And I’ve enjoyed it. There just are a few things I really should catch up on.”
“So, we both go and do the things we need to do. But Charlie?” I waited until he looked at me and then smiled, receiving one in return. “Would you like to go out with me Saturday night?”
Charlie’s mouth dropped open and then he closed it quickly as he averted his gaze. He played with the hem of his shirt, not really looking at me. When his arms crept closer, like he wanted to cover himself, I hastily added, “I promise a secluded and very non-public venue. I can pick you up, but if you’d rather drive, I’ll tell you where to go. Just you and me, some dinner and conversation. No pressure. I promise.”
It took him a few more seconds to respond, but then he nodded. “Yeah, okay. I think I’d like that. But I’d prefer to drive myself.”
“No problem.” That way he wasn’t trapped. I got it and didn’t take offense. “Give me your number, and I’ll text you the details later.”
We exchanged numbers and I sent him a series of silly emojis, watching his face light up even as he rolled his eyes. I snickered as I packed up, not wanting to leave him, but I hadn’t been lying when I said there were things I needed to do. Not that I’d been neglecting my job with my dad, exactly, but there was work to be done.
Once the truck was packed, we said our goodbyes, complete with another very long, tight hug. The way Charlie just sank against me was the best thing ever, and I knew without a doubt that if this was all I ever got, the hugs and cuddles would be more than enough.
I had one foot in the truck when Charlie called out, “Wait!”
I paused and turned only to see him holding out my shirt. “You forgot this.”
“You keep it.” I wanted to say something about how it looked better on him then it ever did on me, but I knew that wasn’t the right thing to say. So instead, I said, “It likes it better here with you than it did with me. This is its new home.”
Charlie snorted. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Truer words.” I waggled my brows and pulled myself up into my truck. “See you later, Charlie.”
He lifted his hand in a wave, and I watched him in my rearview until he was out of sight.
I anxiously bounced from foot to foot, waiting for Charlie to arrive. He’d confirmed he was still coming but there was a part of me that worried he’d bail at the last minute. Since I knew a little of his history, I wasn’t about to hold it against him. But I also hadn’t seen him much in the past few days. A few minutes of conversation, and a little bit of text interaction, maybe wasn’t enough to keep him interested. He always responded when I texted and seemed to really like the ridiculous memes I shared, but that didn’t stop me from worrying.
When I heard the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. I couldn’t be one hundred percent sure it was Charlie until his SUV rounded the bend, but it wasn’t my dad’s engine and he’d be the only one showing up here at this time of day. Less than a minute later, the last of my worry left because there was Charlie.
I bounced over as soon as he put the car in park and opened his door for him, though I stepped back to give him space. Choosing my words carefully, I said, “You found it all right?”
Charlie grinned. “Yes, because it was so hard to drive seven miles north and make a right into the clearly marked Mulligan’s Firewood.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I laughed.
“Though I do have to wonder why we’re here.” He squinted at me, but I could see the amusement lurking in his eyes. “You know if you murder me and put my body through the woodchipper, you won’t get away with it. Everyone knows I’m here.”
“First of all, we don’t have a woodchipper,” I said with a sniff. “And B, dinner is right this way.”
I gestured to a stand of maple trees that blocked a clearing to the north of the driveway. Charlie eyed it, then looked down at his shoes. He looked better than me, for sure, though I’d worn my best jeans and a dark red sweater over my T-shirt. He’d dressed up, wearing loafers, khakis and a dark blue button down. He looked positively edible. I kept that compliment to myself.
“You’re fine. It’s like a three-minute walk, max. And there’s a path.” I held out my arm like the gentleman I could sometimes be. Charlie took it and snuggled in close, exactly where I wanted him.
I steered him through the trees, and it only took a couple of minutes before they thinned out in a natural clearing. Charlie gasped and his feet stopped moving. I tried, and failed, to hide my grin as he took in my surprise.
It had taken work, and Dad’s help, but I’d set up a secluded picnic. Dad had helped me move the natural log table into the space as well as set up the twelve-by-twelve mosquito tent—because how could we enjoy the night if we were getting eaten alive. I’d hung the battery-operated fairy lights and set the table with battery powered candles. As romantic as the real thing would have been, I was especially conscious about forest fires. There was, however, a small self-contained fire pit in the clearest spot, surrounded by plenty of space. It would keep us warm as the temperature dipped and I had a fire extinguisher tucked under the table, just in case.
“Oh, Teague.” Charlie’s voice held a breathless wonder that made my insides heat. I knew in that moment I’d made the right choice. It had felt like the right decision when I was planning it, but until I saw the look on his face, there had been a part of me that was worried it was too much. Now I knew it was exactly enough.
“You like?” I asked anyway. I was a sucker for validation.
“It’s lovely. And what’s that I smell?”
“Besides the burning cedar I mixed in the fire, in hopes of keeping the bugs far away? Probably dinner. Come see.” I pulled open the flap of the tent and then when we stepped through, turned to seal it shut again. Then I gently tugged Charlie to the table and held out his chair for him. Once he was seated, I went about plating our dinner.
I’d pulled out the containers just before I went to wait for him, and even though the sealed Tupperware, the scent of herbs and tomatoes wafted through. Not to mention the garlic bread. When I opened them, the scent grew and my mouth watered. Charlie stared in shock.
“What? How?”
I handed over his plate, the food still warm enough that a hint of steam rose. “Okay, so maybe I did a little recon. A fact-finding mission. Lucky for you, spaghetti Bolognese happens to be one of my very best dishes. Or maybe lucky for me, since I get to impress you with my culinary skills.”
“You made this?” Charlie’s shocked expression was a bit comical, but I didn’t take it personally. I knew I didn’t exactly look like someone who could cook, let alone enjoy it.
“I did. My repertoire in the kitchen might be small, but I am excellent at what I can make.” I sat across from him. Mostly because I knew if I sat next to him, I would want to touch and that wasn’t fair. But also because I wanted to look at his beautiful face. Especially now that he seemed comfortable with me staring for prolonged periods, and I didn’t have to constantly check to make sure I wasn’t being weird or creepy.
“And so humble too.” Charlie’s tone held a hint of laughter.
“Hey. No need to be humble about one of my true gifts, eh? Dig in.” I twirled some pasta on a fork. “And don’t worry about the garlic or other spices. If we get to kisses, we’ll taste the same. And if we don’t, then there’s no problem.”
Charlie’s expression was thoughtful, and maybe something else I couldn’t quite define. I studied him while I chewed, trying to figure it out, but when I couldn’t, I figured I better just ask. I swallowed and wiped my mouth.
“What’re you thinking?”
Charlie’s voice was barely more than a whisper. “You just accept it so easily?”
“Well, sure.” I reached for my water. I’d thought about wine, because it paired well with the meal, but ultimately decided against it. I didn’t want Charlie to get the wrong impression. We could have alcohol another night. “It’s part of you, your needs, why wouldn’t I? Now really, eat before it gets cold.”
I didn’t want him to dwell on it, so I tried to steer things in another direction. Charlie, fortunately, nodded and dug in. He was meticulous as he twirled up the perfect sized bite, unlike me who shoveled in whole mouthfuls, and then lifted it to his lips. I’d never really thought of eating as a sensual thing, but the way he ate was a beautiful thing. Probably because it was Charlie and I was totally smitten, but what could I do?
Charlie’s eyes went wide and he made a happy, little hum. As soon as he chewed and swallowed, he said, “Teague, this is amazing. I’m impressed.”
“Mission accomplished.” I dusted my knuckles on my shirt.
Charlie laughed, and the carefree sound echoed around the clearing. His hand shot out and gripped mine where it lay on the table. I was so shocked by the fact that he initiated touch that I couldn’t move. Not that I wanted to.
He squeezed my fingers quickly before he pulled back. “This is magical, Teague. Thank you.”
And I meant it from the bottom of my heart when I said, “You’re worth it. And you’re welcome.”