41. Charli
CHARLI
Seascape has been super busy with the Boat Show happening in nearby Port City. We’ve had an overflow of tourists who want to chill here for part of the day.
After closing one day, Oliver and I meet with Ian online about finalizing the paperwork for him to become co-owner of The Sweet Spot.
It feels right to be in business with my best friend.
We’re both comfortable and with a new influx of cash, we’ll have so many more opportunities for growth.
Plus, Oliver worked just as hard as me, day in and day out to make the shop successful.
I don’t feel like I’m giving up part of my business.
Instead, it feels like a weight has been lifted, giving me freedom to not be in Seascape every day of my life.
Oliver believes in the company as much as I do, and he put his money into the accounts to prove it.
Tonight, Gage and I are finally taking the ferry launch to Port City for dinner, after it’s been put off for so long.
I ordered some new lingerie that I think Gage will like, and I feel sexy in it.
I’m going to surprise him when we come home.
Even though technically it is my place, it has been our home together.
I take a hot shower, and apply my lotion and a dab of perfume before slipping into the lingerie.
I snap a couple of selfies in the black silk corseted bustier with a matching panty to text him later.
I do a front view and one from behind in my mirror, with my whole ass out before I do my makeup and style my hair.
My boobs will be on display tonight in dark green dress with a v-neck and a cut out in the back.
I slip on brown leather sandals, add some gold jewelry, and grab a cardigan in case the boat ride is chilly then meet him at the pier.
Sam sends a message in the group chat.
Sam: Hello?
Andi: Leave her alone. She’s in love again and having tons of sex.
Sam: What’s new?
Me: I’m good. Becoming business partners with Oliver. Got my hair done. Having multiple orgasms on the regular. Going to Iceland next month. On my way to dinner with my baby.
Sam: FULL REPORT on Labor Day.
Andi: Love you!!!
The night is clear and we’re in the golden hour of the day, with light beams flicking on the bay, giving everything a warm glow.
Just like the way I feel in my heart having a date night with Gage.
Taking the ferry to Port City is something I’ve done a million times, but it’s different tonight, riding it with my new boyfriend. I can’t help but smile at the thought.
Gage is waiting for me in jeans and a white button-down short sleeve shirt.
His hair is pulled back and he looks so yummy.
I give up on surprises, texting him the front view pic of my new lingerie while I grab my bag from the Jeep.
I see him check his phone while I approach and then his eyes darken when he looks at me.
I kiss him hello. “Hey, baby, you ready?”
He circles my waist and pulls me into him. God, he’s strong. His arms hold me to him even though I press my hands against his hard chest. “Is that what you’re wearing underneath this dress?” he practically growls into my ear. One hand drifts lower to pinch my ass.
“Yes, it’s new. Do you like it?” I squeak.
He scans my face and settles on my chest. Lifting his hand, he pulls aside the strap of my dress, exposing a thin black strap. “How do you expect me to ride the launch, eat dinner, ride the boat back, and wait to get you into bed while you have this underneath your clothes?”
I bat my eyes at him. “You’re the one who wanted to go out tonight.” I lick my lips. “I think you like my teasing.”
He crushes his mouth to mine for a steamy kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck and push my chest into his. A horn beeps and we separate. He curses and pulls back. “That’s the ferry. Let’s go.”
After grabbing my hand, we walk down the gangway, metal clanging as our steps shake it. There are already a few other couples on the boat, so we sit close together under the awning since the boat is crowded. Gage wraps his arm around me and his fresh cedarwood scent surrounds me.
He leans into me. “Your ass is going to be red from the spanking you’re going to get for teasing me.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, getting turned on. “Will you rub it after?”
He lets out a short breath. “Fuck.”
I cross and uncross my legs on the bench, my core throbbing as he brings his arm around my waist.
“Don’t make a mess on your new dress,” he hisses in my ear.
I grip his thigh and inch my hand up higher until I nudge his semi-hard cock. His fingers dig into my side.
“You’ll like how wet I am when I ride your face later.”
He clears his throat uncomfortably. “I’ll love it when you soak my tongue. Then I’ll let you suck my cock with that pretty mouth of yours.”
“Will you fuck me too?” I ask breathlessly.
“Of course. I’ll bend you over so I can watch you take my cock.” He runs his hand up my back, sliding his fingers into my hair. “You do it so well.”
I try not to blush in front of strangers but it’s difficult not to. We behave until it’s our stop.
It seems like everyone is on date night. It's a short ride to Port City Pier. The harbor is much larger than in Seascape. Sailboats are out for evening sails and people on party boats blast music. The wind has died down for the night and it should be a smooth ride back later.
We arrive early enough that we have time to stroll around before our reservation at Sushi and Sake.
It’s packed over here, since the Boat Show is running and has drawn crowds.
Gage leads us through the crowd on the sidewalk, his height making it easier for him to navigate.
Walking hand in hand, we turn a corner on our way to the restaurant.
I lift my eyes to see Tyler and a woman walking toward us.
I stiffen and Gage glances at me before looking up.
He leans to me and whispers, “What do you want to do?”
I swallow hard and reply, “Let’s just say hi and get it over with.” Nerves make my belly hollow out in awkward anticipation.
“Okay, you lead the way.”
In seconds we’re face to face with my ex and his perfect looking date. They must have been at the Boat Show. Tyler looks the same as always. Squeezing Gage’s hand, I take a deep, calming breath.
My eyes flick to the woman on his arm. She’s heavily styled, in a dress and heels with a resting bitch face to match. We stop in front of each other. Gage keeps his hand on my back and pulls me closer. Other people brush past us on the sidewalk.
Tyler and Gage face each other, and I’m eye to forehead with her. My ex lifts his sunglasses and rests them on his head. “Charli, this is Kate, my girlfriend.”
The familiarity of his voice reminds me of when he would drone on about himself. After a brief pause, Gage rubs my side. I smile at her and say, “Charli O’Brien, nice to meet you.” Her face cracks and she gives me a tight smile and nod. “Tyler, Kate, this is Gage, my boyfriend.”
Gage puts his hand out to Tyler and they shake. “Nice to meet you too.”
Realization dawns on me that I don’t miss Tyler and I don’t miss the person I was when we were together. I was a fixture in his life, and maybe this new woman is too. That’s not me anymore.
We stand there awkwardly for another few seconds before I break the tension. “We just took the ferry launch over to go out to eat.”
Tyler clears his throat. “Right, we went to the Boat Show and got dinner afterwards too.”
A few more seconds of unbearable silence pass.
“You’re running a boat here, right?” Tyler asks Gage.
Uhg. He’s been keeping tabs on me. It’s possible that he’s upset that I moved on so quickly when I told him I wanted to work on myself.
“Yeah, I’m here for the summer with my uncle’s charter sailboat.” Gage squeezes my hand in his.
“Huh, just the summer?” Tyler glances at me, but I keep a blank expression on my face.
Kate sighs and looks at Tyler. She’s getting bored and it's like we’re in a cringey tv show.
Gage’s hand finds my hip. “Yeah, then I’ll head south.”
“Where to?”
I watch them as Tyler continues to interrogate Gage. He’s completely unaware that we’re all uncomfortable in this situation. Yet, he’s pushing ahead with his own agenda. How did I put up with it for so long?
“The Virgin Islands.”
Tyler turns to me, his eyebrows knitted together. “Huh?”
Fuck, Tyler.
You have no right to ask me anything. We’re done. Is he trying to get to me? I shift stiffly. I’ve had enough of this.
Gage moves us aside and says, “Well, we need to get going. Enjoy your night.”
Relief floods my body as we separate from them.
“See you later.” Kate gives us a fake smile as Tyler drags her away down the street.
I hang onto Gage, as we walk up the street in silence while they go in the opposite direction. The restaurant awning comes into view as people filter in and out. I pause at the glass door and look down the street to see them gone.
Letting out a breath, I gaze up into Gage’s eyes. He brushes the hair back from my face and cradles my chin. “Are you okay? It seemed like you were?—”
I sigh. “Yeah, I’m fine. I figured that we would run into him at some point.” Looking into his dark eyes I feel so cared for. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” He crooks his mouth to the side. “Do you still want to eat? We can just go home.”
I press my hands to his solid chest. “No, I want to have fun tonight. We’re together now.” I bite my lip.
He holds my eyes. He’s serious, but there’s a softness to his gaze. “I’m glad that he knows you’re mine now.”
Happiness floods my body, tightening in my chest. Gage takes up more space in my heart in the short time we’ve been together than my ex ever did. I so wish we were alone right now.
“I am too.” I circle my arms around his neck and tilt my face to him.
Our lips meet and he presses his hands to my back until we’re flush against each other.
Everything's in slow motion. The people and noises from the street fade away. It’s just the two of us here, having a moment. My heart is fluttering.
Once we get settled at our table, I feel more relaxed and put thoughts of Tyler and his girlfriend out of my mind.
I don’t know if my ex was trying to get to me, but I’ve both moved on.
I have no regrets about being with Gage now.
Honestly, this new relationship is so much stronger than mine ever was with Tyler.
Gage and I spend quality time together and he supports and encourages me.
The way we connect physically is amazing. We’re completely open and honest with each other in bed. I think he’s ruined me for anyone else.
Even though I was apprehensive to start something with him, I don’t have any regrets. I only wish he would talk to me more about his feelings and his plans for the future of our relationship.
We enjoy our meal and I check my phone while I wait at the table when he’s in the bathroom.
I forgot about those pictures I took and send him the second one of the back of my lingerie.
There’s fire in his eyes when he returns to the booth and he doesn’t even sit back down, but only says, “Let’s get the hell out of here. ”
The humid air hits my face when we step outside. The streetlights illuminate the sidewalk as we return to the wharf. His hand slides down my side to my cheek and he palms it before giving a hard squeeze.
I flinch and take a sharp breath in, as he leans into my ear. “I think that you're torturing me on purpose.”
“Do you want me to stop?” I ask coyly.
“Fucking hell.” He grabs my hand as we stride down the street. “I’m crazy for you right now. Now we have that long ass ferry ride back. I don’t think you know how you make me feel.”
“When we get back, I’m yours all night.”
“You’ll be begging me to let you come,” he says, his voice low.
“Baby, you always know what I want.” The pier comes into view as we round the corner. “I thought that you might like those pictures of me. They're just for you.”
He stops and pulls me into his arms, holding me to his body possessively.
His biceps tighten around me and his breath is hot on my skin.
“I do. You’re so sexy in those pictures.
I love that you got a new outfit for tonight.
I know you’re mine in real life, not a picture to look at on my phone. But I need you right now.”
I shiver at his words. An hour later we’re spread across my bed, our clothes in a heap on the floor. I’m content and happy in his arms.
Earlier this summer, I was just a shell of who I am now.
It feels like I’m becoming my authentic self.
I can express myself with Gage without a fear of judgment.
And he really listens to me. We show each other respect and there’s give and take between us.
He knows what I need from a partner. I’m a new person with him.