Will and I are spending more time together. Before or after work, depending on my schedule, we'll have breakfast, lunch, or dinner together, and maybe get in a decent workout. I'm pushing my body and toning to maintain my curves and shape. I'm happy with how I look, but it's always good to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
My smile fades when I walk inside and I mentally kiss my relaxation idea goodbye when I see Troy and Will standing in the kitchen drinking beer and watching whatever game is on TV.
Why does he have to be here?
Since our hike a few days ago things are okay between us again. This whole work in progress to be friends again, and hopefully together like we should be, is getting annoying. I glare at Troy as I put down my bag. He gives me a smirk and holds my gaze. Of course Will is oblivious, and when he gets a phone call and steps outside, Troy corners me in the kitchen, not saying a word, but saying so much with how he's looking at me. The way his eyes rake over my face and settle on my lips. The hunger in his eyes, as if I'm the only woman he sees. Gah . . . he makes my heart race with one look. The immediate wetness between my legs says hello.
"Hello, sweet girl."
"Hi," I find my voice and try my hardest to stay focused and not sound like a teeny-bopper fangirling over her middle school crush. Keep it cool, Charlotte.
"How was work today?"
"Fine."
"Just fine?"
"Yes." What game is he playing? "What do you need, Troy?"
He smirks, and my panties run away. Fuck, I hate this possession he has over me. "That little statement," he leans in closer and whispers in my ear. "About not having an orgasm in a while isn't sitting well with me."
"Oh," I push back a little, already missing how close his lips were to me. "Well, you shouldn't worry about my orgasms, sweetie, because this morning I took care of that."
"Maybe you think that." He lowers his lips to mine. Oh my God, he smells delicious. I want to throw him on the kitchen island, straddle him and ride his cock until my body is sent to euphoria. "You haven't experienced me yet. Once you do, I promise you'll get addicted and will only be able to come when it's with me."
"Time and place," I smirk. I know he's trying to push me and get under my skin.
He shrugs and pulls away before answering. Something strange inside me snaps and I'm overly annoyed about his stupid game. Rushing out of the kitchen, I head upstairs to change into my bikini and sunglasses. Pulling my long hair into a ponytail I head back downstairs, through the kitchen, making sure to not make eye contact with asshole, and relax outside.
"You'll burn that creamy skin of yours." I look up through my sunglasses to Troy towering over me. There's no smile on his face. Before I can say anything, he walks inside.
This isn't the Troy I fell in love with. He rarely smiles and everything seemed more scheduled and calculated than spur of the moment. The light in his eyes is dark with mystery and hurt. In those depths I can tell there's way more than what he's saying. When he looks at me, there are layers hiding what he's feeling and thinking. I want to peel back each layer and show him there's more to life than being the way he is now.
"Charlotte." I look and see him again. In his hands is a bottle of sunscreen and I roll my eyes. "Put this on."
"No. I want to tan."
"You'll burn."
"Yeah, okay. Unlikely."
"Put it on." Taking off my sunglasses I realize he's not requesting me to put on sunscreen.
He's demanding I do it.
Simply ignoring him again, I put on my sunglasses and take a sip of my vodka cranberry drink.
"I don't like you out here without any protection. Let me help you protect that perfect skin of yours," he whispers in my ear, causing shivers to run down my body, and I'm pretty sure my eyes were closed the whole time his lips were near my ear. Inhaling sharply, I steadily take the sunscreen bottle and pour some in my hands.
"I need help with my back."
Turning over so my back is facing him, I hear him shuffle, and soon his hands are gently touching me. His touch feels amazing. I relax with each rub of his hands over my shoulders, down my back, and right above my ass.
"My house is quiet without you there." Leaving his hand on that part of my back I lean into his touch and he doesn't pull away. "I miss coming home and watching you sing and dance in my living room."
"I was only there for a night," my voice is hardly a whisper. I'm not sure where this conversation's going.
"I know." His hands rub my shoulders a little harder and it feels so good. Little moans escape my lips and suddenly he stops. "As much as I love having you back here, being with your brother is safe." I don't respond. "You know why, don't you?" I don't move. His hands on me and the images going on in my head are killing my focus. I swear this fantasy is like a never ending porno video starring Troy and me. "I need you safe. I need you to stay away from me. Any time we're close, knowing how my touch affects you is . . . is driving me crazy. I'm doing the best I can, so you need to do the same."
What the what? I have no idea what he's saying.
"I don't want to stay away." Before I can turn around I see him rushing into the house and not turning back to see me. My body is still tingling from his presence. My body is craving him and I want more of that, especially what's going on in my head. His lips are touching my skin and we're connected as one.
When Troy's inside with Will I take out my phone and text Jessica.
Jessica: Whoa . . . Intense.
Me: Right? It's annoying . . . I know Will won't be happy if I talk to him, and I can't just yet. Troy and I need to work on us before even getting Will involve.
Jessica: You'll figure it out . . . Trust me. Just be patient and remember how much you love him.
Me: Yeah . . . I know.
Closing my eyes for a moment I relish the way my skin feels. I imagine we're sitting together and he's whispering how much he loves me. I wish our lives could be simple. I wish I had the strength to talk to Will.
"One day," I whisper to myself.
Chapter 11
Troy
Getting into my car, I speed home to get work done. It's going to be a long day and I need to stay busy without letting myself think about Charlotte. Things are okay for the most part. She has no idea of the damage she left behind and I don't intend on telling her. Opening those wounds will make it feel raw again. This should be enough for me to not want her. To not crave her. To not let her in my dreams so that I'm not constantly waking up to find my hand wrapped around my cock to find a release. Only there's a problem I can't seem to solve.
Charlotte Maxey owns me.
Cursing under my breath, I make it home and lock myself in my office. Logging onto my computer, I read a few emails and try to stay focused with work and what needs to get done. Believe me, I need to get her out of my head. Only the nagging feeling and poking won't allow me to forget the unanswered questions constantly repeating in my head. With Charlotte, taking chances is similar to leaping into a pit of fire and hoping to come out unburned. In her mind she's doing what she needs to do to keep the relationship with Will steady and without any drama. I didn't fight for her then and I don't plan on fighting for her now.
When she was living in Michigan it was easy to forget her and not wonder what she was doing. Everything was easy because I wasn't reminded of her.
Now she's here.
In my town.
In my space.
Fuck.
A Skype request comes in and finally I can focus on my clients.
"Hey coach," Sarah smiles. "I'm down ten pounds!"
"Hey girl. Nice, that's awesome. I'm proud of you. How are you feeling?"
"Really good," she smiles again. "I have so much more energy and I can finally run a mile without wanting to die." I laugh and listen more to what she's saying.
An hour passes before another Skype call comes in and soon I've talked to five more clients before having to go back and readjust some plans. I love what I do. I love helping people and getting them to where they want to be. Seeing the look of accomplishment always wins out. There are days I want to quit because of the stress and high need for my assistance, but then I talk to my clients and remember why I'm their coach and why I love helping them.
Logging off the computer, I grab my files and call it a day. Everything was going great until a message from Jason popped up on my phone telling me how thankful he is of Charlotte and how great she is. She's working hard at Exhale Spa and I couldn't be happier for her. A giant grin is plastered on my face when I read the text from Jason telling me she's the best manager they've had and it's only been a little less than two weeks. She's tough, and when she puts her head to something, the girl is relentless and won't give up. The sudden smile on my face leaves. I shouldn't be happy or think about how well she's doing. I did what I did, got her a job, and that's the end of it. There's nothing more I want to do or be involved with.