Page 82 of Check You Out

“Do you think she knows that we reported her fiancé for hiring her stepbrother?” she asks once we’re outside of the library and walking down the stairs to Main Street and the bookstore. Her arm is hooked through mine. “I mean, our tip was anonymous, so there’s no way she should know, but then again, maybe she found out?”

I swallow. “Possibly. She knows something is up, but remember our names aren’t even on the tip. To her, it could be anyone in a town this small.” We reach Main Street and walk into the glow of the streetlights. “It’s likely she assumed that we are involved, but she doesn’t have proof.”

Charlotte lets out a sigh. “I suppose. I still think we did the right thing.”

I nod. “Agreed.” We cross Main Street, and she unlocks the front door of the bookstore. We walk in and I settle into one of the comfy chairs in the middle of the store, while Charlotte walks over to the register. This is my favorite spot. Or maybe it’s the little cozy bench in the back? Or the office? “Do you think she was planning on doing something to us?”

Charlotte lifts a shoulder. “Whatever she was thinking, I think she chickened out.” She begins tapping away at the keyboard.

“I don’t think Bridgett expected to find that many people at the meeting.” I let out a chuckle. We descend into silence as she works while I watch her. I study the set of her jaw and the knit in between her eyebrows as she concentrates. At one point, she pushes a lock of hair beyond her ear and adjusts her shirt.

Fuck she’s beautiful.

I shove my hands in my pockets, trying to hide the erection forming.

I’m certain I’m in love with Charlotte and I’m so close to sharing that with her. I want to tell her, but my anxiety is holding me back. Sometimes, I don’t believe that this is happening and that I’m together with Charlotte. Every day with her has been special and wonderful with all the joy she brings, whether that’s watching her work, or just the things she notices. She’s pointed out so many birds that have flown by the windows or lingered in the flowerpots along Main Street. We’ve seen Cardinals, Blue Jays, Robins, and even an Oriole just in the last few days. I’ve never seen an Oriole, except at Camden Yards.

Charlotte glances up from her computer and her brows knit. “What are you looking at?”

Smiling, I reply, “You. Is that ok?”

She saunters over, her hips swaying seductively. “I mean, as long as you’re not planning my demise or something nefarious.”

One of my eyebrows raise, and I adjust my glasses. “I can plan something nice if you wish.” I open my arms and gesture for her to sit in my lap. She nestles her body in the seat, with her thighs draping over one of the arms. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her closer, while she snakes her arms around my shoulders. My free hand rests on her thigh, my thumb brushes against the skin.

Charlotte peers down at me. “Hi,” she whispers.

“Hi.”

She chews on her lower lip. “So, what are you thinking about?”

I nibble on the delicate skin between her neck and shoulder. “I told you, ‘You.’”

She leans back. “What specifically though?”

Pulling her closer with my arm, I resume my kisses. “How amazing you are. How smart. How beautiful. Especially from this angle.”

She places her lips on my forehead. “You’re amazing too.”

“Even with my anxiety?” I ask, letting my insecurities bubble to the surface.

Charlotte ducks her head and kisses my nose. “Even with the anxiety.”

I close my eyes and smile, breathing in the scent of lavender and vanilla.

She ducks her head and her lips brush against mine. Sparks dance across my skin. “Shall we go upstairs?”

“Yes,” I murmur and snake my arm farther up her back to let my hand rest against her neck. I pull her closer, and our mouths meet, heat surging through me. After a few moments, she twists out of the embrace and pulls me into her apartment.

35

Charlotte

1 Day Until the Council Meeting

The bell above the door twinkles, but I don’t look up. This financial report for my accountant isn’t going to format itself.

I should’ve worked on it last week, but I’ve been distracted. Very distracted. It’s not my fault. Aidan is just too kissable, with his gorgeous face and those perfect lips of his. I’ve loved having him here helping me with the store. While he has been very encouraging and a huge help, it’s extremely hard to concentrate when he’s sitting in the corner reading his book looking like the perfect snack, wearing his slutty little glasses. I had to send him out this morning because I couldn’t keep my hands off him. He reluctantly went with a sad puppy dog face that matched Lloyd’s and a promise to bring me a London Fog.