Page 22 of Merciless

And with her lips sealed to mine, she said, “Don’t worry, Colt. I’ll breathe for the both of us.”

Chapter 14

COLTON

I woke up as if I were in a dream. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so at peace.

My appointment with the Tems’ lawyer was scheduled for late afternoon, so I had the rest of the day to fill. Usually, that would have imbued me with dread, feeling trapped with no exit or escape.

However, any sense of pressure had vanished, replaced by the impression of a certain woman cuddled into my side.

Charlotte stirred, her sleepy brown eyes opening to mine, swallowing me in their creamy depths.

“Morning,” she said, a shy blush staining her cheeks.

“Hi.” How can she be so freaking adorable?

She smirked, unconsciously pressing in closer. “What are your plans for today?”

“Nothing until later.”

“Well, I’m going to visit my mum this morning. They have a post-Thanksgiving lunch at her care home, and I offered to help. You’re welcome to come, but if you—”

I was starving for more of her. Anything she was willing to give. So, I cut her off and said, “I’d love to come with you.”

I soaked in her bright smile and stepped into the morning with renewed optimism.

We showered and shared breakfast together, then jumped in her car, where she gave me the rundown of her past.

Her parents had been involved in a terrible car accident three years before. It was a concoction of icy roads, bad weather and a wrong turn that resulted in her losing her father, and her mother losing the use of her legs due to a spinal cord injury.

The retelling was devastating, yet Charlotte seemed composed, saying she had become accustomed to her new way of living.

“Except for certain times, like you saw last night,” she said, referring to the late-night cemetery visit.

“Someone once told me, ‘Healing is not linear or straightforward.’”

She chuckled. “That person sounds like a genius.”

“Well, she is ancient. Super old. I think she has dementia now.”

She scoffed, shaking her head in amusement.

Annette Chambers, Charlotte’s mother, was a mighty force all on her own. Being confined to a wheelchair didn’t diminish her boisterous nature or sharp wit. I liked her.

Annette had coerced me into pushing her around the beautiful gardens out the back of the facility while her daughter volunteered to help set up for lunch. I didn’t mind, soaking in the fresh air and new company until her voice cut through the ambience.

“What are your intentions with my daughter?” Annette asked, glancing over her shoulder.

“Ahh. Charlotte’s a good friend.”

“Hmm, she must consider you the same, since you’re the first boy she’s introduced to me.”

I smiled. “Honestly, I think she felt sorry for me. I’m alone for the holidays, and Charlotte, being the person that she is, took pity on me.”

Annette soon motioned for a vacant gazebo. I parked her wheelchair looking out at the grounds, as I leant my elbows on the railing beside her to take in the view.

I could sense her eyes drilling into the side of my face, scoping me out. I didn’t mind. There wasn’t much to look at.