Page 16 of One More Time

He replied with a decisive ‘Hmph, just try me.’

Her mother shot him a cautionary look.

‘Don’t worry, I’ll be home on time.’ Grace rolled her eyes, chuckling as she headed toward the front door.

‘Have fun, ‘her mum called out to her, ‘and make sure he deserves that first kiss, won’t you!’

Grace flushed, and was lost for words, given the fact her mother had just said that in front of her father, so she just called back, ‘Love you.’

A combined ‘Love you’ was chorused from the lounge room.

With the thought of kissing Charlie passionately, Grace’s body heated as she stepped onto the front porch. As she slipped her platforms on, the cool evening breeze was a welcome reprieve from the internal blaze kindled constantly by the way he made her feel with a simple touch or a lingering glance. Looking to where Charlie had parked his shiny silver Charger, Grace all but skipped down the pebbled pathway.

‘Hi there, my beautiful lady.’ Charlie met her at the front gate, looking very handsome in his jeans and jumper. ‘You look wow, as usual.’ His gorgeous blue eyes were as wide as saucers.

‘Thank you, Charlie.’ Grace’s already buoyant heart flew higher. ‘And you look mighty dapper, too.’

‘Why, thank you, Miss Denver, I aim to please.’ He flashed her a charming dimple-clad grin then turned and opened the passenger door for her. ‘Your chariot awaits,’ he said cheekily.

She hopped in, and he closed the door behind her, before coming around the front and sliding behind the wheel.

With a distinctive cheeky sideways glance, he revved the engine back to growling life, but did not pull away from the kerb.

‘I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day, Grace.’ He brought his gaze to meet hers and it did not falter. ‘I’ve literally counted down each minute since dropping you home after the beach yesterday.’

‘Me too.’ Her heart pounded as she imagined him leaning in and kissing her for the very first time.

To her dismay, he didn’t. Instead, he offered another of his charming smiles and pulled onto the road, heading toward the drive-in. What was talking him so long? Maybe she needed to make the first move. But she didn’t want to pre-empt him.

Burnt orange embers of the sunset licked the sky as they pulled into the third row back from the giant screen. Although they were a little early, the outdoor theatre was already beginning to fill up.

Jumping out, Charlie took the speaker from the metal pole and hooked it up on the top of the window. Then he dashed around to her side. ‘I’ll go and get us some dinner, before the movie starts.’ He leant his forearms on the sill. ‘What would you like?’

‘I’m not sure.’ Grace pulled the door handle and slipped out. ‘How about I come with you?’

Hand-in-hand, they weaved their way through the parked cars to the concession stand. Grabbing a cheeseburger each, along with some fries, a bucket of popcorn and two chocolate bars, they made their way back and got settled just as the previews started.

An ad for an upcoming romance flick had Grace gushing. ‘Oh Charlie, we have to come and watch this one when it comes out.’

‘I thought you liked scary movies?’ Charlie gave her a little nudge.

‘Yes, I do, but you can’t beat a good love story, too.’ Grace hoped he agreed.

‘If you say so,’ Charlie replied indifferently.

A little taken aback, Grace frowned at him. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

Charlie chuckled. ‘I think they make people believe in a kind of love that doesn’t exist.’ Spotting her dismayed expression, he was quick to add, ‘I mean, come on, Grace. Real love doesn’t prevail over all, not when things get extremely hard. Life just doesn’t work like that.’

‘I firmly disagree.’ Grace instinctively folded her arms. ‘True love can conquer anything, Charlie Wilson.’

‘You really believe that?’

Grace gave him a firm nod. ‘One hundred per cent.’

Charlie offered her a sad smile. ‘I wish I could believe in it like you do, it’s just …’ He trailed off and Grace wondered what he was going to say. Then, swivelling a little in his seat, he took her hands in his and sighed. ‘There’s things you don’t know about me, Grace. Dark things that I’ve buried deep down in my soul from my time in Vietnam. I lost so many of my friends …’ He closed his eyes, and dropped his head. ‘I hope I can keep the shadows tucked away forever, because I’m not sure that if I ever let the darkness out that you would feel the same way about me.’

This wonderful man had fought for their country, and endured so much in doing so. Grace blinked back tears. ‘Oh, Charlie, nothing would ever make me feel less about you.’ She gave his hands a squeeze. ‘If anything, opening up to me and sharing your pain would only make me want to care for you more.’