Finding Home

“Who’s Brent?” I say with a tight jaw and maybe a little growl. I hang up on him before she even answers my question. I power off her phone and make my way toward her, the need for me to take her even stronger now. I’m sick with jealousy as I wait for her to answer me.

“He’s just someone that interviewed with Mr. Weston. He doesn’t take kindly to hearing the word no so he keeps calling me.”

I’m going to have me a nice long talk with this asshole. It isn’t going to be today, though, because I have more important things to do.

“If he keeps on bothering you, I’ll take care of it.” That must have been the wrong thing to say because Charlotte’s face twists into that pissed-off look. I know that mouth is about to hand me my ass for suggesting she couldn’t handle something.

“I don’t need a man to take care of anything. I’m more than capable of handling him.”

I let out a deep sigh. “Trust me, sugar, I know you are.” I reach out, running my finger down her soft cheek. “I never thought you couldn’t handle anything thrown your way.” I step in to her. “Maybe I just want to. Not because I don’t think you can but because I want to be your man. I could have taken care of my hand but I enjoyed having you do it for me. Wouldn’t you enjoy someone taking care of you for a change?”

“It sounds nice.” There is a wistfulness to her words but I can hear the “but” coming. “I don’t let myself count on things I can’t control. You could be here today and gone tomorrow.” She shrugs.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m a man of my word.”

“And what word is it you’re giving me?”

“That I want you. I think that’s clear. I don’t think I’m the only one.” My mind thinks back to the man on the phone. “You got someone back home?”

“You got someone here?” She does that sexy thing where she pops out her hip, placing her hand on it.

“Standing right in front of me.”

Her mouth fights a smile. “Men always want something for right now. I wish I could be a right-now kind of girl.” She sighs. Her eyes roam over me. I know she wants me. The heat is in her gaze but I know she’s scared of getting hurt. I saw that in her eyes when she had it in that pretty head of hers that I had a thing for Delilah. I need to reassure her. Let her know I’m the staying kind.

“I won’t hurt you,” I vow. Her eyes lock with mine.

“Promise me.” Her words come out whisper soft. They’re laced with vulnerability.

“I promise.” I lean down, kissing her. I make it faster than I want to. “Go finish your shower.” I step back from her. This isn’t only about sex. I want to prove that to her. “I’ll make us something to eat.”

“Mm-kay.” She nods before she smiles at me. I can feel her trust. Another reason I know we’re so connected. I swear I can sense her at times. I watch her turn, heading back to our bedroom. Either she hasn’t picked up on me calling it our bedroom or she likes that I keep calling it that.

I turn toward the kitchen, thankful I paid attention when my mom was cooking. I am going to feed my woman. Then I am going to work on making her fall in love with me. God knows I already love her.

9

Charlotte

I stand in the shower letting the warm water beat down on my skin. I can’t stop smiling thinking of how this night is turning out. The unfounded anger I had toward Colt subsided as soon as he admitted that he wasn’t with anyone and that he wasn’t in love with Delilah. I’d gotten the wrong impression when it came to their relationship. You know what they say about people who assume things. That’s how I feel right now. It has never felt so good to be wrong about something before. Maybe that has something to do with Colt not being smug about it. He didn’t gloat. More than anything he wanted it straightened out so I understood.

Once Colt had uttered the words that Delilah was like a sister to him, it was as if a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. One that I didn’t even know I was carrying. I’m not sure what this means for us but I know that I want to find out. There is something about him that makes me want to give this a chance.

I finish my shower, making sure I take extra care. A girl never knows what’s going to happen so it’s best to be prepared. I always am. I towel off my hair before finding something to wear. I wish I’d packed more but I’ll make do.