Chasing Love (Dark Love 1)

“Oh, look who’s back, big-shot Edwards. How’s medical life treating you? I heard Daddy pulled some nice strings so you could intern at the hospital?” he mocked.

I was ready to punch his fucking face when she stood in front of me with her hands on my chest. “Let it go, Alex.”

Carter laughed, then I looked up and saw Charlotte turn around and punch him directly in the nose. He shrieked like a fucking schoolgirl. “What the fuck did you do that for?”

Charlie bent over, her fist clenched, the pain visible on her face. “Don’t ever talk shit about any of my friends. You understand?”

I examined her swollen hand, her knuckles red raw. Damn, what a punch. We left Carter standing in the den, wiping the blood from his nose.

Back in the kitchen, I made her sit down as I searched the freezer for that bag of peas. Placing it on her hand, I let the bag reduce the swelling, so I could examine it further.

“Sorry, this will hurt but just for a second. I need to make sure it isn’t broken.”

I opened her palm and laid it flat in mine. She could move her fingers slowly, so I knew it wasn’t broken. It didn’t stop her from moaning as the pain increased.

“Not broken, but it will bruise. Do you normally punch people who talk shit about your friends?”

“He had it coming, that jerk,” she growled, followed by a sharp cry as she moved her hand.

“Oh Charlotte, poor baby,” I whispered, running my fingers along hers.

I wanted to kiss her, take her home, and remove the pain she was feeling. She looked into my eyes, and her cheeks turned pink.

“Oh my God, Char, what happened?” Adriana stumbled into the room, almost tripping.

Jesus Christ, she’s wasted. Mom was going to hang me out by my balls for this. I didn’t even want to think about what Dad would say.

I backed away from Charlotte. Adriana was too drunk to notice, anyway. She explained what happened which was pointless because Adriana would remember nothing in the morning. I decided to find Sammy. It was time to go home. I was physically and mentally exhausted.

“Oh, here he is, my hot-as-fuck husband, Dr. Edwards. Well, not yet, but soon I can say Dr. Edwards to anyone I want,” she slurred.

“Sammy, I think it’s time to go.”

It was well after midnight, and the party had dwindled. The guy she was chatting with decided to leave as well as the remaining partygoers. The music finally stopped, and the DJ packed up his equipment.

“I’ve got it from here, Alex. Why don’t you take Sammy home?” Elijah suggested.

“Where are Adriana and Charlotte? I should probably say goodbye.”

“Charlie took Adriana upstairs where she’s passed out on her bed.”

“Thanks, Elijah. I’ll be back around seven to help clean up.” I shook his hand before turning around to find Sammy passed out on the couch. She remained asleep the entire way home and still hadn’t woken up when I put her in our bed. She snored so loud I knew I had no chance in hell of sleeping, but at least I avoided that shower she was planning.

I grabbed a spare blanket and settled on the couch. My phone lay beside me. Should I? It was two o’clock. She was probably asleep, but I texted her anyway.

Me: I’m guessing you’re asleep. I’m sorry I lied that I was sorry.

Only a moment later, my phone buzzed. I smiled, taking a deep breath praying she wasn’t agreeing with me.

Charlotte: I’m awake. I obviously didn’t drink enough vodka. You can be sorry, it’s ok. I understand, Alex.

I typed a message back quickly, not holding back my thoughts.

Me: But I’m not, that’s the thing. I didn’t mean to say it. I wanted that to happen. I’ve wanted it for a while.

Within seconds, she’d responded.

I paused, thinking about the obvious—my marriage.