And I only have one option…which might be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done. Then again, I’ve based most of my adult life on what I should do. What’s right and what makes sense. Todd was a Vivian Kensington while Owen was an Elle Woods, and given that we were both lawyers, it seemed fitting. It was logical. Rational, even.
Maybe it’s time I throw logic out the window and trust my instincts…and leap.Chapter 12Owen“Rumor has it you haven’t taken anyone home with you in over a week.” Logan unlocks the office door and looks at me over his shoulder. We just got to Getaway and are getting ready to open for the day.
“What, you’re keeping tabs on my sex life now?”
“Someone has to. You certainly aren’t.”
“I lost count years ago.”
Logan rolls his eyes and pulls out the desk chair, sitting in front of the computer. “I’m sure your lack of fucking has nothing to do with Charlie being back in town.”
“Why would it?”
“Because you want to fuck her.”
“Of course I want to fuck her,” I shoot back. “Have you seen her?”
“She’s more than a piece of ass to you.”
I make a big deal out of checking the schedule hanging on the wall, even though I know it. Charlie is more than a piece of ass. She’s always been, and she always will be. I’d do anything to get her back. And fuck…that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
“You’re right,” I tell Logan, who looks surprised by my confession. “I do want to fuck her, but I want more. She’s single now and doesn’t seem too torn up over her ex. I’m going to make her fall in love with me again. Next time I see her, I’m sweeping her off her goddamn feet.”
“Easy tiger. That’s not exactly something you can do in a day.”
“Have you seen me? Shit, you do every time you look in the mirror. Well, the slightly less attractive version of me, that is.”
Logan chuckles, and I half expect him to drop some line about how I use humor to deflect my feelings, but he’s extra perceptive today and keeps his mouth shut. Leaving the office, I go to the bar, pour myself a shot of whiskey and start setting up to open.
I ended our relationship because we wanted different things. She wanted someone ready to settle down. Someone more responsible and mature than recent-college grad-Owen. And I’ll be the first to admit I was a little shithead back then. I might still be, but I’m a changed man.
And I’m going to prove that to her, no matter what it takes.
Setting the last chair up, I go into the kitchen, make sure everything is good to go, and then unlock the door and flick on the neon open sign. It’s Friday, and we’re always busy on the weekends, even for lunch.
Never in a million years did I think Getaway could have grown into something this big, and Logan and I were tossing around the idea of building an addition not that long ago. Opening for lunch and dinner was a genius idea, and while I didn’t like working all those extra hours at first, it’s more than paid off. We still serve drinks, but this place is family-friendly during daytime hours.
We’re packed, with people waiting for a table by the time seven o’clock rolls around. Logan left to help Danielle close down the bakery, and I’ve been ready to leave and hand the place over to Barry, one of the bartenders, but have stayed to help get through the rush.
And it’s a good thing, because she walks in, and I swear the whole place goes silent for a moment, like the building holds its breath as she walks through the doors. Charlie makes a beeline to the bar, snagging a stool.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist me for long,” I tell her, reaching for a wine glass.
“No thanks,” she says, shaking her head at the wine glass. “I don’t want anything to drink today.”
“Oh, right. I forgot how alcohol makes you frisky.”
She lets out a heavy sigh. “This was a mistake.”
“What was?” I rest my hand on hers. She drops her gaze to it, and I feel her fingers slightly tremble before she jerks her hand back.
“You know what? The closer I get to saying it, the crazier it sounds.” Her eyes fall shut, and she shakes her head at herself. “I need to talk to Jolene. She’d tell it to me straight.”
“Who’s Jolene?”
“A homeless lady who lives in Central Park.” Her brows pinch together. “I hope she’s okay.”
I cock an eyebrow. “What the hell are you getting at?”
“Nothing. Forget it.”
“For a second there, I thought you were coming in to tell me you want to take me up on my offer.”
Charlie’s face doesn’t waver. “Your offer?”