I gasped when August swung me into his chest and tangled his hands in my hair before holding my gaze and leaning closer. Just when I thought he was going to kiss me full on, he turned slightly and kissed the other corner of my mouth. I felt a brush of tongue and saw him wink at me before backing away.
“Looks like you’re the lucky one, Charlie.”
Charlie took my hand and nodded. “Thank god for my day off.”
Even though I was there as it happened, I was somehow still surprised when I found myself walking alone with Charlie, grabbing a picnic lunch from Sophie’s, and letting him talk me into taking a hike with him. I had things to do, pies to bake, work to get ready for, but the trail Charlie showed me was one I’d never taken. The picnic area we stopped at was beautiful.
I lost track of time as I enjoyed the hot summer sun and Charlie’s playful side. He told me stories about his time playing football and I filled him in on my time at college. We laughed, and it was fun, hanging out like old friends. Charlie even kept his hands to himself most of the time. The most he did was hold my hand and it gave me butterflies each time.
When we grew hungry again, we grabbed burgers from Landings and sat on the hood of my car in the city hall parking lot. We were the only ones there and despite the activity of town just a street away, our little space felt secluded and secretive. The sun set while we each shared stories about Russ that would’ve embarrassed him to no end.
My heart felt full in a way that only came after spending a day having fun. I couldn’t stop smiling as I talked animatedly about my first time flambéing something. Charlie leaned in, his dimples so deep as he laughed. It was light and innocent, but it didn’t feel that way when a truck pulled up beside us and I looked over to see Russ getting out.
“What the fuck are you two doing? I’ve been trying to call you for hours, Reagan!”
I patted my pockets, unsure of where my phone was. “I’m—”
“She got lost hiking one of the new trails around Bray Canyon. Thankfully, I was up there today. I found her and walked her back here. She’s okay, though.” Charlie lied while refusing to look at me. “As for her phone, I don’t have an answer for that one.”
Anger and hurt hit me. We hadn’t done anything wrong. We’d just been friends that day, but apparently, Charlie didn’t even want to admit that. I scooted off the car and grabbed my trash. “Thankfully, he fed me, too, because I was too stupid to take food with me on my hike today. You know how I am.”
Russ frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hiking? You could’ve gotten hurt, Reagan.”
I gestured towards Charlie without looking back at him. “Your buddy saved the day. Don’t worry. I learned my lesson. I won’t be hiking again.”
Russ sighed and ruffled my hair. “Good. You worried me. Thanks, Charlie. I owe you one, man.”
I couldn’t believe how easily he could pretend like I was nothing but an idiot he’d needed to rescue. I wanted to punch him in the dick more than anything. “I should get home.”
Charlie cleared his throat from behind me. “Goodnight, Reagan. Be careful next time.”
I tried not to yank my car door open. “Don’t worry! There won’t be a next time. See you at home, Russ.”
He nodded and looked over at Charlie. “Hey, I wanted to talk to you about us heading to the lake house in a couple of weeks.”
I didn’t hear anything else they said because I started my car and cranked my radio up, desperate to block out Charlie’s voice. It was either that or run him over. I left the parking lot but I didn’t head home. I was too angry to just settle in my basement hole.
Maybe subconsciously, I knew where I was going. Consciously, I was still shocked when blue lights flicked on behind me.