She actually had been in the shower longer than she had wanted to. Before even getting dressed she walked over and checked her cell phone. Damn it. There was a missed call from Seth, but no voicemail. Hitting return call she held her breath waiting for him to answer.
“Hello,” his voice sounded like an echo.
He’s home?She opened the bedroom door and found him standing in the living room with Sal, Connor and one of the Hendersons, but she couldn’t recall which one. It didn’t matter right now. She rushed right over to where they stood talking and threw her arms around Seth, squeezing him tightly. Then she stepped back to look him over. He looked just as he had when he’d left that morning.
“Seth, you’re okay. God, I’ve been so worried. Please tell me, what happened.” Charlene blurted out, her hand still on his arm, not yet willing to break contact with him. If she had her way, she wouldn’t let him go at all.
Seth looked at her and said, “Charlene, please go back in your room. We can talk about it later.”
Later? It was bad enough that she had to wait this long. She dropped her hand to her side, half hurt, and said, “Just because I’m a woman, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be able to hear what transpired. I’m not a child. And besides, it was me Mr. Sheen had threatened after all,” she huffed. “You said to trust you. I did. Now you should trust me enough to tell me what happened.”
Sal grinned and Connor cleared his throat. Seth shook his head and said, “Charlene, I do trust you. I just don’t trust that towel.”
“What?” Towel? She looked down at herself and swore she blushed from head to toe. “Oh my God!” Charlene ran barefoot back into the bedroom and slammed the door behind her. She was so embarrassed.
Charlene grabbed some clothes off the pile that was on the bed. She didn’t even bother looking to see if they matched. Bra, panties, sweater and jeans. The necessities were there. Then she slowly opened the door again, this time, walked casually back to the men who were still talking.
“Better,” Seth said, giving her a wink.
Charlene blushed again, and ignored his comment. “I’m glad to see you’re back in one piece.”
“Me too?” Sal asked teasingly. She shot a warning look and he raised his hands adding, “Okay, I got it. Not the time to joke.” Then he turned to Seth and said, “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Seth nodded. “Thanks again Sal.”
“That’s what you pay me for,” Sal replied. “Connor, it looks like you’re free to go as well.”
He nodded. “Miss Kittredge, you take care of yourself.”
“Thank you for…listening to me,” Charlene said. Really it was more like putting up with her. Hopefully Connor wasn’t going to tell Sal what a pain in the ass she had been.
“My pleasure.” Then Connor turned and asked, “Dean, do you need a lift to the airport?”
Dean shook his head. “I’m actually going to stay the night in the city. But I’ll take a ride to the hotel if you don’t mind. Besides, Sal mentioned to me you might be looking for work. Bennett was talking about bringing someone else on.”
“Then we can discuss it on the way,” Connor said as he and Dean left. Sal followed them out.
Charlene couldn’t believe how quiet it was with just the two of them there. “I’m…I’m sorry about earlier. When I heard your voice, I guess I forgot everything else.”
“Like your clothes,” he teased.
She chuckled. “Just be glad I had on a towel.”
Seth raised a brow. “I am, but only for one, now three reasons.”
“And what are they?” she asked puzzled.
“Sal, Connor and Dean,” he laughed. “Otherwise, your warm welcoming would’ve been reciprocated.”
She couldn’t believe how she’d just thrown her arms around him as though he had been coming home to her. This was his place, and she had only been there because of the supposed danger she was in. If Connor was free to go, she guessed that meant so was she. Although she liked her apartment, she really enjoyed being here with Seth.
“I can hug you again if that would make it better,” she offered.
Seth reached his arm around her and pulled her close. “Even dressed, this feels good,” he said holding her. “And I’d be willing to do this all night, but we have a date. Or have you forgotten?”
Hell no, I haven’t.“Are you sure you want to go? I’m sure you’ve had a stressful day.” I know I sure as hell have.
“It was at certain times, but now it’s over.”