Charlie
While I don’t regret sleepingwith Mick, I have to say that things have been a little strange between us today. Yeah, I probably should’ve thought this through beforehand—I am his boss, after all—but the moment appeared, and I would’ve been an idiot not to take advantage of it. Still, here we are at the end of a busy lunch rush, one where I needed his help behind the counter, causing us to brush up against each other constantly. It was almost too much for my heart and panties to bear.
Still, the issue has to be addressed. Especially since last night felt like more than just sex to me, Mick is nothing like I thought he’d be. He’s kind, sensitive, and giving…really giving, like five times in one night giving. I cover my smile with the back of my hand, and when I look up, I notice that Mick is staring at me.
Since it’s just the two of us in the cafe, I guess now’s as good a time as any.
“So, maybe we should talk about—”
“Charlie, there’s something I need to—”
Both of us speak at the same time, then immediately stop. “You go ahead,” I say.
“No, you.”
I take a deep breath, wondering if we’re about to say the same thing or if I’m going to make the world’s biggest fool of myself. Life is short, and like I told myself when I started this shop; no risk, no reward. I open my mouth to speak, and the front door chimes overhead. Turning to greet the customer, I see my sister heading in our direction instead.
Why does this keep happening?
“Charlie, I thought maybe you’d wanna grab a bite.” Her tight-lipped smile stiffens further when she glances in Mick’s direction.
“Lacey,” I say, brushing my hands on my apron. “I’d love to, but I think Mick and I are about to…” I glance in his direction. I’m still gobsmacked by how hot he is, even with his clothes on. “Get into something.”
Lacey laughs, but it’s void of all humor. “Get into what?”
“That’s really none of your business.” I let out my own humorless huff.
“Um, my baby sister’s making starry eyes at a convict.” She spits, pointing her manicured finger at Mick.
“Former convict,” I say, ignoring the starry-eyed remark.
“Do you really want to talk about this in front of him?” Lacey’s eyes dart back and forth between us, and when neither of us answers, she sighs. “I knew it. You’re in a vulnerable position after Cameron left you.” My heart seizes, and I glance at Mick, whose clenched jaw is keeping him silent. I haven’t even had a chance to talk about my ex with him. “You need to fire this man, get him out of your life so that you can move on in a healthy way.”
“Jesus, Lacey, listen to yourself.” I step out from behind the counter and move toward her. “You can’t come in here and tell me what to do. Just because you’re my older sister doesn’t mean you know what’s best for me. I’m fully aware of what I’m doing.”
“Sleeping with a thug.”
“I’m going to go,” Mick says and turns to leave.
“No, Mick, you stay right there.” My words stop him. “You need to hear this, too.” I take a deep breath, unable to believe that I have to do this in front of my sister, but why not kill two birds with one potentially embarrassing stone?
“You’re right, I am sleeping with Mick, but he’s not a thug. He’s one of the kindest, gentlest men I’ve ever met. You have no right to talk about him like that. You act like you’ve never done anything stupid.” My voice raises the closer I get to my sister.
“Calm down, Charlie. I’m just looking out for you.”
“No, you’re judging someone you don’t even know.” I let out a long exhale, willing myself to calm the hell down. “I need you to trust me, okay? Mick Toliver is a wonderful man, and I’m lucky to be with him.” I brave a look in Mick’s direction, and he’s staring at me with wild admiration. He uncrosses his arms, letting them hang at his side. The sweetest smile plays on his lips, making me want to scoop him up and press my lips against them.
“I love you, Lacey, but with all due respect, butt out!”
Lacey gasps and fumbles with her purse. She shakes her head as she makes her way back out of the cafe. “We will talk about this later.” She leaves the shop, and the silence hanging between us remains thick but not altogether uncomfortable.
When I turn around to face Mick, he’s already behind me, staring down. “You move quietly.”
“It’s one of my skills.” He lets out a cute, awkward laugh.
“So you’re with me, huh?” His words turn my blood into liquid fire as a crimson flush paints my cheeks.
“Well, I mean…”