“Jack has just reminded me that I have events on the social calendar that I need to run by you. On New Year's Eve, we usually do a thing at a bar with table service. I’m happy to cancel if you don’t want to go.” He sounds hopeful, like I will say I would rather be anywhere else. I’m tempted to say that I want to stay in and have a quiet New Year’s kiss. But, I need to make a good impression on his friends, and canceling their annual get-together would not endear me to them.
“The second is a charity gala at The Met. Our company got a table, so attendance is expected.”
I lean against the door frame to the bedroom, imagining Charlie in a tuxedo, and I feel a rush of desire.
“Gala sounds fancy,” I comment, fighting the urge to bite my lips. Since getting the IUD, I haven’t wanted to be touched, let alone have sex, but now I’m desperate to be alone with him. Just sitting at the table feels like he’s too far away from me.
“It is fancy, very fancy, black tie fancy. Vivian offered to go shopping with you to get a dress.”
I groan, thinking about the credit card bill with a dress from Nordstrom on it. Any funds I had tucked away are quickly dwindling from all the knick-knacks and other treats I've purchased. I needed to get another source of income, and quickly.
“Take my credit card when you go shopping. There are certain expectations for events like this.” He glances back at his computer and focuses on it.
“I really hate doing that.” I say under my breath in an unnecessarily annoyed tone.
Charlie lifts his head from his computer to look at me. Jack studies me from the corner of his eye, but doesn’t involve himself.
“We can talk about it later.” His voice tells me this discussion is over.
Never in my adult life has the urge to stomp into my room and slam the door been stronger. I do step inside the room and close the door, however, so that I can be alone with my thoughts as Jack and Charlie work in the living room.
I go back to editing photos on my laptop and toy around with the idea of selling some as prints. I make a note to look into it tomorrow. One of the photos I’m editing is of Vivian and Jack from their engagement party. They absolutely shine together. His arm is around her waist and his forehead is pressed to hers. Their smiles are radiant as they stare into each other's eyes, love emanating from their entire existence. For all the faults I can find with him, there is no doubt in my mind that he loves Vivian. I soften the picture, adjust the lighting, and then order a print of it for them as a late engagement gift.
I must doze off because I stir as arms wrap around my knees and my back as I’m gently lifted and shifted to my side of the bed. I feel my blue light glasses pulled off my face and a soft kiss to my forehead.
“Jack?” I mumble with a grin.
“Hey now,” Charlie objects, pulling the blankets back to climb into bed beside me. “If you don’t remember who I am, I’m happy to show you.” His words are half-hearted, exhaustion lurking behind them.
I roll over to face him and rest my head on his arm. I open my eyes, meeting his tired brown ones.
“I could never forget you, Charles. Even if I got amnesia again,” I reassure him, pressing my lips to his arm. He folds the arm I’m resting on around my shoulders, tugging me closer to him.
“That’s good,” he whispers. His fingers are drawing circles on my skin as he studies me. I could live the rest of my life beside him in this way. I rest my hands on his chest and tilt my head up to him, locking eyes.
“I love you, Charles Breckenridge.” I’ve wanted to say the words for so long, afraid that he would rebuff them the way that he did in Bora Bora, believing himself incapable of being loved.
He leans forward, presses his lips against mine, and rolls us over so he is on top of me. I look up at him, my eyes searching his face for any glimpse of what he might be feeling. I expect to find his emotions shut behind the wall he uses when working on deals, but instead, I find he’s relaxed and open. Open to me, open to what I’m saying.
“I love you too, Elia Daniels. I’m not going to stop loving you, not today, not tomorrow, and not ever. Fate binds us together.”
I don’t fight the grin on my face, the feeling of safety and love that he provides. He pushes my hair out of my face, kisses me again, and crushes his body against mine.
I feel his arousal in my core and I gently lift my hips against him, letting him know I feel it. I snag his lower lip between my teeth, tugging at it. I could have waited my whole life to find the right time to say those words, but my confidence in our relationship only grows.
“Say it again,” I beg.
He laughs, propping himself up on his elbows. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
I reach my hands between us, pulling him free from his boxers. Charlie huffs, thrusting into my hand. I slowly pull on him, watching his reactions to my touch.
I pull aside my sleep shorts and guide him to me. We take it slow, until we both grow impatient, wanting that release. I hold him close to me as I climax and quiver, his own orgasm coming at the same time.
I nestle close to him when we’re done, back in the original positions we were in, and I whisper that I love him until I fall asleep.
Chapter 20
Although I agreed to it, by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, I hate the idea of having to go out. Maybe it’s the constant conflict with Jack, but the idea of having to dress up to go out isn’t appealing. Maybe I turned into a homebody during the missing time. The thought of prolonging the year by staying up until midnight is not appealing.