by M. Sembera
Never having thought about it in those terms before, he questioned, "What's wrong with that?"
Penny had a disappointed expression on her face as she scowled at him, answering, "Because if your that guy there will never be anything there to ruin."
Auggie gave her a serious look as he said, "I see."
Shrugging, "Sorry," Penny turned and headed back to her house.
Climbing into his truck, Auggie knew Penny was right but he had no idea what that meant for him and Charlotte.
Pulling into his driveway, Auggie planned on calling Charlotte to ask if she wanted to stop by and see him when he got home from the bar later. As he climbed out of his truck and made his way to the door, he found a pleasant surprise standing next to his front door.
"Tryin' to put your career of breaking and entering behind you?" he teased.
With a wicked little grin, Charlotte reached over, turned the doorknob showing him he caught her in the act.
Pushing the door open, Auggie motioned for her to step in first, saying, "After you, criminal."
"Takes one to know one, hostage taker," Charlotte laughed, making her way into his house.
As he closed the front door, Auggie pulled her against him.
~
Charlotte felt his kiss throughout her entire body. Sliding her hands up his chest as his arms tightened around her waist, she was fully aware of how she made him feel. With every brush of his lips, there was a slight tug in her chest.
Breaking the kiss before the moment got the better of her, Charlotte asked, "What time do you have to go?"
Leaning his forehead to hers, Auggie assured, "We have plenty of time."
Easing him back, she replied, "Don't get ahead of yourself, Augustus. We need to have a conversation."
Slowly letting go of her, he took a step back, saying, "About what?"
"We need to set some ground rules."
Charlotte watched a disapproving scowl form on Auggie's face before she turned and sat down on his couch.
While she waited for him to sit, which seemed to take longer than necessary to do, Charlotte thought about the rules she had been laying down since she was sixteen. She would have to modify them of course, for one he had already kissed her. In addition to what was previously off limits, she had no idea what to do about the way he made her feel. Everything was different with him. Charlotte never considered what it might be like to have real feelings for someone, until now. Thinking it might be nice to have something like that, she reminded herself that her time in town was limited.
When Auggie finally made his way around the coffee table to sit next to her, he kept his distance. Although Charlotte found his behavior irritating, she was grateful. His disposition made it easier to share her guidelines.
"Obviously, this isn't anything serious."
When his only response was an unhappy expression accompanied by a glare, she decided to continue.
"Sex. If it happens, it happens but I don't want to feel pressured into it or guilty for not putting out when you think I should. So, if we're messing around, don't push yourself farther than you can go without stopping. I'm very aware that there is a point of no return for men and I will be respectful of that. On the other hand, I expect you to be prepared. It isn't that I don't believe what you have told me, but I have never had unprotected sex and you're not going to be the exception."
Auggie gave a slight nod, saying, "That seems fair," then asked, "Anything else?"
"My shirt doesn't come off."
"Ever?"
"Most of the time I wear a camisole or tank top since I don't wear a bra. I don't mind getting down to those but that's as far as I'm willing to go. It can be a serious mood killer if, in the moment, I have to remind you."
"That it?"
Charlotte thought for a moment before replying, "If any of this is a deal breaker let me know now because nothing I've said is up for negotiation or debate."
~
Auggie sat staring at Charlotte as he pretended to mull over her rules. He was a bit disappointed about the shirt thing but from what he'd seen the first night she stayed at his house, he understood why. All in all, he was impressed with her. She knew exactly what she wanted and none of it seemed unreasonable. She wasn't going to play games.
"I have a few conditions," he shared, mainly to feel like he had some control in this.
Charlotte appeared confused as she asked, "Really?"
"Whatever we do here is between us."
Nodding, she said, "Of course."
"No more breaking into my house."
With a slight frown, she replied, "Okay."
"And I want to see you every day."
Fluttering her eyelashes as she rolled her eyes, Charlotte questioned, "That it?"
Auggie nodded, holding his hand out to her.
As Charlotte slipped her hand into his to shake on it, Auggie closed his hand around hers. Leaning closer, he kissed the top of her hand. Her skin smelled so sweet, there was no way he would be happy until he was able to kiss every inch of her. Charlotte wanted to be in control of whatever this was and he could respect that but that didn't mean he wasn't going to do everything possible to have her begging for what he couldn't stop thinking about.
A sense of satisfaction filled him as Charlotte inched closer. The look in her eyes showed him she was willing, but there was hesitation in her movements. That was one of his favorite things about her. Although she was forward, Charlotte let him be a man. Auggie knew she wanted, him but he wanted Charlotte to need him as badly as he did her. He'd never had the desire for the same girl twice, but he knew, if she let him, he would want her every day until she left.
Ready to take full advantage of having her on his couch, Auggie released her hand.
"Come here," he whispered pulling her closer.
Charlotte leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck. He quickly grabbed her by the waist and pulled her sideways onto his lap. Leaning her back against the arm of the couch, he glanced down at her legs stretched out, wishing they weren't covered by the cream colored pants she was wearing. There was too much he wanted to do all at once. Feeling her tug on the back of his neck, Auggie turned his focus just in time to see Charlotte pressing her lips together as she pulled them into her mouth.
He knew it was just a reflex of hers but couldn't stop himself, "Those are mine."
There was a conflicted look in her eyes as Auggie traced his finger along the edge of her lips. Slowly releasing her lips from her mouth, Charlotte closed her eyes just before he claimed them.
~
Auggie's words echoed through Charlotte's mind as he kissed her. Her chest started to burn. The feeling was so intense, she wanted to dig her fingers into her chest to make it stop. Her hands disobeyed her as they moved to the sides for Auggie's face instead. Weaving her fingers into his beard, the burning sensation spread throughout the rest of her body until the rhythm of her heart gave away a little secret. It was beating for him.
Relaxing her hands, Charlotte let them fall from his face. Auggie slowly pulled away causing her to open her eyes. The questioning look in his eyes made Charlotte wonder if her heart had revealed its secret to him too.
"You alright?" he whispered.
The word 'No' rang in her head as she replied, "Yea."
Scowling at her, Auggie asked, "You sure?"
Charlotte opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out.
Lifting her up and off of his lap, Auggie stood up and walked away, mumbling, "Alright then."
Counting backwards from ten in her mind, Charlotte pulled her thoughts together.
Standing up, Charlotte saw Auggie in the kitchen with his back to her. The unfamiliar feeling that was growing inside her was replaced by anger when she realized he was mad simply because she didn't answer him.
Swiftly making her way to the kitchen, she griped, "Is this what it's gonna be like?"
Turning to her, he snapped, "You tell me."
"Tell
you what?"
"Feelin' guilty?"
Giving him a stupid look, Charlotte questioned, "What?"
"Aren't you getting engaged or something?"
Taken aback by his issue, Charlotte asked, "This is about Trace?"
With a disgusted expression he griped, "I have to leave to open the bar in a few."
Placing her hand on his arm, she assured, "Augustus, Trace and I are not together. I don't know what I'll do when I go back but whatever it is, it won't be with him."
His eyes searched hers before asking, "Why'd you stop?"
"Why did you?" she countered, unwilling to answer.
A sideways smile formed as Auggie said, "You can't answer a question with a question."
"I can do whatever I want."
Nodding, he pulled Charlotte into a kiss before asking, "You wanna hang around here until I come back?"
The tingling in the pit of her stomach forced her to reply, "I'll see you tomorrow."
With a loud sigh, he walked her to the door.
Each time Charlotte reached for the doorknob, Auggie gave her another goodbye kiss. After around fifteen minutes of saying goodbye, she left with a smile that radiated from deep inside her and a lot to think about.
20
Wager
When Charlotte woke, she knew what she needed. There was no better way to clear her head than to go shopping. She needed a dress for Sophia's baby shower, not that she needed a reason to shop but at least Emerson seemed happy, for a change, with her reason for leaving the house.
Trying to decide if she was willing to settle for a dress that was 'Okay' at the local clothing store or if a forty-five minute trip to an actual department store was warranted, Charlotte headed toward the shoe section. A flash of plaid caught her eye, causing an almost giddy feeling to build inside her as she watched a gray beanie making its way through the men's department.
The store was practically empty, aside from a few sales clerks and an old lady. Charlotte thought, so much for clearing her head, she was going to have a little fun.
Finding Auggie standing in the underwear isle, she quietly crept up beside him before warning, "Choose carefully."
Startled, he jumped a little as he turned toward her.
With a serious expression, Charlotte tapped her index finger against her chin, "Decisions, decisions."
She could tell he was holding back a smile as he shook his head at her.
"Now, are you a tighty whitey man or boxer kind of guy?" Stopping to glance at the front his pants as if she could see right through them, she shared, "Ah, boxer briefs."
"What are you doing here?" he quietly asked with a laugh.
"Shopping."
"For men's underwear?"
"Now I am."
With a 'You're crazy' look he blurted, "What?"
Deciding to see what he was made of, Charlotte suggested, "I'll buy yours and you can buy mine."
His crazy look was replaced by a shocked expression as he snapped, "I am not going to the panty department."
Glancing around to make sure no one was looking, she ran a finger down the buttons of his shirt, asking, "Are you scared?"
Auggie quickly blurted, "No," before lowering his voice saying, "That's stupid."
"Because you're scared?" she taunted.
Charlotte could tell she was getting under his skin as he griped, "What kinda man buys panties?"
"The kind that's not scared."
His glare was a tad on the hateful side for a moment.
Auggie's eyes softened into a seductive expression that Charlotte had never seen on him, "You want me to buy your panties?"
Holding her breath, she nodded.
"Stand still, then."
Auggie looked her up and down before stepping directly in front of her. Even if she had wanted to, Charlotte couldn't move.
Staring down at her, Auggie placed his hands around her waist. Moving them lower, he rubbed his palms up and down her hips. Charlotte sighed at the feeling. He stopped for a second, but her relief was short lived. His hands slid to her backside before taking a firm grasp on her behind. Fighting to keep her composure, Charlotte slowly exhaled.
Leaning to her ear, Auggie whispered, "Just getting a feel for your size," as he slowly released her.
Wide eyes, she watched him turn and walk away.
~
Auggie made his way out of the store with a package of women's underwear in his bag, wondering what the hell had gotten into him. He couldn't help himself. Charlotte just didn't understand what she was asking of him. Buying her panties was going to drive him insane. Even though he picked out the most boring one's he could find, there was no way he would be able to think about anything else. It was hard enough to control himself around her and now every time he saw her, he would need to know if she were wearing the ones he bought for her. It was going to eat away at his brain. Not to mention she had the nerve to challenge him like that, like he was afraid of her little dare. When the idea came to him, he acted on it. An irresponsible impulse. He knew better than to touch her like that in public. Someone could have seen them together.
His palms were still tingling from having her in his hands as he walked up to his truck. Auggie started to open the door when he heard a voice from behind him.
"Caught ya!"
Swinging around at the sound of his brother's voice, Auggie froze.
"Damn, did you rob The Store?"
Caught between thoughts of Charlotte's panties and the realization that his brother was standing right in front of him as he held a bag with them in his hand, he snapped, "What?"
Braden laughed, saying, "You might wanna consider going to confession man, whatever you got goin' on, looks like it's getting to you."
"Shut up," Auggie griped before asking, "Are you here for a reason or do you spend your afternoons harassing people in parking lots?"
"Nah, that's only on Thursdays," he joked before sharing, "Lily's birthday is coming up."
Auggie started to gripe at Braden when he heard the clicking of heels against the pavement.
Without looking, Auggie knew it was Charlotte walking to her car. It was just his luck that this moment was going to be as uncomfortable as possible. Auggie tried not to look over at her but he couldn't stop himself. Charlotte's face appeared flushed and it looked like she was trying to pass by without being noticed.
"Hey, hey Charlotte," Braden called out to her.
Auggie instantly glared at his brother wanting to smack him.
Through gritted teeth, he griped, "What are you doing?"
"Dude, she's hot," Braden blurted.
Forget smacking him, Auggie was going to choke him out.
Apparently, Braden didn't know the hazards of what he was doing as he asked, "Wanna help me out with somethin'?"
Charlotte gave Braden a suspicious smile before heading in their direction.
Tightening his hold around his shopping bag, Auggie held it behind his back. Leaning against his truck, he looked away from her.
Charlotte's tone was guarded as she greeted, "Braden."
Braden's tone was friendlier than Auggie liked as he replied, "It's good to see you."
"Is that right?"
"Mmhmm... It's always good to see you."
Auggie gritted his back teeth so hard his jaw started to ache.
With a slight laugh, Charlotte questioned, "What do you want, Braden?"
He gave a laugh back, answering, "I'm lookin' to get a present for my girl Lily, any suggestions."
"Is it a special occasion?"
"Her birthday."
There was a hint of sarcasm in her voice as she suggested, "Buy her some lilies and play her a song."
Braden was oblivious as he replied, "That's a great idea," before swatting Auggie on the arm saying, "See, harassin' folks in the parking lot pays off."
~
Even though she didn't want anyone knowing what they had going on, it dug on her that Auggie was ignoring her. It was the b
ar all over again.
"Hello, Augustus," she stated.
Auggie stared at her for a moment before replying, "Charlotte."
Charlotte knew she was being irrational, but that didn't change the fact that he had just groped her in the store, yet wouldn't crack a smile at her in front of his brother.
"Whatcha got there?" she asked, glancing at the bag behind his back.
Auggie looked angry as his nostrils flared.
"Is it a secret?" she teased, knowing he was furious with her.
Narrowing his eyes at her, he replied, "Nope."
Curling the corner of her mouth into a smile, she shared, "What a shame, I like secrets."
Braden cut into the conversation, laughing, "Man, how can you not like her?"
Appearing as though he was about to lose it, Auggie pushed off from his truck.
Giggles erupted from behind them as a group of teenage girls slowly walked up. Whisper's followed as they were shushed by what appeared to be their leader. As soon as Charlotte saw the sparkly oversized bow step out in front of the group she thought, 'Fantastic', Silvia and her minions.
"Hi Braden," Silvia practically cooed at him.
Braden politely replied, "Hey there Silvia."
Gasps and giggles from the crowd caused Charlotte to roll her eyes.
Silvia stepped closer to Braden, saying, "I saw you play at the fair. You were amazing."
"Yea," he replied, adding, "Glad you enjoyed it."
Nodding as she bit her bottom lip, Silvia shared, "I'll be eighteen soon."
Charlotte glanced at Auggie who was staring at the display in front of him with a confused yet humored expression on his face as she thought 'Oh, you have got to be kidding me'.
Braden gave a wary smile as he said, "Well, happy birthday in advance."
Batting her eyelashes, Silvia replied, "Thank you," before asking, "Will you come?"
"Uhh..." was all Braden could say before Silvia informed, "Daddy is throwing me a huge party. It would be like a personal favor to me if you would come and play."
"Oh! Sure thing!" Braden blurted in relief.
"Fabulous. I'll be in touch," she replied, giving him a wink before heading back to her friends.
As Silvia's minion's crowded around her, oohing and aahing over Braden's 'Personal Favor' to her, she was just showing off for her friends. Apparently, simply being a Roberts just wasn't enough these days.