“You have to be the sweetest, sexiest man in the universe,” she said, running her hands over his chest again.
“I’m not so sure about the universe,” he grinned, knowing she was feeling guilty. He wasn’t about to let her off the hook. He would make her come clean eventually.
He helped her wash and dress. She kept her eyes on him as he took such gentle care of her. She held back tears as he massaged her feet before placing her flats on. The silky dress that Josh’s mother bought for her needed heels, but she knew she wouldn’t be able walk in them right now. She sat at the makeup table and curled her lashes while Josh changed into his black dress pants and a buttoned up baby blue shirt. He left his top button undone and rolled up his sleeves. She felt her body respond as she watched his movements. He had a bit of a shadow on his chin which she hoped he wouldn’t shave. She needed the scratch when she kissed him. She needed the edge and not because it reminded her of Jay. She still just liked the slight abrasion mixed with the pleasure he gave her. He caught her watching him and he felt his own desire for her.
He considered telling his mother not to expect them but he had already postponed their meeting twice today. Charlotte blushed before turning from him to apply her lipstick. He smiled wickedly as he stood behind her, massaging her temples as her eyes closed.
“Oh baby, you better stop,” she moaned. He grinned, loving the effect he still had on her. Her desire for him he didn’t question. He held his hand out to her, helping her stand.
“Are you sure you’re okay to go downstairs? We could have room service instead,” he offered, catching her wince.
“I’ll be fine. If I begin to tire I’ll just excuse myself and come back up,” she said, wrapping her arms around him again. She didn’t want to let go of him.
“Allow me to give you your very first bottle of Parisian perfume my love,” he said as he held out a round bottle with two butterflies kissing. She gasped as she took it from him.
“There are others but this one is my favorite I think,” he said as she gazed at him.
“Thank you Josh, thank you,” she gulped, feeling her guilt rise again. She opened the lid and breathed in the scent. She placed a little in all the areas her mother had told her perfume was supposed to go. Josh watched her then leaned towards her. The scent was even sweeter on her. She gazed up at him after setting the little bottle down.
“I love you Josh, so much. No matter what happens, if for some reason all of this falls apart, please know I love you,” she said, holding back her tears. He felt bad for pushing her. He knew now, more than before that she was keeping him out to protect him, not because she didn’t trust him. He held her hands in his and brushed his lips gently over hers, feeling her tremble in his arms.
“We are not falling apart, ever. I am staying with you in this until it’s over. I love you Charlotte,” he told her. She wondered what he meant by ‘until it’s over.’ She wondered if he knew but his phone buzzed, his mother was waiting for them downstairs. She cleared her throat as he led her out to the elevator.
Mrs. Martin waved at them as they entered the restaurant. She had a table waiting for them at the back. She hugged her son then gently wrapped her arm through Charlotte’s. She hadn’t noticed the bandage on her arm before but she didn’t question her. She assumed it was from her ordeal, which Josh had described to her when she first arrived. She felt awful that the girl Joshua falls in love with was living in the witness protection program. She knew delicate words were required tonight but she really wanted to know more about this girl. She had never seen her son so enamored before and Charlotte was such a beautiful girl she thought as she glanced over her face, but there was a darkness in her eyes. Josh had told her that she witnessed a murder and was hiding from the suspect.
“This dress is beautiful Mrs. Martin, thank you so much,” she told her as they walked to their table.
“A beautiful girl needs beautiful dresses,” she replied, tapping her hand before releasing her as they sat down. Josh helped ease her down and she smiled up at him.
“Are you sure you will be able to fly home tomorrow?” she asked Charlotte. She still hadn’t been given the all clear by the police yet. She would have to clarify that with Jay after dinner.
“I want nothing more than to go home, I’ll make it through,” she replied, squeezing Josh’s hand under the table.
“How’s your appetite after all that hospital food?” she asked, glancing over at Charlotte.
“The food looks great here but I think I’ll have to stick with soup,” she said frowning. She’s never been a big eater but in Paris, Josh had made her try a lot of new dishes. Josh leaned over and kissed her cheek, forgetting his mother’s presence.
“When we get home I am going to feed you so many delicious meals my love,” he said, making her blush. She knew Josh loved feeding her. Her stomach clenched at the thought. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to clear her head. Josh grinned at the way he was making her feel.
“So about home, where are you from Charlotte?” his mother asked. They both knew she was starting to dig into her past.
“Well, I’m originally from Seattle, I’ve moved around a bit though. I’m thinking of settling in New York now that I’m free,” she said, feeling Josh’s hand squeeze hers this time.
“I’m sure Josh is pleased by that answer. Do you have any career ambitions?” she asked and Josh coughed. He didn’t appreciate her questions but before he could interrupt Charlotte answered her.
“I have a career Mrs. Martin, don’t worry. I am not after your son for his money if you don’t mind my bluntness. I like to say it as I see it and I am telling you that I don’t need or want his money. I have my inheritance and my own business. I love your son and I’ve told him as I’ll tell you, I would live in a tent in the middle of nowhere as long as he was beside me,” she explained with a smile on her face. Mrs. Martin was surprised by her boldness but pleased. She could hear the sincerity in her voice. She knew Josh had been avoiding relationships because there were so many girls after his name and affluence. She smiled at Charlotte, this frail looking girl had just been through a traumatic event but was strong enough to defend her integrity. The last thing she needed was a future mother in-law berating her.
“I’m sorry Charlotte. I’m so used to meeting Evan’s girlfriends that I just kind of went into interview mode. I didn’t mean to imply anything,” she apologized. Charlotte instantly felt bad for her little outburst.
“No, I’m sorry. I think I’m still just a little edgy from the medications. Please forgive me,” she said, fearing to look at Josh. He was actually amused watching them. He tried to hide his grin as his mother glanced at him. He released his hand from Charlotte and rubbed her leg. She instantly relaxed.
“I promise no more cold questions. Why don’t you two tell me how you met?” she asked. Charlotte smiled at the memory of seeing him for the first time.
“I saw her in a cozy cafe on 8th Street and I haven’t been able to keep my eyes off her since,” he gushed, looking back into her eyes again.
“A cafe? I thought you always sent Belinda out for your morning coffee,” she inquired. Josh let her know the events that led up to him entering the coffee shop that morning and everyday after that, until finally he worked up the courage to introduce himself to her. She could tell his mother was moved. It truly was love at first sight.
After finishing her soup Charlotte winced, her side was beginning to throb. She had to lie down soon. She began to wonder how she was going to make the trip home. Ten hours on a plane will be painful, even in first class. Josh noticed her reach for her side.
“How about I get you back up to bed,” he offered and she nodded. He went to pay the bill, leaving his mother with Charlotte at the table.
“It is obvious how much the two of you mean to each other. I’ve never seen him dote over anyone. I always thought it was because he was the baby and I probably spoiled him but now I realize he just hadn’t found the right
girl. I look forward to getting to know you more Charlotte,” she said.
“Thank you Mrs. Martin. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of your family too,” Charlotte responded honestly.
“Please Charlotte dear, call me Bethany. I have a little gift for you. I saw these in a shop earlier and instantly thought of you. I want you to have them. I consider you Josh’s angel. When he thought he was going to lose you, I cried. I had never heard such despair and to be coming from my son broke my heart. You coming back to him is an amazing gift to not only Josh but to me as well. I’ll see you when you get home,” she said, placing a little jewelry box in her hand.
“Thank you Bethany, they are beautiful,” Charlotte said, after opening the box. Bethany smiled then turned to talk to Josh. Charlotte couldn’t hear them, they were too far away. She looked back at the earrings, two angels with diamonds for wings. They were beautiful and she felt like she didn’t deserve such a gift. She was no angel and if those pictures got out then everyone would know, including his mother. She held back tears as Josh reached for her hand, helping her towards the elevator. He caught her change in mood but assumed it was because of her side and she was in pain.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
~
Picture Perfect
Charlotte slept most of the flight back to New York, thanks to the pain meds and a couple of Ambien she had saved from the hospital. Josh couldn’t wait to be home. He carried her from the car to the elevator. She wrapped her arms around his neck, glancing at his driver who brought up their suitcases.
Once the door opened Josh carried her to the chaise. He thanked the driver for his help then shut and locked the door. Relief washed over him as he turned to Charlotte, stretched out and smiling over at him. It was all he needed to confirm bringing her home was the right thing to do. She may think he can’t handle her dark, but all he sees is her light. The secrets she’s hiding might be threatening to her, but he has every intention of distinguishing them.
Their first week back in New York was quite. Charlotte rested as per her doctor’s orders. She never left his apartment. He brought most of his work home, only going out for brief intervals. He didn’t want to be away from her, in case she needed something, he wanted to be there to get it for her.
After a week of not hearing from Jay she was beginning to feel anxious. Marie expected the money in two weeks. She actually considered giving her the money if it meant those pictures would go away.
Another week went by and she was beginning to physically feel better. She went out for walks with Josh a few times a day. He even took her out shopping at Bergdorf, insisting on it when she initially refused. All she could think about was retrieving her money. She felt too dependant on Josh without it, even though she still had her inheritance money and income from her book sales still coming in. Josh was busy in his study when the call from Jay finally arrived. She brushed aside the growing doubt she was beginning to feel about Jay and what his intentions really were.
“Hello Jay, why haven’t you called me? I’ve been going out of mind,” she blurted.
“Oh Charlie, you missed me, how sweet and I thought those days were over,” he mused.
“Funny, now give me a progress report,” she demanded.
“All collected Charlie. I have a meeting with Marie in New York. I’ve got this darling, you’ll have the money and the pictures by the end of the week,” he told her. She was having trouble believing him. It wouldn’t be that easy.
“Call me when you’re here,” she said before hanging up. He never called her darling or beautiful. Something is wrong, something is off with him. She paced back and forth, needing to get out alone. She put on her running shoes, hoping a little jog might help her clear her mind. She was about to tell Josh she was going out when she heard him on the phone. She decided not to disturb him, besides she didn’t want him to join her like she knew he would suggest.
Running in the cool November air, she began to finally feel the tension leaving her body. She kept her pace slow, not wanting to hurt her side but the jog was helping. She needed to know how Jay planned on getting the pictures if he didn’t give Marie the money. She wouldn’t quit until she had it. Marie was evil, she had no conscious. Right or wrong didn’t faze her. She used people to get what she wanted. She used my father’s weakness for beautiful women to have him cash out my mother’s inheritance. She married my father because she loved him and he betrayed her in so many ways. Her grandfather’s money would not go to her husband’s mistress. She just didn’t know how to stop it.
Josh stretched after talking to the private detective he hired to find out exactly who Marie was and her involvement with Jay. He was surprised she was another agent that had actually worked on Charlotte’s case once. Nothing had come up on the pictures she might be holding yet. Jay had been tracked in nine different states, digging up all of Charlotte’s money. The detective said she must have had placements in each of these states. The witness protection program keeps all that information locked up. Unless he was an agent, there was no way he could find out. That’s when it hit him. Charlotte had said that her monster always found her. He must have had an agent telling him where she was going. Marie must have been that agent. He told his PI to follow Marie and get all the information he could about her, where she goes each day, who she meets, everything. He walked out of his office to check on Charlotte. He was surprised to find the place empty. A note stuck on the door caught his eye.
Josh,
Out for a jog,
Love you
C
He didn’t like it that she went out alone. He doesn’t know when she left or when she’ll be back. He considered going out to look for her but he didn’t even know which direction she ran in. He poured himself a drink when he heard her cell phone ring.
“Damn it, she didn’t even bring her cell,” Josh cursed as he picked it up. He recognized Jay’s number. He considered answering it but knew Jay wouldn’t tell him anything. He waited to see if he would leave a message. Without thinking he called her voice mail.
“Charlie, I’m here in New York. I’m meeting Marie tomorrow. Call me,” he said before hanging up. Josh put her phone down and decided he had to watch her closely now. He couldn’t risk her doing anything stupid and getting hurt. He didn’t trust Jay, hadn’t from the first time he met him. He was pacing the hall when he heard the door finally open. He turned back down the hall and walked quickly towards her.
“Charlotte, why didn’t you tell me you were going out? I was beyond worried,” he scolded.
“I’m sorry Josh, you were busy working. I didn’t want to disturb you,” she answered, feeling guilty again. He took her in his arms, breathing in her sweat and the lingering smell of her perfume. He was angry and turned on at the same time. She clung to him as he kissed her neck. He had her naked and in the shower within seconds. He jumped in beside her and began washing her, just like he did after the first time they made love. Savoring every inch of her. His passion for her had only grown, but mixed with that heated desire was a love he never felt before. He needed her.
“Shouldn’t you be working Mr. Martin,” she giggled as he gripped her ass, pulling her against him.
“I’m skipping out for an extended lunch,” he grinned before kissing her deeply.
Josh had distracted her all afternoon, so much so that she completely forgot to check her phone for calls. When she finally had a moment alone in the bedroom she found a missed call from Jay but she didn’t have a new message. She sent him a text back, asking him where he was. The phone rang, surprising her. She checked to make sure the door was closed before answering it.
“Where are you?” she asked immediately.
“Didn’t you get my message? I told you I was here in New York and to call me. I have your money and I know where Marie is. I’m meeting her tomorrow,” he said quietly.
“Why are you whispering? Who are you with?” she demanded. She didn’t want some hooker near her money.
&nb
sp; “I’m alone, just not at the hotel. Listen Charlotte, I need you tomorrow. You have to ditch rich boy and meet me,” he demanded. She didn’t like his tone or his words.
“I will meet you because I want my money and those pictures. Just tell me when and where,” she said, louder than she meant to. After getting off the phone with Jay she flopped down on the bed. This apartment felt like his not hers. He had convinced her to take half his closet space even though she didn’t need it. Josh had told her that he was going to fill it up for her. He had even bought her a dresser and had it placed in the bedroom near his. She cried when it was delivered. She hadn’t had her own dresser in a long time. Furniture signified something concrete, that couldn’t be so easily discarded, like clothes. She wasn’t sure what her life was going to be like after tomorrow night. She might lose everything and be on the run again, this time as the suspect and not the victim. She tried to tell herself she didn’t have it in her to kill Marie, that was a lie though. Killing her for everything she started, for destroying her father, for having her mother killed and for the years of running she was responsible for. Given the chance, she knew she wouldn’t hesitate. She was shaken from her thoughts when she heard a knock at the door.
“Come in,” she sighed, preparing herself for possibly her last night with Josh.
“Hey, what are you doing all locked up in here baby? Can I take you out for dinner tonight?” he asked her, wrapping her in his arms. A place she felt safe and warm in. A place she still felt like an imposter in. She still believed she wasn’t the girl for him. He deserved more than she could offer. She was broken. Her soul battered and her heart forever broken. As much as she loved him, wanted to be what he needed, she knew she never would be.
“Of course, anything you’d like,” she said, wanting to please him.
“I’d like a lot of things, but showing you off was originally on my mind,” he said, with his wicked grin that she loved too much. She kissed him then stood back, looking him over. She prayed he would always be hers but fear was gripping her heart, she didn’t know if she could take much more pain. He sensed something was off and he heard her ask when and where on the phone. She was planning some kind of trade off and he planned on being there when it happened.
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