by Jenny Siegel
“Do you still have it?” Iris asks, looking a little stunned by everything I’ve just shared.
“No, I burned it,” I don’t tell her about the one on my windscreen the night I stayed with them. I don’t want to scare her.
“Charlotte, have you told your mom?”
“No. She has too much going on just now. She was distracted when we were there. I was hoping it would go away.”
“It seems there are a lot of things you are hoping will just go away,” she points out shrewdly.
My hands knot in my lap as I nod. She’s right; I want it all to go away but that ain’t happening. I need to deal with it head-on, starting with Dominic..
“You better be there tonight to sort this out,” she grumbles but leans over to pull me into a hug.
She’s right. I know what I have to do.
• • •
With my last exam done, I walk out into the late afternoon sunshine and breathe a sigh of relief. Now my exams are finished there’s one less thing to worry about. As I walk back to my car my cell buzzes and I pull it out to see a text from Dominic reminding me about going out tonight and saying they’re going to Petes beforehand. I fire off a text to say I’ll see him there. It is the end of my exams, so I might as well celebrate that. Another text comes through from Iris also making sure I’m still going and that they’re going to Petes. I text her the same, I’ll see her there. I have some things to do and throw my books onto the passenger seat of Daisy and climb in.
Pulling out of the lot, I kill time, driving around, stopping for something to eat until I’m sure Dominic will be at Captain’s Cabin. I drive to our apartment and let myself in. I wander around the empty apartment, seeing Dominic’s guitar propped up next to the sofa, and my iPad lying on the coffee table, where I left it. Then I wander into our bedroom and it’s exactly as it was when I left for class a few days ago. Dominic is so neat and most of the time he picks up after me because my messiness drives him mad, not that he ever complains. I try to be tidy, for him, but it doesn’t come naturally. I sink down on the bed, running my hands over the duvet cover. I’ve missed him too much, and this is silly—I’m being silly. I know deep down he would never cheat on me. But it’s hard telling that to the insecure part of me who doesn’t think I’m good enough for him. Deep down, I know he wouldn’t do that to me. He loves me. He has always fought for me and for us. I need to go to him and make things right before it goes on too long.
Once I’ve showered, I pull on a strapless skater dress that hits above my knee and pushes up my cleavage. I even put on high heels that make my legs look longer because I need every advantage. I think I need to start making more of an effort every day. Finally, I finish off my makeup and check my hair before leaving. I look more like the old Charlie, but on the inside I’ve changed.
Nervous butterflies swoop around in my stomach on the drive over to the Captain’s Cabin, the feeling increasing the closer I get. I hope Dominic isn’t drinking because I need a drink to get me through this and I don’t want my car here overnight. Inside the bar it’s full of students celebrating the end of their exams. Pushing down my nerves, I flash my fake ID, but the bouncer is too busy staring at my legs this time to give my ID anything more than a cursory glance.
Heading straight for the bar, I order a beer, needing something to get through this. Iris appears at my side after I've placed my order.
“Glad you decided to come.” She eyes me knowingly.
“Yeah well, you can be a pain in the ass sometimes,” I say with a smile.
She isn’t fooled. “Is that the only reason?” Her lips curl down at the corners as she narrows her eyes at me.
“No, I just had to get some things clear first.” I turn to her and meet her eyes.
“Hmm, have you figured it out?” she asks, her eyes searching mine for answers.
“Yeah, I have,” She watches me closely; I can’t hide anything from her.
“So what’s happening with you two?” she asks cutting to the chase.
I sigh and perch on a barstool and take a drink of my beer. “I don’t believe he slept with her. Hopefully, he’ll let me make it up to him.”
“Oh, I think he will. He loves you.” She winks at me when I meet her eye and slides another shot in my direction. “You look hot, by the way,” she adds before moving away from the bar and motioning for me to follow her.
“Yeah.” I know back the shot, wincing as the alcohol burns my throat and my tummy grows warm. I snag my beer and push of the bar to follow her. Dominic watches my progress, his eyes burning into me, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. His eyes rake over my body to my legs and back up, taking in every detail. There is no mistaking the desire in his eyes or that my heart rate has kicked up a gear. God I’ve missed him.
I am almost at their table when someone steps in my way, blocking my view of Dominic.
“Hi sweet cheeks, you wanna dance?” I look up. He’s quite good looking, and perhaps the old Charlie wouldn’t have hesitated, but I only have eyes for Dominic. I want to be in his arms and have him tell me he loves me.
“Not tonight.” I turn him down with a polite smile.
“Some other time then?” His eyebrows raise with hopefulness, but I laugh and shake my head.
Dominic has stood up and makes his way over, stopping at the side of me. “Keep away from my girlfriend,” he warns, his voice low and threatening.
“We’re just talking,” the guy says holding up his hands.
“Just keep away from her.” His face twists into an angry scowl.
“Dominic.” I touch his arm, electricity flowing between us, and his head jerks to me as the guy walks away, not wanting any trouble.
“What the fuck are you playing at?” he demands.
“Nothing, he asked me to dance and I said no.”
“You’re drinking,” he states.
“Yeah so, what do you think I’m going to do? Get drunk and fuck someone so I can forget about you? That’s not who I am anymore.” My voice rises as I get a little heated.
Dominic watches me with his arms folded over his chest and takes a step toward me, closing the gap between us. A sexy smile spreads over his lips as he reaches for me, resting his hands on my bare shoulders, his thumbs stroking my skin, sending tingles through me, driving me crazy as he pulls me closer. As I look into his green eyes, my breath catches in my throat.
“I didn’t sleep with her you know,” he tells me earnestly.
“I know.” I press against him.
“You do?” Both eyebrows raise.
“I trust you. I’m sorry I went AWOL. I just needed to get my head straight. I know you wouldn’t do that to me or us.” My hands snake around his neck, and I pull his head down and his lips meet mine. I’ve waited so long to feel his lips on mine. His tongue finds mine and electricity flows through my body, the ache inside me intensifies.
“I’ve missed you, you know,” he whispers on my lips.
“Me, too.”
“Will you come home now?” His lips brush against mine, and he closes his eyes.
“Yes.” I breathe out and I feel his smile against my lips. “If you still want me.”
“Of course, I do, babe. I love you. Just please don’t run again. I can’t bear to be without you.”
“Okay, no more running.”
He leans close to my ear. “Have I told you how hot you look tonight?”
I lean back in his arms to look at him properly and shake my head. His hands slide up my bare back caressing it and then back down to rest on my ass. “You look very, very hot. Please tell me you’re not going to drink anymore because I want to take you home and bury myself inside you.”
My eyes widen and my insides turn to molten liquid at his words.
“I won’t drink anymore. Please tell me you’re not drinking because I don’t want to leave my car here.” As predicted, his eyes light up. “Oh yeah, I get to take the hottest girl home with me and drive her sexy c
ar. Could this night get any better?”
“It will when we get home.” I wink at him, and he rewards me with a wolfish grin.
Chapter Eighteen
After that little display, we join our friends at the table. They may have been pretending not to watch us, but they witnessed everything. Dominic slides into the booth and hauls me onto his lap, his arm wrapping round my waist, securing me to him. Everyone at the table watches us, wearing identical expectant looks.
“You two okay now?” Pete asks with a sly smile.
I nod. “More than okay,” Dominic tells him lifting his face to I can press a quick kiss to his lips
“Thank god, he’s been a pain in the ass all week,” Zac chips in.
“Fuck off,” Dominic mutters, but he’s laughing as he says it, so I guess Zac has hit a nerve.
Grace pins me with a look, her eyes sparkling with interest. “So what was wrong with that guy?” I blush and laugh at her. They all stare at me. Shit, they actually expect an answer.
“He’s not my type.” I sling my arm around Dominic’s shoulders. “He’s blond and as we all know, I only go for dark-haired, green-eyed tattooed guitarists.” I look at Dominic then lean in to kiss him. They all groan at our public display of affection, but I don’t care how pathetic they think we are.
“I always knew I was your type,” he mumblesagainst my lips. “I don’t know how much longer I can stand it. I want to take you home.”
I run my hands through his hair as I twist in his lap to look at him, he groans and I feel his erection. I smile sweetly. “I’m thinking of dressing like this more often.”
“Why? There’s nothing wrong with the way you dress. In fact, I don’t think I want other guys knowing what a hot body you have under your jeans and t-shirt.” He frowns.
“Well, maybe that girl would have steered clear if she thought you had a hot girlfriend that you live with underneath my jeans and t-shirt.”
“You look hot in everything, babe.” He kisses me.
After a bit longer, Grace attracts my attention and my brows knit together when I meet her gaze.
“Toilet?” she mouths. Still confused, I get up anyway. Leaning down to kiss Dominic, I promise him I won’t be long. Iris comes too, which throws me. I don’t normally go to the toilet with an entourage.
“What’s going on?” I ask Grace as she starts to reapply her lip-gloss and fiddle with her hair.
“Nothing, just wanted to chat with you away from the guys.”
“Oh, right, okay.” I fix my dress and pull out my own lip-gloss.
“Glad you got everything sorted out.”
“Yeah, well, we’ve still got some things to discuss.” Although our latest hurdle has been resolved, we still have some things we need to work out. I’m ready to take the bull by the horns and thrash it all out, even if I’m not looking forward to it.
“Good luck with that.” Grace slips her lip-gloss away and pouts in the mirror. “Zak was not happy with him the next morning.”
“Huh?” I stare at her in the mirror. “How come.”
“When Dominic came down the stairs, still drunk I think, looking for you, Zak nearly hit him.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, said you’d left upset and that Dominic was a dick.”
“What did Dominic say?”
“Not much, mumbled something and then left.”
“I didn’t see much of Zak at the party.” Only that once when we first arrived.
“He was there but in the background. He doesn’t drink.” I nod, not wishing to pry any further.
We are getting ready to leave when the door swings open and a girl enters. I don’t pay any attention until Grace nudges me in the side. I shoot her a sideways look and see her nodding in front of her. I understand when I see the blonde who claims she slept with Dominic. When she spots us, she pales slightly and turns to leave.
“Not so fast,” Grace calls out and she turns slowly on her heel.
“What do you want?” she asks looking me up and down trying to appear braver than she is.
“I know you didn’t sleep with Dominic.” I get straight to the point, and she flinches.
“How do you know I didn’t?” Her eyes flit uneasily between us, and I take a step closer.
“For one thing, he was in no state to do anything that night, and I trust him. So, I’m going to ask you one more time, why did you pretend?”
“I didn’t…” She falters and her tongue darts out to lick her lips. I raise an eyebrow, she’s lying.
“Really? You’re still sticking to that story?” I take another step closer. So maybe threatening someone is not the nicest thing I’ve ever done.
“Okay, okay, I admit it. I followed him into the room, but he pushed me away and told me to go because Charlie would be here soon.” She hangs her head as if ashamed by her actions.
“So you thought you would just pretend that you had anyway?”
She tilts her head in defiance. “He was interested in me before.”
“When?” I ask.
“Last year, after one of the gigs. I was talking to him at the bar until he saw you and walked away without a second glance.” She glares at me, and my mouth drops open. I do remember her; she was the girl talking to him the first night when he asked me to go the party with him.
“That’s pathetic. Do you know how much trouble you caused?” Iris demands, her cheeks growing pink.
“I’m sorry, okay,” she mumbles before turning and walking out, her need to pee forgotten. Grace steps aside and lets her out.
“Wow, I feel a bit sorry for her actually.” I mutter as the door swings shut.
“Don’t be silly. She almost split you two up? Can you believe that?” Iris asks reapplying her lipstick.
“It’s happened before,” Grace chips in cryptically. “Par for course when dating a member of Supercharged.” Her face is deadly serious, but I laugh anyway at how ridiculous that sounds.
It looks like we got back to our table just in time. A girl has taken Grace’s seat and is sitting way too close to Pete—even he looks uncomfortable as she leans in to talk to him. The three of us share a look and Grace rolls her eyes. She taps her on the shoulder and jerks her head, telling her to fuck off. She scurries out of the seat and disappears into the crowd.
“What did I tell you?” She shrugs, almost happy to be proved right.
I take my place back on Dominic’s lap. When I wiggle my ass against him, I hear his intake of breath and his hand hooks the back of my neck, pulling my lips down to kiss me deeply.
“Charlie,” he warns.
“Let’s go. I want to get you home so you can bury yourself inside me. Or if you can’t wait, you could fuck me on the hood of my car in the parking lot.” He starts to shake his head. “I’ve parked it in a really dark spot.” My eyes sparkle, and I enjoy seeing the look of shock in his. Standing up, he slides me off his lap so quickly I almost fall. I would have landed on my ass if he didn’t have a good hold of me.
“We’re going to head.” He tries to sound casual, but Pete eyes him with suspicion and starts to laugh.
“What did she just say that got you moving so fast?” I look up at Dominic expectantly, and to my surprise, he blushes. Even in the dim lighting, I can see the color on his cheeks.
“Nothing,” he stammers.
“I don’t believe you,” Pete persists but Dominic ignores him and pulls me away and rushes me out of the bar.
My charger is parked in a dark corner behind the bar, which is perfect if I want him to have sex with me on my car.
“You really want to do it on top of your car?” He watches me, trying to gauge my reaction.
I run my hand over the hood, walking around to him on the driver’s side, and drop the keys into his palm. Dominic has a thing against sex in public places or outdoors so I put him out his misery.
“Nah, just take me home. I want to wrap myself around you and not move from your bed.” I laugh at the look of r
elief that spreads over his face.
“That can be arranged.” He winks and is in the car with the engine running before I’ve even opened the passenger door.
Chapter Nineteen
“So the bonfire tonight, you want to go?” Dominic asks, his fingers following the pattern of my tattoo down my hipbone. I squirm at the ticklish feeling it induces.
“Could be fun. Is the rest of band going?”
“Probably but I want to spend it with you,” he says and I lean back to look at the intensity blazing in his eyes. We have spent all morning in bed, only getting up to eat before coming back to lie wrapped around each other in our own little cocoon. A lot of the time has been spent talking, but nothing heavy, the usual shit. The distance I felt growing between us has gone and things are starting to get back to normal.
“Are you not sick of me yet?” I say it as a joke this time, not because I actually think he is, but his eyes flash—with pain or hurt, I’m not sure.
“Never.” He continues with his stroking, concentrating on tracing the daisy with his index finger. “I wanted to talk to you about something.” If he feels my whole body tense, he doesn’t let on. He just keeps staring down at his finger, and I will my heart to stop hammering inside my chest. My breath has quickened, and I don’t know if I’m going to like what’s coming.
“Hmm.” I try to keep my voice even and tremor-free.
“Will you come with me? This summer I mean, on the road?” He trips over his words, unsure of himself, which is unusual.
Relieved, I laugh and his eyes jerk up to meet mine. “Of course. I thought maybe you didn’t want me to come with you.”
“There is no way I’m leaving you for the whole summer.” He continues his stroking. “I want you beside me all day and all night. No hiding at the bar,” he warns, “you sit with the girls so everyone knows you’re my girlfriend.” His green eyes flash with a possessiveness that has always made me weak-kneed. Strong fingers dig into my hipbone, whether he realizes he’s doing it or not. I roll into him.