***
In bed, I’m restless and I know I’m annoying Charlie with my constant moving from side to side. It doesn’t help that the bed is so small that I keep bumping him at the same time.
“Zoe, stop.” Charlie finally has enough and sits up, turning the side light on. My eyes protest against the sudden light, but I, too, sit up.
“Sorry, I can sleep on the couch tonight.” Just because I can’t sleep, doesn’t mean Charlie shouldn’t be able to.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m scared,” I blurt out. Saying the words out loud doesn’t make me feel any better and I worry Charlie will think I’m weak.
“So am I. This whole situation is scary. No one expects you to not feel scared, Zoe. It’s normal.”
“What if we get caught? What if one of us gets hurt? What if they separate us?” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
“We’re not going to rush into anything. We’re going to plan this out properly and make sure when we get out of this place, we do it right. Everything is going to work out.” Charlie speaks just as quietly.
“How can you know that?”
“I just do. You will, too, if you dream of the future. You’ll see us on a beach, drinking something with a little umbrella in it.”
“I doubt that.”
“Prove me wrong and dream of our actual future then.”
I sigh. “I can’t control it like that.”
“Then we’ll just have to go with my vision.”
I roll my eyes at him. He moves to sit up properly and I feel the quilt move with him.
“Hey, didn’t I win a bet that meant I controlled this quilt for a whole night?”
“Yes, and you graciously allowed me to have some last night, thank you for that.”
“Actually, I was unconscious for most of the night, so I don’t think that should count.”
“You should have read the fine print. Last night was the only night included in the bet.”
I lean forward, resting on my knees and look at his jaw in the light. There is a bruise forming and it looks quite dark and sore.
“Does it hurt?” I reach out to touch the spot, but stop myself before I can reach it. I’ve never hit a person before and I hate that Charlie wears a bruise from the impact.
“It’s fine.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“I really didn’t mean to hurt you yesterday, it was a complete fluke.”
“I know. Next time I won’t make it so easy for you to get me.” He smiles at me.
“I caught you off guard which is the reason I was able to hit you,” I reason.
“I made you think that. In reality, I saw your punch coming and felt bad for you.” He winks at me and I know he’s trying to stir me up.
“Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to give you a matching bruise on the other side of your chin tomorrow.” I smile back at him cockily.
“You mean, if I allow you the chance to get near enough to me to do it.” He smirks at me.
“Tough talk for someone who has now lost to two women so far. Maybe Martha can beat you next time?”
Instead of replying to that like I expect, he reaches out with both hands and grabs my shoulders. Moments later, I’m flat on my back and he is looming over me.
“Think you can beat me now?”
“Depends.” I can’t stop smiling and I know I should probably feel awkward, having our bodies so close, however after everything that has happened between us, I feel safe around him.
“Depends on what?” He, too, smiles and my heart rate increases just seeing it.
“On whether you’re ticklish.”
Since his hands are still on my shoulders, his sides are completely open to attack, so I reach out and take my advantage. I don’t expect the reaction I get.
Charlie starts laughing uncontrollably and after losing his balance he falls off the side of the bed and hits the ground hard. I roll over to look at him and he is still half laughing and half grabbing his ass.
“So that’s two for two so far.” I laugh at him.
“Shut up and help me up.”
I get up and hold my hand out to him and he gingerly rises up off the ground.
“So I get the feeling that the bruise from this round will not be something I’ll be showing you.”
“Thanks.” I smile and roll my eyes at him.
“Thanks for getting my ass kicked again?” he asks.
“No, thanks for making me laugh and putting up with me.” I smile at him and again we both get into bed. I feel a little calmer this time and close my eyes, hopeful I might get some sleep.
“Zoe…” Charlie whispers.
“Yeah?”
“Best out of five?” he asks hopefully.
I laugh again and push his shoulder lightly.
“You want to lose some more?”
“Overconfidence will be how I’ll win.”
“Fine, you’re on.” I laugh again, picturing Charlie falling over the bed, and pull the covers up to my chin.
Taken By Surprise Page 60