Kissing Charlie

by Elsa Winckler

  “Neither am I, you egotistical idiot. Now get out.”

  It was only when he looked at her again, as he walked past her, that he saw the glimmer of tears in her eyes. He stopped but she shoved him outside and closed the door behind him.

  “And then he had the gall to ask me who wears glitter during the day!” Charlie was still so mad, she was pacing up and down their small living room.

  “So, just to be clear, we don’t like him anymore?” Lindsay asked, obviously highly amused. “He was very kind last night.”

  “I know, but then this morning...” She threw up her hands.

  Lindsay cleared her throat. “What I’m still not sure about is what happened before he told you you’re not his type?”

  Charlie stopped her pacing for a moment. It was nearly six and she’d just arrived back home. A few more clients had needed her that morning, but afterward, she had still been so worked up, she’d ended up cleaning her office.

  She hadn’t planned on telling Lindsay what had happened. Saying it out loud would make it more...more real. But of course, Lindsay knew something was wrong the minute she’d stepped into the house just now.

  But it was real, damn it—he’d kissed her, not the other way around. He’d touched her and she’d let him because she’d never been so moved by a kiss before.

  “I mean, if, say for instance, he kissed you, I could understand...” Lindsay said.

  Charlie looked up quickly. “How did you know?”

  Giggling even harder now, Lindsay jumped up. “So that’s why you’re so upset. The man kissed you and you liked it.”

  Charlie flopped down on a chair. “Okay, he kissed me. Only to tell me afterward I was not his type.”

  “Did he stop the kiss or did you?”

  “I stopped it! It was a moment of madness and he agreed.”

  “So why are you so upset?”

  “I’m not upset, I’m mad,” Charlie grumbled. She tossed her hair back. “I’ve already forgotten about the whole thing and I hope never to hear the name Logan Johnson again. How was lunch? How are you?” She’d checked in on Lindsay throughout the day and was so happy to hear that Brooke had also invited her for a meal.

  “It was lovely, thanks. Brooke is such a sweet person and I adore her little boy. I’m okay, for the moment. I have a new email address and I’ve already sent it to everyone who uses it. Fortunately, most of our clients use the general email I use for work.”

  “Just promise me you won’t go anywhere on your own, please? Not until we’re sure what that man is up to.”

  Lindsay shook her head. “I still can’t believe he’s been looking for me all this time.”

  “You don’t need a degree in psychology to know he is a textbook narcissist and psychopath. He has to get in the last word. But nothing is going to happen to you as long as I’m here, okay?”

  Lindsay nodded. “I’ve been thinking... You remember the self-defense classes I took after we arrived here?”

  “I do. You were very good at it, I remember.”

  “Well, I’ve phoned them again. Unfortunately, Phil, the guy who helped me before, has apparently left for the big city, but someone else has now taken over his dojo. The new guy teaches self-defense as well as some other martial arts like karate. There is a self-defense class Monday afternoons after work. I was thinking of joining and was hoping I could persuade you to come with me?”

  “Of course, I will. It’ll be good exercise, as well.”

  “Thanks again for being so sweet last night. It’s been two years since I’ve last heard anything from him. I just didn’t expect to see an email from him, you know?” Lindsay sighed. “I’m mostly upset because just one line from him freaked me out. I thought I was better. I’ve seen a psychologist, I’ve taken self-defense classes, I do meditation for goodness’ sake; I shouldn’t have been so upset. But in that second while I was reading his words, fear grabbed me at the throat and I simply forgot everything I’ve learned over the past two years.”

  Charlie got up and put her arms around her sister. “You are brave and beautiful and intelligent—you’ve got this.”

  With a sniff, Lindsay returned her hug before she stepped back. “Thanks, sis. I am so grateful I have you in my life. I’ve been thinking about our Seattle trip. Now that Gavin will be visiting, I should probably stay here. Will you be okay going on your own?”

  “Let’s see when Gavin arrives. I can always join the meeting via Zoom or Skype; I don’t have to go.”

  “You’ve been talking about meeting other Bowen therapists since we’ve arrived here. I don’t think you should cancel.”

  Charlie frowned. “But with Mark...”

  Lindsay squared her shoulders. “I’ve decided I’m not giving Mark Taylor any more power to disrupt my life. Care to join me tonight? I’m going to the bar again.”

  And although that was really the very last place she wanted to be, Charlie nodded. “That’s the spirit. Of course, I will.”

  “And what if He We Won’t Name is there?”

  “He’s probably back in Seattle already. So come on, I’m going to wear something glittering and outrageous!”

  Lindsay giggled. “As if that will be surprising.”

  Chapter 6

  Logan rolled over to his side and opened his eyes. For a moment, he was disoriented. Where was he? A giggle from downstairs penetrated his befuddled mind. Brooke’s laugh. He sat up, running a hand through his hair.

  He couldn’t believe he’d fallen asleep. The only thought he’d had when he got back from Charlie’s rooms that morning was to get the hell back to Seattle. But his mom had bought something for lunch, they’d had a glass of wine, and afterward he’d gone upstairs to pack. Only he’d ended up on his back on the bed and...he checked his watch. It was nearly seven; he’d slept most of the afternoon.

  Damn it, he wanted to be back in Seattle tonight. Would there still be any flights this late? He’d have to check. There was knock on his door. “Are you decent?” his mother called.

  He got up. “Yes, I am.”

  Before he’d finished getting the words out, she was in his room. She was dressed and all smiles. “I’m so glad you haven’t left. Brooke and I are going out again; do you want to join us?”

  He was going to say no, he wanted to make sure about flights. Those were the words he’d expected to hear leaving his mouth. Instead, he smiled and said, “Yes, that sounds great. But I want to take a shower...”

  “We’ll meet you there, if that’s okay? Same place as last night.” She turned as if to leave, but then she looked over her shoulder. “Feeling better? You looked a bit...perturbed this morning after your visit to the lovely Charlie.”

  “Why? Did she say anything?” he quickly asked.

  His mother frowned. “Don’t tell me you had another fight with her? I don’t know what it is with you and—”

  “No, I didn’t fight with her!” he called out in frustration. “Damn it, I kissed her.”

  His mother’s mouth formed a perfectly round O, but there was no sound. Hell, he hadn’t planned on saying anything about the kiss, least of all to his mother. He’d never hear the end of it.

  But she shrugged. “Well, obviously you didn’t like kissing her—such a pity, though. She’s got spunk. Now don’t be too late!” And with a wave of her hand, she left.

  Didn’t like kissing her? Of course, he liked kissing her, damn it—that was the whole freaking problem. He loved kissing her. Loved. What the hell was wrong with him? She was so not the kind of woman he should be even be thinking about, let alone be kissing.

  Pulling his shirt over his head, he strode toward the bathroom. Why the hell was he still here? He closed the bathroom door behind him and leaned against it for a moment.

  Because he wanted to see Charlie again. There were so many reasons to stay away from her, but he had to see her again. It was that simple.

  Lindsay looked over Charlie’s shoulder and waved. “You can finally relax. Eleanor and Br
ooke are on their way to join us and Him We Won’t Name isn’t with them.”

  Charlie smiled. The strange sensation she was experiencing couldn’t be disappointment. She’d probably only drunk her first glass of wine too quickly.

  The two women rushed toward them, full of smiles. “I’m so glad to see you again,” Eleanor said, then hugged Lindsay. “You know we won’t let anything happen to you, don’t you?”

  “Thanks, Eleanor. You and Brooke have been so good to us ever since we arrived here.” Lindsay smiled.

  “Hi, everyone,” a male voice greeted them. It was Tod, the owner of the bar, and with him was another man. “I want to introduce you to another newbie in our midst, Blake Davidson. He’s just moved here from New York.”

  It was obvious the introduction was Tod’s idea. Blake smiled stiffly and nodded. “Thanks, Tod.” He turned away as if to leave, but Eleanor was not put off by his unfriendly demeanor.

  “Pull up a chair, why don’t you? These two gals here can tell you all about our little community. They moved here two years ago from South Africa.” And before Blake could open his mouth, Eleanor was up and pulling a chair closer from the table next to them.

  Charlie swallowed a giggle. The poor man had no other choice but to sit down on the chair Eleanor had placed next to Charlie. He crossed his arms, clearly very uncomfortable.

  “What are we drinking?” Tod asked.

  Everyone placed their orders before Eleanor leaned forward. “So, what brings you to our little town?” she asked Blake.

  Only Charlie probably heard the soft curse before he spoke up. “I’ve bought the dojo and will be teaching self-defense classes and other martial arts.”

  Surprised, Charlie pointed toward her sister. “Lindsay and I will be joining your self-defense class on Monday. We’ve just spoken about it today.”

  He looked at Lindsay before he answered. “It’s not for everyone, you know. But if you’re sure, I’ll see you Monday.”

  Charlie gave Blake a sideways glance. What a strange thing to say. She would think he’d be thrilled to know he had at least two new clients. Charlie tried to catch Lindsay’s eye, but her sister was fidgeting with her bag.

  “Hi, everyone.”

  Charlie looked up quickly. Logan was standing right behind Blake’s chair. Her heart did a double flip before it shuddered back in place. His eyes were on her, his jaws clenched tightly together.

  Charlie lifted her chin and looked away. She was not Logan’s type, remember? Those were the exact words he’d used earlier. And, oh, yes—he didn’t like her scatter cushions. Too bright, too many colors. She was going to listen to her instincts, damn it, and they were telling her loud and clear this man was trouble—keep away.

  “Blake!” Eleanor called out gaily. “Get a chair and meet a new friend. Blake, this is my son Logan. Logan, this is Blake. He’s just moved to our little town and will be teaching self-defense to Charlie and Lindsay. Isn’t that lovely?”

  By the time she’d finished talking, Logan had pulled up a chair and was sitting next to Lindsay.

  The drinks arrived, Logan placed his order, but Charlie forced herself not to look in his direction.

  Blake took a sip of the beer he’d ordered and she leaned slightly closer to him. “Eleanor can be a bit overwhelming, but she means well,” she said softly.

  At last the beginnings of a smile appeared on Blake’s face. “I can see that. But...” He quickly looked around them and shook his head. “I’m not good with big crowds. Hashtag #introvertproblems.” He smiled. “I met Tod and Larry this morning when I went for a run. They invited me for a beer, but I never expected there’d be such a crowd.”

  “And you certainly hadn’t expected to meet new clients, it would seem.”

  He looked over at Lindsay. “No, it’s not that that. It’s just...your sister...Lindsay? Is that her name?”

  “Yes, that’s right. What about her?”

  Blake couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her sister. “She’s very...delicate, isn’t she?”

  “Actually, she’s one of the strongest people I know.” She looked up to find Logan looking grimly at her. Nothing new there. She quickly turned back to Blake. “So, tell me, how did you get into this line of work?”

  What the hell was so funny that she had to smile all the damn time? Logan gulped down the rest of his beer, never taking his eyes off Charlie. Tonight, she simply took his breath away.

  The shimmering top she was wearing had a wide neckline, leaving her shoulders bare. He noticed the creamy satin of her skin and the ache he’d thought he’d tempered that morning was back. He’d tasted her, he’d touched her, and he couldn’t think about anything else than to get his hands on her again as soon as humanly possible.

  A tight band across his chest made breathing difficult. He sipped at his beer, watching her. She threw her head back and laughed at something what’s-his-name next to her said. Inside of him there was a shift. What’s-his-name was grinning, as well, clearly also enthralled with Charlie.

  It was when she bent her head and moved closer to the guy that he’d had enough. He stood up quickly, bumping against the table in the process.

  “Everything okay, Logan?” his mother asked.

  “Everything is fine, Mom, I just need...I need to ask Charlie something. About...about my back.”

  And finally, Charlie looked at him, her eyebrows raised. “What about your back?”

  “Can we talk outside?” he asked.

  “I’m having a drink,” she said.

  “And I need your help,” he insisted.

  Charlie’s first reaction was to throw the contents of her wine glass in Logan’s face, but she was very much aware of his mom and sister watching them. Muttering an excuse, she got up quickly and stomped out of the pub. The freaking man was driving her crazy. And the fact that he looked sexy as hell in a plain, white T-shirt and a pair of tight-fitting jeans wasn’t helping.

  He was right on her heels and when she turned around outside, they were nearly touching.

  “What...what about your back?” she got out. Again, the husky voice. Seriously?

  He grabbed her hand and moved them to the side of the building. “I don’t want to talk about my back. In fact, I don’t want to talk at all.” His hand glided up her arm and landed on her bare shoulder.

  “Damn you, Logan Johnson. I’m not your type, remember? What are you still doing here, anyway? I thought you’d be back in Seattle, dining and wine-ing a neat and tidy woman who only wears black and gray.”

  His head bent. Warm lips grazed her shoulder. Her knees nearly buckled and she had to lean against the wall behind her.

  “I know what I said, damn it,” he growled, his lips trailing over her skin, “but I didn’t like the way you smiled at what’s-his-name in there. I haven’t been able to think about anything else but kissing you, tasting you again. Did you know you smell like roses?”

  And with a groan, he pulled her closer. “I want to kiss you,” he whispered, waiting for her consent.

  Walk away, be outraged, Logic tried to tell her. But Heart, her heart, easily won this round. Here, so close to him, all she wanted was his mouth on hers. She’d barely nodded when warm, urgent lips plundered hers mercilessly until she had to grab hold of his shoulders just to keep standing.

  His skin was hot under her fingers. His muscles flexed as he moved to bring her even closer to him. And oh my. His desire throbbed intimately against her body and this time her knees did buckle.

  “I want you, Charlie,” he growled against her lips, moving one leg between hers. “Now.”

  “Even if I’m not your type?” she scolded while trying to disentangle herself from him.

  “Do you think I don’t know that? But damn it, I have to kiss you.” Again he waited until she nodded before he cupped her face and kissed her.

  Tears gathered behind her closed eyes and one or two escaped and ran down her face. He lifted his head, frowning. “You’re crying.”

 
Sniffing, she finally pushed him away. “You will have to make up your mind, Logan. You can’t tell me I’m not your type, but you keep kissing me. This is me. Weird. I think that was the word you used. And yes, I wear glitter any damn time I want and I love my colored cushions. I’m not changing. For anyone. I hope your back will heal soon.” And gathering her last shred of dignity, she walked away.

  She blinked furiously, trying not to cry. The last thing she wanted to do was upset Lindsay any further. In any case, there was nothing to be upset about. Logan apparently liked kissing her, but he didn’t like her. There wasn’t anything left to say about it.

  Breathing hard, Logan stared at Charlie’s back until she disappeared from his sight. Then, shoving his hands into his pockets, he walked back to his car.

  He’d discovered the first flight back to Seattle would be leaving early in the morning, which meant he had to stay here another night, knowing Charlie was close by. Fortunately, he’d have to leave at the crack of dawn to catch the six o’clock flight. He had to get as far away from this woman as possible. At least until his sanity returned.

  He got into his car and closed the door. For a while, he sat there. What was it about her? Yes, she was beautiful, but so were many other women he knew. But there was something about her that had touched something so deep inside himself, he hadn’t even known it existed.

  That he could want someone like this, could crave someone’s presence like this, was so surprising, it had never happened before. Muttering a string of curses, he started his car and drove away quickly. But not before he glanced back one more time. She wasn’t anywhere to be seen, though. She was inside. With what’s-his-name.

  And he shouldn’t forget about Gavin somebody, who would also be arriving later this week. His hands clutched the steering wheel tighter. Charlie with another man? The mere thought was enough to drive him crazy, damn it to hell.

  He slowly drove back to his mother’s house. Hopefully this madness would vanish once he was back in Seattle.

  The minimalist neat and tidy monochrome décor of his house would calm his overstimulated senses as it always did. He would take a nice, normal, pretty woman out to dinner and soon he wouldn’t even remember what Charlie looked like or why he’d been in such a state over her.