Page 29

Handing me my room key card, he guides me to the elevator, his hand resting gently on the small of my back. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver up my spine. As we ascend to the third floor, the tension between us is palpable, electric.

We reach my room, and I fumble with the key card, my hands trembling slightly. Charlie takes it from me, his fingers brushing mine, and smoothly opens the door. He steps aside, allowing me to enter first.

The room is cozy and inviting, with a plush king-sized bed draped in crisp white linens. Soft light from the bedside lamps casts a warm glow across the space. A large window offers a breathtaking view of the Puget Sound.

"Would you like to come in for a bit?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Charlie nods, following me into the room. He closes the door behind him with a soft click. We stand there for a moment, the air thick with anticipation.

"Want a drink?" I ask, gesturing to the mini-bar.

"Sure," he says, his voice low and husky.

I pour us each a small glass of whiskey, my hands still shaking slightly. We settle onto the plush loveseat by the window, our knees almost touching.

We sip our drinks in comfortable silence for a few moments before Charlie speaks. "Today was...unexpected," he says, his eyes meeting mine.

I nod, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Good unexpected, I hope?"

"Definitely good," he replies with a soft smile.

Charlie sets his glass down on the side table and turns to face me fully. "I've been thinking about that kiss all day," he admits, his voice low and intimate. "I never imagined we would ever kiss."

I feel a flutter in my stomach at his words. "Me neither," I confess.

He reaches out and tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his fingertips lingering on my cheek. "And I had no idea it would be so damn good.”

“Can I tell you something?" he asks, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, not trusting my voice.

"I've always thought you were very attractive," he says softly. "But I never thought there was any point in telling you that. Ifigured you'd never think of me as anything more than Jane’s big brother."

My heart races at his confession. "And I always assumed you just saw me as Jane’s annoying best friend.”

Charlie's hand moves to cup my face, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You've never been annoying to me, Tess. Far from it."

Our eyes lock, and suddenly the air between us is charged with electricity. Without thinking, I lean in, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet in a searing kiss, more passionate than the one we shared earlier. Charlie's arms encircle me, pulling me closer as I thread my fingers through his hair.

The kiss deepens, our tongues dancing as years of pent-up attraction explode between us. Charlie's hands roam my back, tracing the contours of my body through the thin fabric of my dress. I moan softly into his mouth, overwhelmed by the sensations coursing through me.

We break apart, breathless, our foreheads touching. "Are you sure about this?" Charlie whispers, his voice husky with desire.

I nod, pulling him in for another deep kiss. "Absolutely," I breathe against his lips.

Charlie lifts me onto his lap as we kiss again. His strong hands caress my thighs, pushing up the hem of my dress. Grinding against him, I can feel his arousal growing.

"Tess," he groans, trailing kisses down my neck. "You're so beautiful."

I tug at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin. Charlie quickly unbuttons it and shrugs it off. My hands roam over his muscular chest and shoulders as he unzips my dress. He stands, lifting me with him, and leads me to the bed.

Charlie slowly peels off my dress, his eyes dark with desire. "God, you're perfect," he murmurs, his eyes all over my body.

My heart thuds and I give him a slow sexy smile. “And you…damn, look at you.” I quickly remove my bra and lace panties before ripping the comforter off and laying down on the soft sheets.

Charlie's eyes roam over my body hungrily as he removes the rest of his clothes. He joins me on the bed, his warm skin pressing against mine. Our lips meet in a fiery kiss as his hands explore every inch of me. I arch into his touch, craving more.

"I need you," I whisper urgently against his neck.