Page 18 of Lady Luck’s Kiss

CHARLIE

Charlie closed up the garage early in order to get ready for her date with Jack.

She’d taken the time to curl her hair and paint her nails before dressing.

She wore something frilly and feminine today that she hoped would be eye-catching to him.

She loved the way it was fitted down to the hips and then flowed outwards into a loose skirt.

There was no way she was going to pretend like this wasn’t important to her.

It was. She’d been so unhappy without any contact from him.

It was humbling to feel herself wanting to reach out and talk to him.

It had also been torture knowing that if she did, it would open up that door between them.

She had to be ready and seeing him pull up in his truck, she knew that she was.

He looked breathtaking.

Her heart hammered in her chest. While she’d done her best to dress up, apparently, he had as well. His hair looked to be still a little wet from a shower and he was dressed in a starched dress shirt and slacks, instead of his jeans and a button up shirt.

“Hi,” she said softly, smiling.

“Hey there yourself,” he grinned. “You look wonderful.”

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

“Great minds think alike.”

“Something like that,” she admitted, laughing.

“I’ve missed your smile, Charlie. I’m glad we are doing this,” he murmured, holding out his arm politely. “Shall we go?”

She placed her hand on his arm, feeling quite ladylike and followed him as he walked her to the passenger side of the truck. Opening the door, she saw a dozen roses laying on the seat. Turning, she looked up at him in surprise, touched by the gesture. She’d never received flowers before.

“Those are beautiful, are they for me?”

“They aren’t for me, sweetheart,” he teased, looking happy at her reaction. “I thought I’d bring my lady some flowers for our date - unless I’m pushing too hard.”

“I should go put them in water,” she said softly, meeting his eyes and nodding. “I missed this.”

“I did too. If you want, or you can just enjoy them and put them in water later. I think there are containers at the bottom of the stems so they don’t dry out.”

Smiling, Charlie opted to get in the truck instead and held the flowers as he got in on the other side. Taking a deep breath of the fragrance, she sighed happily. “They are really lovely.”

“Almost as pretty as you are right now. The color reminded me of you.”

“Thank you.” It felt so strange to be formal with him, especially when things felt so intense. But bless his heart, he was trying to make this feel like a date and not rush things. He was trying for her, and she was touched.

They spent a lovely evening, laughing and talking over dinner. She really liked his company and was moved that he asked politely to hold her hand across the table. It was tender, sweet moments like this that made her toes curl in happiness.

After dinner, they walked hand in hand for some time, neither one ready for the night to be over. Finally, they headed back to the truck and rode back to her house quietly. She was lost in thought, wondering if she should invite him in. He looked to be concerned as well and focused on the road.

Jack put the truck into park and went around to open her door. Holding out his hand, he helped her out of the truck, bringing her close to him. She could smell his aftershave. She very nearly sighed aloud at the thought of kissing him and the feelings it would bring.

“Do you want to come in?” she asked softly, looking up at him.

“I think maybe another night, perhaps.”

They looked at each other longingly for what seemed like forever. She could tell by the look in his eyes that it took everything he had not to accept her offer. He was doing this for her, giving her the space that she’d asked for.

“I had a wonderful time tonight,” she admitted, nodding in response to him.

“I did, too.” Several more minutes ticked by as they stood there in the light of the motion detector by the door. She didn’t want to step away because she knew that if she did, he would leave.

… And she found that she didn’t want him to.

“Jack?”

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Kiss me goodnight?” she asked softly, laying her hand on his chest. She could feel his heart thrumming underneath her fingertips. His body jumped at the simple, innocent touch like it had been starved for it.

“I don’t think that is a good idea,” he responded, stepping away. His eyes were warm with longing at the memory of their kisses. It was written all over his face that he was struggling with having to say no to her. “I want to so much right now. Another night, another time.”

“Can we do this again soon?”

“Heck yes. Is tomorrow too much?”

“No, it sounds perfect.”

“I will see you at eight then.”

“I’d like that,” she answered with a sad smile. “Tonight was wonderful and I really appreciate it.”

“I’m glad.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles politely.

She was glad she’d taken the time to scrub her hands thoroughly with Lava soap until they were sore.

At least they were soft and squeaky clean with no signs of her job.

He turned to walk back to his side of the truck and stopped, quickly jogging back over to where she stood.

“I almost forgot.” Jack fished out his wallet from his pants sheepishly.

“You never said a word or mentioned the money I owed you for the repairs on my truck. I can’t believe I haven’t paid for the water pump yet.

” He handed her a wad of bills and pressed it into her hand.

“You should have said something. I have felt like such a heel the last few weeks.”

“Thank you for this,” she said, blushing furiously at the flood of memories that night brought. She accepted the money thinking of how she’d cursed herself over and over again for not collecting it.

“Of course!”

“This wasn’t why you asked me out, was it?”

“Charlie, I asked you out because I missed you. I was so glad you’d texted me.”

“Same here, just making sure,” she amended. “I’ve got an active imagination and some serious self-confidence issues.”

“Don’t analyze it or think yourself to death looking for a reason for this to fail. Little one, I asked you out because I have wanted to see you the last few weeks. I’ve been scared to death that I screwed up things beyond the point of repair with you.”

“No, nothing is beyond the point of repair,” she promised. “I fix things for a living, remember? It’s all about how much you want it.”

“Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then. Goodnight, Jack.”

He raised a hand and waved as he got in the truck. She heard the engine roar to life as he put the truck in gear and slowly drove away.