Page 35

I laid in Charlotte's bed until seven in the morning, wide awake.

I couldn't sleep knowing how upset she was, so I just held her.

I could practically hear the wheels turning in her head as she breathed gently on my neck.

She was pulling away. Not physically, but emotionally.

I could feel her heart becoming more distant to mine.

I knew if it came down to it, if her family couldn't find a way to accept us, that she would choose them. Who the fuck was I compared to her dad and brother? I would never blame her for putting her family first, but it killed me to imagine not having Charlotte in my life anymore.

Guilt flooded my conscience as I remembered Ollie. Fuck, he was my brother and all I had focused on was whether or not I'd lose Charlotte. Oliver's treatment of Charlotte had really been my fault. I'd gotten so wrapped up in her, I'd let Ollie slip through the cracks.

I slowly rolled on my side, supporting Charlotte's sleeping body so she'd slide gently onto the mattress. I stood from the bed and took a moment to look down on her. Fuck. I really needed to fix this. I could not lose this girl.

When I got back to the football house James was already awake. He looked as sleep-deprived as I felt with large bags under his eyes and sallow cheeks.

"Long night?" He sighed as I took my jacket off.

"Yep. You too?" I asked.

James nodded as he rubbed his eyes. "Oliver got pretty sick after you left. He's fine." He added quickly seeing my face. "But he was puking and shit for a while. I didn't want him to choke or anything so I stayed up."

I didn't know how to thank James, but I was filled with gratitude for him. Once again I'd chosen Charlotte over Oliver, and without James, things could have been really bad. I cleared my throat as I punched him gently in the arm. "Good lookin' out Bro," was all I could manage.

James' face morphed into a quizzical frown for a moment before he chuckled and shook his head. "Thanks, man."

I went upstairs to take a shower and figure out how to fix the clusterfuck that had occurred yesterday. I needed to be proactive before Charlotte convinced herself it was easier to just end things with me. I let the hot water clear my mind as a plan began to unfold.

Once I was out of the shower and dressed I headed in search of Oliver.

I found him sprawled out on James' bed, still in his clothes from the night before.

There was a bucket on the floor that I already knew I didn't want to look into.

I silently sent another thank you to James for not putting Ollie in my bed.

"Dude!" I rattled Oliver's arm to wake him up. He muffled a few random words before rolling over and ignoring me. I had a moment of levity as I realized the Avery siblings woke up in very similar ways.

"Come on Ollie! Wake the fuck up." I shoved him a little harder.

Oliver slowly blinked his eyes open into a scowl. "What the fuck dude I'm so hungover."

"We need to talk about Charlotte." I walked to James' desk chair and dropped into it.

I watched silently as Oliver sat up in bed. I could see his expression change from confusion to reflection, and then settle on guilt.

"Fuck... I yelled at her didn't I?" Oliver scrubbed his hand over his face. "I can barely remember."

'Yeah, you did. You also basically told her you have resented her for a shit ton of time because she gets everything she wants. Which is bullshit by the way."

"So the big bad boyfriend came here to yell at me?" Oliver grimaced.

"Actually no." I shifted forward to rest my elbows on my knees. "I came here to apologize."

Oliver's face was almost comical. His eyes widened as his brows shot up and his jaw slackened. Okay, point taken. I don't apologize often.

"Look dude," I continued. "I know I fucked up.

Ever since Charlotte came to USC... I don't know man.

She got in my head. It's like she was this totally different person and it was easy to disconnect from our home life.

But I should have come to you about it. And I shouldn't have made you feel like you weren't important to me anymore.

I feel like shit about it. Especially about not talking to you

as much. "

Oliver opened his mouth to speak then clamped it shut again. Finally, he let out a nervous laugh. "Did Archer fucking Johnson just talk about his feelings?"

I dropped my face into my hand and chuckled. "Your sister is fucking changing me man. You know the other day I called Tyler a freaking butthead in practice. The guys are never gonna let that go."

I looked back up to see Oliver watching me thoughtfully. The small smile at the corner of his lips made me feel exposed and shifty. "Well... shit," he said profoundly.

"Okay now that shits over with I am going to be the big bad boyfriend. You made her cry you fuckface. What was all that shit about anyways?"

"I don't know," Oliver sighed. "I'll apologize to her. I just got... I don't know! Fuck. I guess I didn't like feeling like I was losing you."

"So if I promise that we are always gonna stay close and a bunch of other pussy-shit, will you lay off of her? She's fucking heartbroken man."

Oliver threw his head back and laughed loudly.

"Awe, there's the bundle-of-love you normally are.

I was getting worried." I cracked a smile that the old Oliver seemed to be back too.

"Fine," he nodded. "I'll go to her dorm before I leave town.

" Oliver became more serious as he swung his feet to the ground to face me.

"Now, I feel obligated to say that if you hurt my sister, or disrespect her at all I'll beat the shit out of you. "

"Dude you can't beat the shit out of me," I laughed.

Oliver nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. If you're going to date her then I need a promise that if you hurt her, you won't fight back."

"If I hurt her... fuck. I'll give you my truck to run me over with.

" I said truthfully.

Four hours later I drove my truck into Bellmere for phase two of this plan.

I tapped the steering wheel repetitively as nerves rattled around inside of me.

My skin was prickly and over-sensitive as I mentally ran over my speech.

I pulled up in front of the Avery's house and sighed. It was now or never. If I wanted to be with Charlotte I had to do this. I got out of my truck and strode to the front door. I had barely knocked once when it flew open and Mr. Avery stood there glaring at me.

"My office, let's go." He demanded.

I kept my face neutral as the alpha-male within me wanted to rebel. This wasn't the time to lock horns with Charlotte's father. If I had to bow down then I would.

"So, you're dating my daughter huh?" Mr. Avery asked as he sat down across from me at his desk. I felt like a fucking child who got in trouble with the principal.

"I came here to apologize," I started my speech looking him directly in the eye. "You shouldn't have found out about Charlotte and I like that."

"It's not only that." Mr. Avery interrupted me.

"Don't get me wrong. Seeing you maul my baby girl in front of a bunch of cameras pissed me off.

But I'm sorry Archer I just don't think you're good for her.

Charlotte is sensitive and naive. You can be aggressive and hard-headed.

I don't like the idea of you bowling her over. "

I sat back in the chair as I absorbed what Mr. Avery said.

I wasn't good enough. Well, fuck. I knew that.

Every point I had planned on making went out the window.

My knee shook up and down as I tried to process my thoughts.

My stomach squeezed when I realized that someone I had considered a second-father thought I was a piece of shit too.

"I know I'm not good enough for her," I said quietly.

"But I'm trying to be. You're right Charlotte is sensitive and yeah maybe even a little naive.

But those are things I want to protect, not take advantage of.

Charlotte is also strong though. Stronger than you give her credit for.

And smart. God, if anyone is the push-over it's me. "

Mr. Avery sighed and nodded. "I appreciate that and I believe that you mean it. But she's my daughter Archer. She's precious to me. I just don't approve."

Frustration boiled inside of me. He wasn't even giving me a fucking chance. "So there is nothing I can do to change your mind?" I gritted through my teeth.

His silence was the answer I needed. I rubbed my jaw as I tried to calm myself down, I wasn't going to show him the person he thought I was.

"Well," I continued. "I came here to apologize regardless.

So I am sorry for disrespecting you. I know how close you are to Charlotte and I know your values.

I should have manned up and told you sooner.

And I'm sorry for what happened after the game too. "

I stood up to leave but stopped at the door.

"I just want you to know that I really care about her.

I'm pretty sure I would do just about anything to make her smile.

That's why I even came here—to try and fix things so Charlotte could have everything that makes her happy.

But right now sir," I set my jaw and looked him in the eye, "I am not the one hurting her. You are."

I turned and left before Mr. Avery could respond. I'd said my piece but I knew when I was fighting a losing battle. How could I convince him that I was good enough for Charlotte when even I knew I wasn't?

As I drove back to USC I was hit with an overwhelming wave of emotion.

Fuck. I was going to lose her. I thought I had it all figured out after Oliver chilled out but Mr. Avery had been a whole other beast. If anything, I probably made it worse at the end.

Maybe I should have worked harder? I could have swallowed my pride and grovelled.

I was ashamed as tears sprung to my eyes at how royally I had fucked everything up.

I was defeated when I got home four hours later.

I dragged myself up the driveway and inside with a heavy heart.

The house was empty as I moved towards the stairs so I checked my phone for the first time that day.

It was a Saturday afternoon, usually, the boys would all be here getting ready for parties or dates.

I sent James a quick text back that I wasn't in the mood and walked into my room. A breath of air whooshed out of me as I was hit in the gut by a little ball of curls.

"Charlotte?" I coughed as I looked down at the girl clinging to my stomach.

The breath was knocked out of me again when she looked up at me.

Her face was bright with a wide smile and emotional eyes.

She reached up and tugged slightly on my shirt to get me to lean down.

I hugged her tightly as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"How did you do it?" She breathed as she pulled her head back to look at me. I was stunned with the adoration that melted the brown in her eyes. I didn't know what was happening but I was pretty sure I didn't deserve that.

"Do what?" I hesitated to ask. This could very well be the last time Charlotte treated me like this after I told her about my day.

"I woke up this morning to Oliver apologizing to me! He said he was just drunk and didn't mean that stuff. And he's okay with us! He even made a joke about us getting shared custody of you! It's going to take some getting used to obviously but he's okay. We're okay," she babbled on.

I smiled sadly at my beautiful girl and her false hope. I had been so fucking close to actually fixing this for her.

"Then! My dad called me!" She continued as my heart stopped beating in my chest. My mouth dried as I scrambled for what to say.

But then the confusion hit, why was she happy?

"Archer..." Charlotte reached out and stroked her dainty finger along my cheek.

"I can't believe you went and talked to my dad. "

"But—" I started then shook my head. "What did he tell you?"

Charlotte smiled and gave me a quick kiss before letting go and walking over to the bed. "He said you went and apologized to him and manned up." She plopped on the bed and crossed her legs under her. "I can't believe you, Archer! Driving four hours just to talk to him. For me?"

I crossed the room in a daze as I tried to follow what the hell was happening.

I sank onto the mattress next to her and rubbed her bare leg.

"Well, no shit," I said then cringed at my tone.

Why was it so hard to be romantic? "You're worth it Sweetheart," I added in a softer tone.

"So uh" I fished, "did your dad tell you anything else? "

"Uhm well, I wouldn't say he gave us his blessing but he said he would try! Which for my dad is a huge deal. He never folds on anything once he's made up his mind."

My mind whirled at Charlotte's words. Had I been in the same office? Having the same conversation? Maybe Mrs. Avery had talked some sense into him once I left. I took a deep breath as everything shifted into place.

"So, everything's good?" I asked with a small smile.

"Better than good," Charlotte laughed as she sat up on her knees to hug me again.

I wrapped my arms around her small waist and tugged her onto my lap.

She let out a cute little squeak and then settled her knees on either side of my thighs.

I tucked my face into the curve of her neck and tightened my arms.

The sweet scent of this perfect girl overwhelmed me as I breathed her in.

I could never put my finger on exactly what it was but it always calmed me.

It was like a bowl of fresh strawberries, but if each one had been dipped in a little extra sugar and sprinkled with some magical dust that was purely Charlotte.

I ran my hands down the back of her sweater then dropped them to her bare legs. My fingers toyed with the edge of her pyjama shorts. She giggled softly in my ear making me lift my face from her neck with a smile.

"That tickles," she giggled again as she scooted her ass around on my lap. The movement sent a jolt of electricity to my groin and I sucked in a breath as my hands shot out to stop her. Her eyebrows scrunched together in confusion at my slightly pained face.

"Don't do that, Sweetheart," I breathed as I lifted a thumb to smooth out the wrinkles between her brows.

A light blush spread across Charlotte's nose as she looked down and realized what I meant.

I grimaced as I felt myself get harder underneath of her.

I moved to take her off my lap but she clamped her hands down on my shoulders to stop me.

Slowly, she lowered herself further onto my lap as she looked unsurely up at me. I locked my jaw tightly as I felt the heat from between her legs through my jeans. My hands moved on their own accord to her sides as my thumbs ran over her delicate hipbones.

"Sweetheart," I began but stopped short when she rocked her hips on top of me. "Fuck," I seethed. My reaction seemed to embolden her as she slipped her hands behind my neck and brought our lips together.

Any self-control I had drained out of me as she sucked on my bottom lip. Fuck I loved it when she did that. Charlotte on top of me wanting control was so fucking hot so I let her take the lead as her plump lips massaged my own. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I deepened the kiss.

My hand went to her curls as I slipped my tongue in her mouth.

A shudder ran down my spine as she swirled her hips on my lap.

I was rock-hard at the point, there was no way Charlotte couldn't feel me pressing against her core.

I so badly wanted to unzip my jeans and remove any fabric that separated us.

I flexed my pelvis up into her and relished in the moan that slipped from the back of her throat.

Our kiss became frantic as the tension in the air thickened.

Our lips smashed together, and occasionally our teeth as we fought to keep a pace through the overwhelming need to have each other.

Charlotte seemed to have let go of any inhibitions as she ground into me.

I groaned as my erection pushed against my jeans, dying to take her.

I dragged my lips along her jaw and flicked her earlobe with my tongue.

The little sighs and mews of pleasure that poured out of Charlotte's sweet mouth only egged me on.

She stretched her neck, giving me more access which I took advantage of.

I sucked on the sensitive skin behind her ear as I used my hand to help her hips find a rhythm against my groin.

I trailed my kisses down her neck, sucking and nipping on her pale skin.

I slipped my hands under the band of her shorts and played with the back of her panties. My mind went in a million different dirty directions as the soft lace brushed my fingers. I ran my hands over the globes of her ass and squeezed hard as I nipped her shoulder.

A gasp from Charlotte made me worried that I'd been too rough.

I looked up quickly to apologize but she arched her spine as her head lolled back.

I was stunned for a moment at how unbelievable fucking beautiful she was.

Her eyes were closed so her lashes fanned out across her bright red cheeks.

Her lips were swollen and glistening as they relaxed open.

Her dark curls were wild as they fell down her back.

"You like that, Sweetheart?" My voice was deep and gravelly as I stared intensely at her.

She opened her eyes and I could see the hunger swirling inside of her dilated pupils. "I need more," she whispered. The unusual husk in her voice made my breath come in heavy as I massaged her ass with my hands. Her eyes fluttered closed again as her teeth tugged at her bottom lip.

"Maybe we should stop," I gritted out. Every nerve in my body recoiled at the thought but I didn't want to move too fast with Charlotte.

"No Archer... please," she sighed, grasping her little fists in my shirt. I licked my lips as I tried to think clearly. Charlotte cupped my cheek in her small hand and smiled at me, "I trust you."

I flipped us over and dropped my hips between her legs as I reclaimed her lips. I rubbed against her almost punishingly for how worked up her lap-tease had made me.

Her hands tightened on my shoulders as I pulled back and lifted my body off of her.

I chuckled and gave her a quick kiss to let her know I wasn't going far.

I settled on my side and slipped my arm under Charlotte's head to hold her.

She shuffled to turn on her side as well but I stopped her—keeping her on her back.

I dropped my hand on her stomach and rubbed gentle circles as I moved my hand down and under her sweater. Her soft skin was hot against my palm as she wiggled and tried to sit up to kiss me again.

"Patience, Sweetheart," I whispered as I nuzzled my face into her hair. "I let you have control, now it's my turn."

I licked my lips as Charlotte dropped her head back against my arm and looked up at me with her over-sized eyes. They were filled with heat but I could see some apprehension. "Are you sure?" I asked as my hand paused.

A breathy whimper escaped Charlotte's lips and shot straight to my hard-on. I locked my body stiffly to stay in control as I waited for her to talk. "Yes, I'm sure," she rushed when she realized I wasn't going to move until she spoke.

I brushed my hand down the curve of her stomach and slipped my fingers under the waist of her shorts. My breath quickened as I felt the soft skin of her mound under my hand. My eyes were locked on Charlotte's face as her eyes fluttered closed and her mouth popped open.

I trailed my fingers down her slit and groaned when I felt how wet she was.

Charlotte's eyes flew open and looked up at me with embarrassment.

I dropped my face to hers and pressed a hard kiss to her lips.

"You are so fucking sexy," I mumbled against her mouth.

She tried to deepen the kiss but I pulled back.

I couldn't lose myself in her again, I had to stay in control.

A little pout pulled at Charlotte's mouth but it disappeared when I slipped my middle finger between her wet lips. The arm that was still under her head tensed as my brain got foggy. I rubbed gently at Charlotte's core with the palm of my hand until I felt her relax against me.

I used my middle-finger to run Charlotte's wetness up between her slit leaving a trail of lubrication. I bit my lip hard as I moved slowly back and forth, never quite reaching her clit.

Charlotte's face was flushed red with heat as she wriggled in my arm. I watched her closely as I finally allowed my finger to brush past her pleasure-point. I was rewarded with the sexiest image of her as her chest arced up towards me and her eyes rolled back.

I brushed gentle circles around her clit as I watched her lose herself. I'd never been more engrossed in anyone else's pleasure than with Charlotte. Her's was intoxicating. Heat flushed my neck as I quickened my pace, dipping my finger back to her wetness occasionally for more lubrication.

I could see Charlotte losing control of her body as I continued to rub her core. She flexed her hips upwards and I knew she was close. Her eyes flew open and stared up at me as her breathing became ragged. Every muscle in her body looked tight and tense as I put more pressure on her clit.

"Let go, baby," I groaned in a low husky voice that I barely recognized.

I could see the moment Charlotte's orgasm hit her.

Her spine curved up and for a moment she was still, she didn't even breathe.

Then she shattered. I slowed my pace but continued to rub her as she moaned and convulsed against me.

My arm that was wrapped under her tightened as she road out the pleasure against my chest.

She recovered slowly as her breathing went back to normal. I was mesmerized as I stared down at her small frame pressed against me. Never in my life had I felt so sexually satisfied and I hadn't even come.

I chuckled as Charlotte looked up at me with an embarrassed grimace. Gone was the sex kitten who had initiated all of this—she was my adorable Charlotte again. She tried to hide her face in her hands as I dropped a kiss on her forehead and laughed softly at her little whine.

God, I could do this forever.