I tried to shake off the memory of crying to him just an hour ago.
I’d broken every rule I’d ever had with Charlie.
I’d cried. I’d told him I liked him. And then I’d had earth-shattering sex with the man.
I wrapped myself up in the blanket, waiting for him to come out of the bathroom and realize we’d made a huge mistake before he bailed and went home.
He strode toward me with an unreadable grin on his face.
He stopped in front of me, leaned down, and picked up his jeans.
Here we go.
He was going to explain all the reasons we should call this done.
But instead, he pulled his wallet out and took out two more condoms as he waggled his brows. He leaned down and scooped me up in his arms, and I startled.
“What are you doing?” I squealed as he cradled me like a baby and carried me to the bedroom.
He pulled back the covers and set me down on the bed before sliding in next to me. He shifted me on his chest and then pulled the covers over both of us.
“We’re cuddling,” he said, his voice lacking all emotion.
I laughed. “You sound thrilled about it.”
“Listen. This isn’t the norm for either of us, but we just said we’re going to try. You attempting to act like it’s already over, that’s not trying. So lie here on my chest and tell me about your call with your mom, and then once we’ve recovered, we’re going to do that again and again.”
I looked at him and pushed myself up. “You want to talk while we cuddle before we have sex again?”
“Yes. And so do you. So stop being a stubborn ass and start talking.”
I lay back down and breathed in his manly scent of mint and pine.
“I told you my mom is an alcoholic, and my dad is a narcissist. Great combo in the parenting department,” I chuckled.
He didn’t laugh. “That had to suck. You know, sometimes I think having no parents is better than having shitty parents. At least I didn’t have hope of someone showing up, you know? You probably held out for more because they were there.”
I’d never thought about that.
“That’s very true. But it still had to be hard on you, moving around and not knowing what each day would bring?” I whispered.
“Nah. I learned at an early age to rely on myself. I don’t have expectations with people. But having Harper changed me in a way. It made me want to be a better man. And being a good father is the most important job I’ll ever have.”
“You’re such a good dad, Charlie. Watching you with Harper restored my faith in the father-daughter relationship,” I said as he stroked my hair in the most soothing way. “I thought it was all a fairy tale, but you two are the real deal.”
“Were there good times with your mother, or was she always abusive?”
“There were good times. That’s what makes it hard. She tried. She had her heart broken, and she never bounced back from that. It made me aware at a very young age that trusting others with your heart was a really bad idea.” I sighed. “But she coped by numbing herself with alcohol, which is never a good thing. So her addiction has led to a lot of toxic behavior. But she has her moments of goodness too.”
“I’m sorry, Firefly. That wasn’t fair to you. You deserve better.”
I smiled at his words and raised my head again to look at him. “I’m very good to myself.”
“As you should be.”
“I’m cautious about who I trust,” I said, my words hesitant.
“You don’t say?” he chuckled, making no attempt to hide his sarcasm.
