Rewriting the Rules (25 page)

“You what?” I nod. “Really?” I nod again.

“When I first got to Rochester I thought about you all the time. I thought about what it’d be like to have you here and explore the city with you. This was the first thing I bought when I got to town and I knew I had to name it after you. Everything I’ve done has been for you. It’s hard for me to admit, but I think you know what’s in my heart.”

“I do, Troy.” She smiles. I lean over to kiss her. “Mm, your kisses are the best.”

“Good. I plan on kissing you forever.”

“And ever.”

The day is perfect with clear skies, the bright sun, and Charlotte next to me. When we get back she helps me clean and put the basket and her bag in my car. I hate that she took her car as well, but for now, this is how it has to be. Until we have the courage to tell Will, this is how we’ll live.

Threading my fingers with hers she looks at me with a weird expression. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“Baby, what?”

“I’ve been thinking about Will. I want to tell him so badly. I just don’t know how.”

I kiss her hand and nod my head. Pulling her so we can walk, neither of us talk as we walk along the water watching the sun go down. This is how we should be-walking around like a couple without the fear of being caught. Fuck it, I’m going to talk to Will and he’ll understand.

When we get back to my house I pick her up in my arms and rush upstairs. I need this woman and I need her now. In a matter of seconds our clothes are off and I’m pushing inside of her.

“Damn, baby, you’re so wet. It’s going to be so hard to not come in you right now.” I want this to last with her. Being inside of her feels amazing. It’s another level of amazing. Charlotte relaxes and wraps her legs around me. She moans and moves with me. “Fuck.” I feel her core squeeze me tighter, almost as if asking for more. Well, damn. I need to give her what she needs.

Pounding her sweet pussy, she screams for it harder. Holy fuck, this woman is incredible. Throwing my head back I groan and pleasure slips out of me as I pump in and out. Her pussy is hungry for my cock and I can’t leave her unsatisfied. Running my hands down her body and back up, I play with her taut nipples and see her breathing quicken. Leaning down and taking a nipple in my mouth I use my other hand to play with her clit.

“Oh . . . ,” she moans. “Wow. Yes, Troy.”

She grips my neck and I suck harder on her nipple. Going deeper into her warmth my body screams for more of Charlotte. I want her in every way, any time, and to be the only man to give her all her pleasures. Releasing her nipple, I show the other the same attention and feel her body squirm underneath me.

“I’m so close!”

She meets my thrusts and tightly pulls my hair. This is my limit. Damn. Spreading her legs wider, I pull her to the edge of my bed and fuck her into oblivion. The moans coming out of her sweet lips aren’t coherent and it makes me smile knowing she’s feeling pure bliss.

“Coming. Imcomingrightnow,” she screams. We both find our release and I collapse onto her. I know I’m probably crushing her right now, but being this close to her feels too damn good. There are no words when it comes to sex with Charlotte.

Slowly pulling out I head to the bathroom to get a wet towel to clean her. When I come back out she’s still lying on my bed with a smile on her face. Gently cleaning her I toss the towel and climb back into bed with her.

Charlotte’s my only exception. Cuddling and talking after sex was something I never wanted until she became mine. I tug the covers up and place my chin on top of her head. I need to hold her. The possessiveness I feel for her stays awake.

Within a few moments I hear light snoring and look down to see my beautiful girl asleep in my arms. She’s relaxed and here with me. I smile and close my eyes. Her scent lingers in my room and I relish in this moment. There is a fear in the back of my mind that when Will finds out he will make her choose between me or him. Will taking her away from me altogether is a possibility. It’s creeping into my reality and I do everything I can to push it away. She loves me and she’ll never pick between us. Right? She’ll do everything in her power to make Will see how ridiculous he is and it’ll all work out in the end.

It has to.

Waking up to Charlotte curled up against me, feeling her heartbeat against my chest, and listening to her softly breathe is the best way to wake up. The sun shines through the bedroom window. It’s still early and I don’t want to wake her up from her slumber. I want her here with me. Looking at the time again I know she has to be up in a few minutes to get ready for work.

I breathe in her intoxicating scent and think about yesterday. It brings a smile to my face and a good morning to my erect cock. Keeping her locked in my room sounds a lot better than letting her leave.

Moving down her body I kiss her toes and move up until my lips are on the crook of her neck. Little moans fill my ears and her body stretches until she’s fully awake and looking at me.

“I love the way you look when you just wake up.”

“I love early morning kisses,” she yawns and slowly gets up. “I don’t want to go to work today.”

“Then don’t. You don’t need a job.”

“Shut up,” she giggles. “I’ll be back later today and I’ll cook you something special for dinner. How’s that sound?”

“Perfect.”

I kiss her softly and watch her naked body get out of my bed and walk into my closet. When she comes out wearing one of my shirts I have a shit eating grin on my face. She looks damn good right now. The blue shirt hits her mid-thigh and the view of her putting up her hair and stretching is something I can look at every day.

Every single day.

She doesn’t have that much time before she has to leave for work so I head downstairs and get a yogurt with granola ready for her. Popping a K cup in the Keurig I grab a travel mug and get her coffee ready.

Is this what a real relationship feels like? With the other women I never dreamed of doing this or helping them in the morning. It never occurred to me to be a caring and sweet boyfriend. Material objects were more important than simple gestures.

“You made me breakfast?” I turn around to see a happy girl with her work uniform on, holding a MacBook, and her oversized purse.

“I did, sweet girl.” I walk over to her, placing a kiss on her lips and tasting that sweet peach on her lips. “New gloss?” She nods. “I like it.”

“Glad you do.”

I grab some things out of her hands and help her to her car. Standing beside her driver’s side door I place my hands on her hips and kiss the tip of her nose. “Have a great day at work.”

“Thank you,” she breathlessly says. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Watching her leave, the biggest smile is on my face. I haven’t smiled like this in so many years, and in a matter of weeks, this girl is giving me every reason to.

Everything makes sense when I’m around her. We fit together. We make sense. You don’t question what feels right.

It just is.

Chapter 34

Charlotte

When I get to work, Aubree’s standing in the office with a box on my desk. She’s staring at it and I’m wondering what’s going on.

“Morning.”

“Hey,” she says. “Who’s Shawn?”

My heart stops and my breathing quickens. Why is she asking for Shawn? Is that box from Shawn? I have to sit down and breathe or else I’m going to pass out. Slowly opening the box, Aubree watches me and doesn’t say anything. Putting the box on the floor in front of me I see an envelope and pick it up. Sliding my finger across to open the letter I pull it out to see Shawn’s words.

Charlotte,

It’s been a while since we’ve been broken up. I think about you all the time and wonder how you’re doing. I thought giving you time would be what you need. Since you aren’t back I know there’s more to this than you told me.

Watching you leave was the hardest thing I had to do, but I did it because you asked me. You asked me to let you go and not chase you. I’m sorry, I can’t do that anymore. Please tell me what I need to do to have you back? You’re my life, Charlotte, and I’ll do anything to get you back. Please talk to me.

I’ll be in town and hope you’ll make time to talk to me. Please, hear me out, and let me in. All the way in.

I love you.

-Shawn

Putting the letter down I pull out a scrapbook I made for us during our relationship and find another box. Grabbing that box I open it to see the engagement ring he gave me.

Tears spill down my cheeks. I sob hot tears and close my eyes. The ache I never wanted to feel comes back as I try to catch my breath. Clenching my chest, I close my eyes and lean back in my chair. This isn’t happening. Please, this isn’t happening. I can’t handle Shawn right now. I don’t love him anymore. I love Troy. I want Troy. My past with Shawn comes rushing back and it’s overwhelming me.

“Charlotte!”

“No. No. It’s okay.” I shake my head and put my hand up. My eyes find the ring again and flashes of that night hit me.

“Charlotte, you saved me and brought the light back into my life. Without you, I’m nothing.” I watch Shawn get down on one knee and pull out a solitaire diamond ring. All I can see is Troy and I’m smiling from ear to ear. My dream is coming true. “Marry me, Charlotte. Make me the happiest man.”

“Yes! Yes, Troy, I’ll marry you.” As soon as the words escape my lips I don’t see Troy anymore. I see Shawn. I see the man I’ve been with for the past three years and the man who gave me everything.

“Troy? What?”

“Oh no.”

“Just breathe, Charlotte. It’s going to be okay.”

I hear Shawn’s voice in my head. I hear his plea from the words in his letter and they repeat in my head.

I try to do as she says and close my eyes. It’s going to be okay. I’m with Troy and he means the world to me. If Shawn does come to town, we talk and it’ll all be okay.

The day goes by and all I can feel is numbness. My body feels empty and guilt consumes me. I did this to Shawn. I left him and caused him so much pain. Now he’s here and wants to talk. I can’t bring myself to do this.

Maybe I don’t deserve to be happy. I mean, I ruined Shawn’s life and now I’m with Troy. Maybe this is karma coming into my life to mess it up for me. Troy’s not going to understand why Shawn’s here and wants to talk.

After work, instead of going to Troy’s I head back to Will’s and climb into bed, ignoring the world, and falling asleep. I need to be away.

“Charlotte,” I hear Troy’s voice and slowly open my eyes to see his worried expression. “What’s wrong?”

I can’t find the words to tell him what’s going on. Tears fall and a terrified look is on his face.

“Talk to me. I’m so worried about you. What’s going on? Did I hurt you?”

I don’t trust my voice. I don’t trust anything right now. Another man has given me his heart and here I am about to break it because I don’t trust myself. What makes me think I deserve a happily ever after with Troy? He’s my brother’s best friend and I’m about to ruin their friendship. I can’t ruin another life.

I’m terrified and my chest is getting tighter. I can’t do this. I can’t.

“Shawn sent me a package.” I look up and see Troy’s body straighten. “It’s not what you think. He sent me our scrapbook, a letter, and the engagement ring. He asked me to marry him and when he was down on one knee, I saw you,” I sob. “It’s always been you, Troy. But I hurt him and I’m so scared I’ll hurt you.”

“Don’t be scared. I have the same fears. Together we’ll figure it out and we’ll make it through, okay?” I don’t respond. “Do you still love him?”

“No.” I wipe my tears. “I owe him this. He’s in town and wants to talk. Will that be okay?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I guess, but the idea of you being with him pisses me off. I’m not happy about you seeing him. You need to tell me where you’re meeting him and when.”

“I’m so sorry, Troy,” I tell him, crying, and holding his hand. “I love you so much, but I just . . .”

“I love you too, baby, and we’ll figure it out whatever is going on, okay?”

Before I can say anything, Will’s throwing Troy off my bed. “What the fuck, man?”

Troy quickly gets up and gets in Will’s face. “We’re just talking. That’s it.”

“Oh, really? So professing your love is a figure of speech?” He pushes him again. Carter runs in and gets between the two. “Move, Carter.”

“Not a chance, man.” He looks at both guys before looking at me. “Is everything okay?” I pull the covers up and shake my head.

“Will, you need to calm the fuck down,” Troy yells. “We were going to tell you . . .”

“No,” he screams. “Not my fucking sister, man. You can have anyone. I fucking told you to stay away from her. I told you, bro code. We’ve been best friends since day one and you helped me take care of her and now you’re fucking my baby sister?”

His words make me wince. I can’t look at anyone right now.

“She’s more than that. I love her. I fucking love her and want to be with her.”

“No. You wouldn’t. No.”

My heart breaks listening to them. I’ve ruined their lives. Will’s never going to forgive me and Troy’s not going to want to deal with this drama.

Everything’s in slow motion. Will pushes Carter out of the way and punches Troy in the face. He goes down hard and blood comes out of his mouth as he turns to his back and Will kicks him in the side. Carter rushes up and pushes Will down. Troy’s broken and holding his mouth and side, yet I’m sitting on my bed. I can’t move. I can’t save either of them.

“Get the fuck out of my house, Troy. The one thing I ask of you and you couldn’t even do it. Get out.” Will stares at me. “You disappoint me. I never thought my sister would betray me. It was always us, Charlotte.”

Troy slowly gets up and looks at me. His bloodied mouth is bruising and the anguish in his eyes is killing me. I should get up and hold him. I should care for him.