Page 74 of The Best Christmas Choir Ever

“Told you,” she said, not quite laughing.

Julian rolled off her, and she snuggled into his side. Charlie wrapped her arm over his chest, indicating that he wasn’t going anywhere.

Julian threaded his fingers through hers, content to bask in the bliss that still flooded his body. He didn’t need any more than this—just the simple truth that he was wanted.

Fifteen

Julian

He woke to the sound of birdsong. He didn’t know which of the birds had braved the winter, but they were twittering away outside the window. He popped his eyes open, taking in the thin streams of gray light that filtered between the blinds. He laughed under his breath. The house was simply filled with music. It was where Charlie had learned to sing. It was where Doris had taught her and Tom to play the piano. Where her love of theater was born. Even the birds seemed to recognize that.

Julian inhaled deeply, his senses overwhelmed by the smell of coffee. After the kind of long, physical night they’d just had, he wanted to bury his face in a mug. He rolled over and stretched contentedly. He’d forgotten how nice it was to hold someone into the night, to feel their weight at his side, to listen to the even sound of their breathing.

Charlie’s side of the bed was abandoned, the sheets rumpled, but he could hear the clang of dishes as she puttered around in the kitchen. For a long, blissful moment, he considered what it would be like to wake up like this every morning. Things might not have worked out the last time, but now they could take their time figuring out how to be together. There was no schooling demanding their attention, no reason to rush off at the end of the holidays, no threat of long distance hanging over their heads.

Julian knew he could make her happy. And sure, Elm Springs might not be a Broadway stage, but after everything they’d talked about, it didn’t really sound like that was what Charlie wanted anymore. At least not right now. She’d loved the stage because she loved performing with her brother. Now that Tom was gone, it seemed like she was hesitant to stand up there alone.

And if that wasn’t what brought her joy anymore, then Julian would support her until she figured out what did.

He stood, slipped on his boxers and padded across the floor. It was an old, creaky house, and the moment he set foot in the hallway, Charlie’s voice caught him. “I left you a new toothbrush in the bathroom,” she called. “And towels if you want to shower.”

“Thanks,” he called back, heading for the bathroom. She had indeed left him a toothbrush next to the sink and fluffy white towels. He grinned down at them for no reason at all other than he liked the domesticity. He would still have to pop home for a change of clothes at some point, but this was a good start.

He fiddled with the shower and waited for the water to heat up, then stepped beneath the spray, groaning at how nice it felt. Doris had clearly splurged on an expensive showerhead. As the water kneaded the muscles in his neck, he considered what came next.

Charlie had obviously offered him the shower, and there was definitely coffee downstairs, so he doubted she was chasing him out. It was Saturday, and he actually kind of liked the idea of spending some of the weekend together… Or all of it. They could review the email for the day of the choir competition, just to make sure they were prepared, and then he could help her with whatever organizing she still had to do in the house for Doris. Maybe she’d even let him take her out for lunch or downtown to see the Christmas light display in the park. He could hold her hand as they walked between the evergreens. What a nice thought that was.

He finished up in the shower, brushed his teeth and put his clothes back on.

When he exited the bathroom, Charlie was humming along to the radio. Her voice drifted through the kitchen, soft and melodious. She sounded happy.

“Morning,” he said, coming up behind her.

“Morning. How do you feel about bacon?” she asked, taking a package out of the fridge.

“A shower and breakfast? I didn’t know this was a B&B type joint.”

“I’m obviously hoping for a five star review.”

“Well, you’re definitely on your way.” He inched closer to her. She leaned up against the counter, her tongue darting out to moisten her lips. “Hi,” he said quietly.

“Hi,” she said.

He lowered his head, making his intentions clear. Charlie smiled a bit, then pressed up on her toes so she could kiss him. It was a chaste thing by all standards, but it still filled his gut with butterflies.

“You didn’t answer my question,” she said, pecking the corner of his mouth. “Bacon? What’re your thoughts? Yes… No?”

“I feel very good about it.”

Charlie hummed. Her hair was in slight disarray, her oversize shirt wrinkled, and he thought she’d never looked sexier. He found her hip, slipping his hand beneath her shirt to feel the soft skin beneath. His hand came to rest along the groove of her spine. He pulled her closer and kissed her for real, until he was light-headed in the best way.

“I can’t feed you if you’re going to keep doing that.”

“I’m quite satisfied with this,” Julian assured her.

Charlie chuckled against his lips. “Don’t even try to pretend you’re not starving.”

As if on cue, his stomach growled.