Page 133 of Whirlwind

It took him a moment to remember to speak, but he thought he was able to keep his voice casual. “Come on in!”

“Hi,” she said awkwardly. Her chin was set at a defiant edge, like she was daring him to do something. Her eyes were darting around, though. She was probably freaking out far more than he was, and all of his nerves melted away. Her prickly defenses just made him want to wrap her up and keep her safe.

He took her hand, drawing her in toward him while reaching behind her to shut the door. The maneuver had them practically embracing, their bodies just an inch apart. He didn’t miss Charlie’s indrawn breath, and he knew he must be responding the same way.

He’d planned on taking things slowly. Eating dinner together and chatting to give her time to get more comfortable.

That didn’t feel right anymore. Not just because she was so deliciously, kissably close and her hand was burning through his where they touched. But because now that he could see the anxiety behind her confidence, he wanted to take it away.

The thing she’d said earlier about being two butches had really stuck with him. At first, he’d thought she was appalled, but he was increasingly sure that she was more frightened.

She was the type that liked to face challenges head on so that she could get past them. Maybe if he could just prove to her that this was alright, that this thing throbbing between them could be good.

He just hoped he wasn’t screwing this up.

He pressed a little close to her in the tiny entryway. Their bodies were touching now, teasingly close at chest, belly and thighs though their linked hands were still between them. The back of Carla’s hand brushed Charlie’s chest and he could feel the warmth of her body even through all the layers she was wearing.

They were standing far too close for friendship, but she didn’t back up, holding her ground. He almost couldn’t believe this was happening.

He looked into her deep brown eyes and spoke with a warm, calming voice. “Thank you for joining me on a date. I’ve been thinking of this for a long time.”

Her eyes narrowed, like she still didn’t believe him.

He pressed a little closer to her, consciously licking his lips.

Her eyes darted down to follow his tongue. The mix of desire and worry in her eyes was intoxicating. Not because he liked his partners to be scared, but because she was making herself so vulnerable and trusting to him as she leaned a little bit toward him.

He was pretty sure now that whatever demons she was battling weren’t mostly about him. He’d back off if she didn’t like it, but this was more of a demonstration. A chance for her to test things out.

He pressed his closed lips to hers and the tingling between them turned into lightning. A soft hum built in her throat and her eyes fluttered closed.

He’d been waiting for this for so long, and now that it was happening it was better than he imagined.

Charlie melted into him, and he pushed her back against the door to balance both of them while the world spun. He ran a hand through her hair, letting himself finally touch the damp strands. He’d been dreaming of this for so long.

Reluctantly, he pulled away. That was enough for now. Enough, hopefully, to let her know how much he wanted this. How good they could be together.

They stared at each other, Charlie’s eyes dark and wide, full of heat.

Then she turned away, slipping from his grasp. “Fuck.”

“Charlie?” Carla took a step toward her and then hesitated, unsure if he should touch. What was going through her head? “Can we talk about it?”

Charlie shook her head. “I… yeah. There’s a lot to talk about.”

Carla took a chance and touched her shoulder. “I want to hear all of it. Kissing you was… amazing. Better than I imagined, and believe me, I’ve been thinking about you for a long time.”

Charlie looked up in surprise. “Really?”

There was no reason to hide it now. “Really. I haven’t dated anyone else in months because you’re the only one I can think about. I just didn’t have the nerve to ask you out until today. Hell, I was flipping out even a few minutes ago that you weren’t going to show up.”

Charlie blinked at him. “Seriously? You were nervous? You’re always so… casual and happy.”

Carla nodded. “I was terrified. You’re always so stern and in control. And you brush me off every time I flirt. I thought I didn’t have a chance. God, the whole gang at Whirlwind teases the fuck out of me every time I go there because I’m all heart-eyed over you and you never give me the time of day.”

“You know they have bets on us, right?”

Carla rolled his eyes. “I’m sure they do.”

“That doesn’t make this any easier.” Charlie sighed. “I, um, didn’t realize it was like that. And I didn’t mean to ignore you. I just…I never know what to say around you, and it always looked like you had it so easy.”

“Ha! If only. I think we’re stumbling around here together. But…” He took a chance and touched her hand. “I’d like to figure things out with you.”

Charlie gave him a searching look. “No promises. I just… I don’t think I understand anything right now.”

“Hey,” Carla soothed. “Let’s just have dinner. Like we planned. We can just chat, or you can ask me questions. If you feel like sharing anything about yourself, I want to hear it, but no pressure. All I’m asking for right now is the pleasure of your company at a meal and the chance to see where things go.”

“OK,” Charlie finally agreed.

That was all it took to have his heart leaping in his chest.