Page 203 of The Grand Duel

I tighten my jaw, not wanting to talk about it or explain.

I can’t.

My eyes drift closed when his arms wrap around my chest, hugging my back to his front. He kisses the top of my head, his lips lingering after.

He doesn’t say anything.

He doesn’t have to.

Charlie

The second we pull up to the cottage and Lissie finds the dogs waiting with Nina in the driveway, I feel like I lose her a little bit.

I was jealous of a member of my staff this morning because he called her pretty. Made a show of myself when I called him out for it, too. And now I’m standing here, jealous of Daisy and Luna,fuckinganimals, because she’s no longer looking at me.

I need help.

“Lissie, I didn’t know you’d be here!” Nina says, pulling her in for a hug.

I don’t think I like the idea of sharing this woman.

Why does anyone else have to exist in our world?

Why are they acting like they’re falling in love with her, too?

“Charles?”

I widen my eyes and look away from Lissie to where Nina is standing, frowning at me. “What?”

“Hi,” she says with a chuckle. “You alright over there?”

I look at Lissie, finding her holding back her laugh.

Fuck.

“Long day,” she answers for me. “Right, Charlie boy?”

I shake my head at her in warning, quietly happy that she’s a little more herself again after running into her parents earlier.

Nina looks between us. “Okay,” she says with a knowing smile. “I’m going to go.”

“You don’t have to leave, Nina.” Lissie walks towards the front door with Luna in her arms. “Why don’t you stay for a coffee?”

I look down at Nina and shake my head.

She grins back at me. “I’d better not, Lissie. I need to get back.” She leans in, her shoulder bumping my arm as she gives me a side hug, her growing stomach in the way. “Today’s my favourite day of ever knowing you, Charles.” Her lips twist. “Love you.”

She walks to where she’s parked.

“You need to get this baby out pronto,” I tell her. “It’s messing with your emotions.”

“Maybe,Charlie boy,” she says, teasing. “Or maybe I’m seeing something special happen right before my eyes.”

I shake my head, my chest burning. “Thank you for dropping the girls home.”

She turns, her face lighting up even more as she looks between the cottage and me. “You’re welcome.”

I wait as she drives off towards home, her words sitting heavy on my chest.