Page 44 of Charm Me

Chapter 17

Zoe

I wrapped my arms aroundmy chest and breathed in deeply. I loved the smell of fresh air mixed with the faint smell of aquatic life and decaying plants. The damp, woodsy fragrance with a hint of cow pasture smelled like home. I’d lived in the city for over ten years and no amount of time away would ever change that.

The lake had always been my favorite spot. I had so many great memories, ranging from when I was just old enough to walk to a few weeks ago. My childhood memories made me smile, but the ones from a few weeks ago currently haunted me.

The day I brought Wyatt to the lake had started out as one of the most awkward days of my adult life and ended as one of the best. Never in all my life would I had thought a pile of cow shit would bring me closer to a man. But as soon as he slipped—dragging me down with him—whatever hesitation I held onto about entering an intimate relationship with Wyatt melted away.

I missed his mouth, his hands, and his rough beard brushing against the sensitive skin on my neck. How was it possible for Wyatt to make me feel so much for him so quickly?

I didn’t want to believe my friends when they insisted I’d fallen in love with him. It was one thing for my mom to nag me about what she thought was happening, but I didn’t expect my friends to be the same way. It was such a stupid, irrational, and romantic notion to think I could possibly love a man I’d spent no more than a week with. But every person in my life insisted love was my problem. Even my favorite bartender insisted I was in love.

They were right, and it made me feel so foolish.

And even if I did love him, it wasn’t like he loved me back. His silence spoke volumes. He clearly wasn’t as into me as I was him. I was okay with that. I think. It wasn’t fair of me to expect anything more from him.

At least I knew where I stood now, rather than have my feelings dragged along for weeks on end thinking he felt more than he did. Accepting the truth allowed me the time to recover and manage my expectations. I could work toward getting over him before I got hurt.

No matter what happened with him, I’d never be mad at him. Wyatt hadn’t done anything wrong. We’d had fun and I’d never forget him. I’d cherish the memories and always think fondly of him.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that and maybe one day you’ll believe it.

Given enough time, I’d convince myself all this was true. But for now I’d let myself be upset and a little heartbroken. I was entitled to feel this way, and nothing would take that away from me. Not even the voice in my head that insisted I was foolish and stupid.

A light breeze picked up from behind and blew my hair in my face. Along with it came the clean sent of pine and mountain rain. I closed my eyes and breathed it in. It reminded me of Wyatt.

My eyes shot open and I froze. I knew that scent and it wasn’t my imagination. The air around me suddenly felt heavy and charged with energy. The sensation of being watched washed over me and my heart beat faster.

It couldn’t be, could it?

Every negative thought faded, and a smile covered my face.

He came back to me.

I sensed he was there before I even turned around. He promised me it wasn’t goodbye, and he kept that promise.

I slowly turned on my heel and my eyes locked on his. Wyatt stood at the edge of the dock wearing the same smile as me. Even from here, I could see the heat and desire in his emerald green eyes. Every nerve ending in my body tingled and a fire burned in my belly.

There was no mistaking from the look in his eyes, that he wanted me. I was a fool for this man, but he was also a fool for me.

We stepped toward each other at the same time and when I met him halfway, I jumped into his arms. I was so small compared to him and he didn’t even wobble when I landed hard against his chest. His arms wrapped around me and held me close.

“Zoe, I—”

I crashed my lips onto his before he could speak. I didn’t care what he had to say. Not yet, at least. His presence alone said more than any words could convey. I didn’t need his words. I needed to feel him, kiss him, touch him. To know he was real. I wrapped my legs around his hips, and he supported me by grasping my ass with one hand.

His other hand snaked its way up my back. His fingers slid into my hair and clenched into the base of my neck. He parted his lips and his tongue warred with mine. In a possessive embrace, he held me tight. And I’d never felt more secure in a man’s arms before.

“I’m sorry, love.” He whispered against my mouth.

I wasn’t ready to talk yet, so I deepened the kiss. I pressed myself closer to him and it still wasn’t close enough. I needed him now.

“Please, Wyatt.” I begged for him to take me. I tilted my head to the side and plunged my tongue deeper into his mouth and he growled. It was so rough and gravelly it vibrated throughout my body and made me ache even more for him.

He broke the kiss, and held his eyes on mine, panting. “Don’t you think we should talk.”

I tightened my grip around his neck and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Yes, but we’ll discuss your communications skills after you take me under those trees over there.”