Page 19 of Consumed By Fire

I’m awakened by knocks on the glass and I open my eyes. I see Charlotte in a dressing gown, looking at me angrily. I must be in trouble.

I get out of the car. She doesn't even let me talk.

"Come to the room. I'm freezing,” she says, shaking her head. "I can't believe you lied to me!"

"I didn’t!" I say. Her glare doesn’t escape me.

We enter the room and she closes the door, then looks at me. "Did you realize that I panicked? I couldn't find you."

"What happened? Are you okay?" I ask, worried.

"No, Dylan. The thunder woke me up and I was scared you were having more nightmares. I'm not okay at all!"

I approach, hugging her. "I'm fine. I didn't have nightmares."

"I can't believe you preferred to sleep in the car rather than tell me they had only one room. The receptionist looked at me as if I was speaking another language when I asked about your room."

"I didn't want to force you to sleep in the same bed. You needed to rest and I didn't want to impose on you my presence. I’ve slept in worse places, believe me."

"You’re so stubborn. You don't impose your presence on me, Dylan. I'm happy to have you here with me. Go take a shower. I'm sure your neck is already sore,” she says, shaking her head as she brews the tea.

I take a quick shower. Unfortunately, she's right. My neck and shoulders are stiff. That position wasn't comfortable after all.

I go back to the room and see her by the window, sipping her tea. I'm starting to feel guilty for not telling her the truth. She says nothing, just looks at the city lights.

"Your cup is there," she finally says, lost in thought. I stand behind her, hugging her.

"What’s worrying you?" I ask as our eyes meet in the reflection of the window.

"A little Dad and a little you."

"Me? Why?" I ask, rubbing my neck.

Charlotte takes my hand, then puts her cup on the table, and sits me on the bed. She settles behind me and starts massaging my shoulders. Her touch relaxes me. Feeling her hands on my skin is a unique sensation.

"I hate lies or omissions, Dylan,” she says, massaging me right where it hurts, as if she knows where the relief spot is.

"I'm sorry, Charlotte."

"I know...” she says, sighing. "I would have preferred to have you here rather than have you curled up in the car.” She continues to massage my shoulders and neck. I begin to relax even more. Her touch is magical and the warmth of her hands melts all the tension in my shoulders.

"There you go. I hope it loosened you up a little,” she says and kisses me on the shoulder, making me feel a thrill of pleasure. She gets under the blanket and I look at her.

"Come to bed. Stop looking for other places to sleep!" she snorts as she arranges her pillows.

I smile. The fact that she guessed what I was thinking surprises me. I go to bed, trying not to invade her space, though I’d like to take her in my arms, the place that belongs to her.

Charlotte approaches and lifts my arm, then ducks under it. I couldn't have asked for more. I kiss her head and she wraps her arm around me.

"Dylan..." she whispers after a while.

"Hmmmm..." I reply with my eyes shut.

"Kiss me!” she says and my eyes widen. I don't think I heard right, or maybe I just imagined it.

"What?" I ask her. When she raises her face toward me, licking her lips, the attraction is too much to hold back.

"I want you to kiss me," she whispers.