Chasing Charli Read online

  My mouth pops open with a soft gasp and I look up into his eyes. Wow, I was not expecting that.

  “You’re so full of shit” I joke and grin up at him, the same thing I said when he told me he took the job just for me.

  He runs a hand through his hair and mumbles, “I swear you are the biggest pain in the ass Charli” and then grabs my face with both hands, sealing his lips to mine, roughly at first but then a few soft grazes of his lips. He leans his forehead to mine before talking again.

  “Charli…I’m not saying this so you tell me everything, I’m saying this because it’s true. I want you to trust me, to feel you can trust me with anything. It might seem crazy because what we are might be different to you but ever since I took this job I knew you were going to be difficult, but you’re my difficult. I think I fell in love with you from the first moment you tried to run away from me. Your stronger than anyone gives you credit for and I know deep down you might not need my help but I still have the urge to protect you with everything I have. I want you in every way I can get you, want to be the one who leaves you smiling hours on end, to be the one to say you look beautiful even when you’re feeling your worst, and sometimes I just even want to be next to you and nothing more or less.”

  I’m slightly stunned at his little speech but inside my heart is racing at double the speed. I reach out and press my palm to his cheek and his eyes look right into mine.

  “That was…wow…you pretty much had me at the ‘I love you okay’ part but …wow.”

  He laughs and then kisses me again softly.

  “I love you too…really, even with all your bossy, man-handling kinks” I grin up at him.

  “So you like me man-handling you?” he smirks and I see something cross his eyes, desire, lust and I’m suddenly turned on just by the way he’s looking at me.

  I take a step back and press my palm over my chest in mock horror, “you wouldn’t dare!”

  His smile spreads into a full blown grin and he takes a small step towards me. I instinctively run and duck around him when he reaches for me and make it safely to the other side of the couch.

  I throw a couch pillow at him when he takes a step closer and my whole body is tingling with so much adrenaline.

  I try to make this more interesting and kick off my shoes then reach to unclasp my bra since he already took off my tank top before.

  His eyes open wide and he takes another step towards me before I can manage to get my bra off. A soft yelp escapes my mouth and I dash into the kitchen, putting the breakfast bar between us. He leans against it on the opposite side of me and I shimmy out of my running shorts.

  “Seriously…okay you’re killing me here babe” he says as he takes a step around the breakfast bar trying to get to me.

  I run around the other side and sprint into the bathroom, locking the door behind me. I hear his palm smack against the door and then I press my ear against the door to listen. I hear him sit on the bed and sigh. I quickly turn on the shower and take off my bra, then I unlock the door and reach my hand out, dropping my bra out onto the bedroom floor.

  I don’t hear any movement but maybe the noise of the shower is too loud. I open the door a little wider and come face to face with Jax. He’s standing shirtless right by the door and yanks me up against him, wrapping my legs around his waist.

  I laugh as he starts kissing down my jaw, my neck and then takes my breast in his mouth, sucking hard on my nipple.

  He keeps walking until he’s standing under the shower. I’m so turned on right now that it doesn’t even register in my mind that we’re both still partially clothed.

  I slide my hands under his sweatpants and try to slide them down. They drop to the floor and he kicks them aside with a loud soggy flop, and I realise he was going commando because he is now completely naked.

  God I could look at his body all day long, glistening under the water. I freeze for a second when my eyes meet his and he looks predatory.

  He puts me down to my feet and then starts to kiss down my chest, to my stomach, and then along the sensitive part of my thigh. I giggle a little before he gently bites down.

  He slips his fingers under the lace and slides them so damn slowly down my legs, leaving me waiting in anticipation for his next move.

  He runs his fingers up my legs as he stands up and then surprisingly turns me around. He takes my hands and spreads my palms out against the shower wall and a shiver runs through me as I feel his breath against my neck, “Don’t move, you understand?”

  I nod briskly and close my eyes as his hands slide around and palm my breasts, just as he presses his body against me, his front to my back.

  I feel his hardness pressing into me and I moan softly as one of his hands glides down my stomach and he slowly slides first one finger into me and then a second.

  He starts to move his hand and it feels so amazing. I involuntarily start to move my hips, rubbing up against him with my ass. He pauses for a second and with his free hand grabs my hip, giving me a gentle squeeze in warning.

  “I thought I said not to move” he asks and I open my eyes as I turn around, the shower water cascading across his side and he picks me up and leans me against the shower wall.

  “You sound so sexy when you moan like that.”

  I know I’m blushing profusely but I can’t help it, “I can’t help how loud I get” I say, extremely embarrassed.

  He kisses up my neck and I can feel his palms gripping me tightly as he holds me firmly up against the wall.

  “Don’t be embarrassed, it’s the sexiest thing I’ve heard from you, makes me want you so much more right now.”

  “Then have me now” I challenge.

  He pulls away and looks right into my eyes, “Oh I plan on it once we get out the shower.”

  “I’m…it’s okay. I’m on the pill” I say realising the only thing that’s probably stopping him is no condom.

  He growls slightly and I smile, “You’re seriously killing me here” he says and presses his lips to mine, his tongue caressing mine at a smooth pace and then he re-positions himself so that his cock is right underneath me.

  “I trust you Jax” I say and try to wriggle closer against him because I’m just too impatient, and he starts to laugh at me.

  “Is this what you want Charli?” he says as he slides in just the tiniest fraction.

  “Please Jax” I moan and shut my eyes.

  “Please what?” he slides in a little bit further, teasing me.

  “Please…more” I say incoherently and I feel him smiling as he presses his lips to mine.

  He slides in all the way roughly and I moan into his lips as his tongue slides against mine hungrily.

  He thrusts harder and keeps me pressed against the wall, holding me up. He groans slightly and that pushes my pleasure further, knowing it’s because of me, knowing I make him feel this hungry and crazy over me.

  His grip tightens around my legs as he pushes in and out, his mouth licking and kissing down my jaw and along my collarbone.

  I lean my head back against the wall and close my eyes, enjoying all the pleasures running through every inch of my body. I hold on to his firm arms and I can feel the muscles tightening beneath his skin as he holds me up.

  I’m panting and breathless and I hug myself closer against him as my body tingles with all the sensations.

  I feel him throb inside me and squeeze my thighs against his waist as I start to come around him. He growls and pushes a few more times before he follows right along with me on this crazy, intense roller coaster that is us.

  After a while he puts my feet back on the ground and holds me close against him, the water falling against us but I barely notice. He’s resting his cheek against my forehead and I lightly brush my fingers against his smooth skin, following the patterns of his tattoos.

  He’d always had them covered up when we were back home but now that we’ve crossed the boundary of professionalism he hardly ever covers them up. I have to admit, I
certainly do enjoy staring at him and marvelling at all the artwork covering his body.

  I trace my finger across his shoulder and down his arm where there’s a combination of tattoos blended together into an intricate piece that covers majority of his arm.

  He pulls his head back and watches me as I continue my exploration of his body.

  “What made you want to get all this?” I finally ask and slowly drag my finger back up his arm and tap my finger against his chest, right above his heart.

  He shrugs and smirks, showing his dimple before finally answering, “I guess it was a spur of the moment thing when my buddies and I were in boot camp. The eagle was kind of representing the freedom and the rest I guess I just thought fit in with it. Why…don’t you like the ink?”

  “Oh no…I like it” I say and flatten my palm against his chest as I lean up and give him a soft kiss on the lips.

  “Your mum know you got a tattoo?” he asks as he skims his hands down my sides and stops on my hips, then lightly taps his fingers on my hip where my feather is.

  I look up at him with what I’m sure is a guilty expression.

  “No, was my way of being more myself I guess and thanks for not telling her” I say and laugh.

  “You think I was going to jump straight on the phone after getting you in my bed and tell her I saw you naked?”

  “No…I know you were following me the day I got it, so thanks for not telling anyone.”

  “Oh…jesus I sound like a stalker.”

  “Well you are a stalker, but you’re my stalker; I like knowing you’re around…even if I can’t see you, I feel safer” I shrug and he just smiles at me before letting me go and turning off the water.

  “Let’s go out and do something different for a change. I feel bad for you having no life.”

  “I have a life” he complains as he wraps a towel around his waist and passes me the other one.

  I quirk my eyebrow up at him and stand with my hand on my hip.

  “Okay well maybe I don’t do anything but doesn’t mean I don’t have a life.”

  “Well I’m taking you out, get a few drinks into you. You’re not a mean drunk are you?”

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea” he says as he steps out of the bathroom and starts rummaging through his wardrobe for clothes.

  I ignore his arguing and continue as if he hadn’t said anything.

  “I’m usually a hungry drunk or a really friendly drunk” I grin at him as he pulls on some black briefs and throws his towel in the wash basket.

  “Friendly hey, maybe I should get you drunk then?”

  “No, I think you need to loosen up a little, you’re too…stressed.”

  “I can think of a few better ways to get rid of my stress” he says and takes a step towards the bed where I sit, wrapped up in my towel.

  I put my palm out to stop him coming any closer.

  “Nope I’ve made up my mind. You have to go wherever I go anyway so we are going out.”

  I stand up, walk over to the drawers and start rummaging through them to find a sexy pair of underwear. I slip them on and then finally let the towel drop to the floor, knowing his eyes are on me the whole time.

  I peek over my shoulder at him and see his eyes drifting down my bare legs and then he finally looks up again.

  He shakes his head at me before finally getting dressed beside me. I chose a comfy pair of skinny jeans, loose blouse and my wedge boots.

  I put on a few coats of mascara and quickly rake my fingers through my hair while I give it a quick dry, leaving it natural and wavy.

  He's sitting on the couch waiting for me, spinning the keys on his finger when I finally come out of the bedroom.

  “You ready?” I ask as his gaze roams down my body, taking in my figure hugging outfit.

  He clears his throat and stands, twisting the keys around his finger again before wrapping an arm around me securely.

  10. 2 Beers and an order of creepy stalker

  Jackson

  The bar we're at is only a couple streets away from our apartment, but I’m still on high alert and keeping my eyes suspiciously on everyone that enters.

  We played a few rounds of 8 ball before retreating back to the bar. I've been nursing my one and only beer the entire time in hopes that she'll think I'm letting loose and drinking with her. I can't seem to drop the nagging feeling like something's wrong, like we're being followed or watched.

  There's been a few people come and go after a few drinks and a few that have been here the entire time but I try to watch the crowd surreptitiously without freaking Charli out.

  "You know, I'm not as stupid as you think Jax" she says pulling my gaze back to her and I realise I hadn't been listening to what she was saying.

  "What?"

  "I know you've been drinking that same beer the entire time, which is now probably so warm and disgusting" she says and slips the bottle out of my grasp and places it back on the bar.

  I'm about to complain but she cuts me off.

  "Don't even start Jax, we came out here so you could have a night off from, well...being you. So have a shot and relax, please?" she says and looks up at me with the most innocent face.

  Before I can try to reason with her a huge grin spreads across her face and she cheers.

  "Yes! I knew you had it in you" she says as she grabs the attention of the guy behind the bar. He saunters over while still drying off a glass and looks down at her chest, making me clench my hands into fists.

  "What can I get you gorgeous?" he asks and my jaw is clenched tight. What am I invisible? Do we not look like we would be together? Shit, are we even together?

  "Geez why the sad face Jax? We need shots, lots of them please" she says as she turns back to the guy behind the bar.

  He grabs a bottle of Jack Daniels and pours two shots evenly, probably since she didn't clarify what she wanted.

  She picks up her shot and before drinking hers, she eyes me playfully before I finally pick mine up. I raise the shot glass up in silent salute and then bring it to my lips before letting the cool liquid slide down my throat, burning on the way down.

  "Two beers please" I say to the guy behind the bar and before he can walk back to the fridge Charli signals him for two more shots.

  "What...don't think you can handle it?" she smirks.

  I groan and run a hand through my hair, "No I'm just being the responsible one; I need to keep an eye out."

  "An eye out for what, the big bad wolf?" she jokes and it slightly irritates me that she's still not taking this seriously. I don't understand how she can be so calm while all this crap is going on; or maybe I'm just too uptight. Shit maybe I do need to relax and let loose for a little bit.

  As soon as the shots are in front of us I pick mine up and throw it back then pick up my beer and take a sip before she even manages to have her shot.

  "Yuck, Jack Daniels tastes like an ashtray" she coughs slightly after having her third or fourth shot for the night and wipes her mouth.

  "Then why the fuck are we having shots of Jacks?"

  "I don't know, thought you'd think I'm tougher if I drank the big girl stuff" she laughs a little and takes a sip of her beer.

  "Oh I know you can handle the big girl stuff, no need to prove a point."

  "Then stop acting like we're under attack and have some fun" she says and nudges me.

  I slide off my stool and step between her legs, leaning in and whispering, "Baby, no need to alarm you but if I wasn't doing my job right now, I wouldn't have noticed the two guys on the other end of the bar sneaking us glances the entire time."

  Probably because she's drunk she goes to turn her head in their direction but I catch her chin between my fingers and press my lips to hers softly.

  "Don't look because it's too obvious I pointed them out. It's safer if we stay here for now so just stay put while I quickly check outside. Stay right here where everyone can see you and don't move a muscle so those guys don't approach you.
Okay?"

  I kiss her quickly on the forehead and sneak out through the crowd to scope the area.

  Charli

  I take in a few deep breaths and decide maybe he’s just being his usual paranoid self. I know I should be more alert but shit I've had way too much to drink. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I'm slightly irritated because the whole point of coming out to this town was to get away and hide out, not having to worry about who was watching me and keeping an eye over my shoulder the entire time.

  We've been here no more than a month and they've already found me, trashing my apartment and doing nothing but pissing me off.

  I risk a quick peek in the direction Jax mentioned these two guys were standing and automatically recognise one as the guy from the party that was staring at me from against the tree; probably just a pervert from campus, now getting Jax into protective work mode for no reason and making me more irritated.

  I signal the bar guy for another shot, the whole time keeping a death glare on this annoying guy from campus. I slam the shot down, hand the bartender money and get off my stool. I wobble slightly and look around, no Jax in sight so I walk, maybe more drunk than I care to admit, straight up to this guy and jab my finger right into his chest.

  "I don't know who you are, or what you think you're doing but you've got to cut this creepy hawk like staring shit and I mean it" I say drunkenly.

  "Back the shit right off" I add as I jab him in the chest again with my finger for extra emphasis.

  "Back the shit right off?" he asks and chuckles lightly.

  "Whatever, I'm drunk" I shrug; as if that's reason enough and then realise I've gotten myself into some serious doodoo when he stands from his barstool. He's got firm looking arms crossed over his broad chest and either I'm too drunk but he could be exceptionally good looking if it weren't for the creepy and annoying attitude. His sandy blonde hair is messy and slightly wavy and his piercing blue eyes don't shift from me for even one second.

  He towers over me and his friend stands up too, both towering over me.

  "She giving you trouble?" asks his friend as though he needs help against me.