“A world traveler, huh?”
“Yeah, and I loved every single place I ever visited. The only thing missing was... Well, never mind.”
“I’m glad you went out and lived your dreams, traveled all around the world.”
“It’s funny. I never wanted to come back here, but now, when I look in your eyes, I can’t ever imagine leaving again.”
I wanted to believe him, but his reputation was against him so I said nothing.
“That is so sweet,” I said, but I wasn’t sure if he meant it or if he was just playing me, spinning the same sappy shit he spun to all the girls he wanted to bed down with. He was laying it on pretty thick, and I feared it was just because he needed my name on a wedding certificate so he’d later have his name on a big, fat check.
“I’ve missed you, Jaime. I truly have. You can break into my home anytime you want.”
“Promise not to tackle me against the wall and poke me with your sword?” I asked with a smirk.
“Shit. I am so sorry about that, but as for poking you...”
“Charlie!”
“Sorry,” he said, but his grin said he wasn’t.
“No, I should be the one apologizing. I broke into your home, and that was awful of me. I’m so sorry. Really.”
“It’s okay, but it is gonna cost me a few pennies to repair the wiring you cut. I guess your cut will have to be, uh...” He paused to use his fingers to count out the simple math. “I figure your cut will be a half-million plus $980, less whatever Home Depot charges for tax.”
I laughed and started to walk away. “I haven’t said yes, Charlie.”
“Not yet, but you will.”
“You think I’ll succumb to your charms?”
He winked. “Darling, I know you will.”
Chapter 6
The lady that was going to help me with Max’s therapy gave me plenty of exercises to do with him daily so I would only have to visit her once a week, if that. She had enough faith in me to know I could do it without her being there every step of the way. I planned on taking Max to swim, but the weather turned quick and I knew with that northerly wind gusting, the outdoor pool would be too damn cold for the little guy.
“I don’t know, Max,” I said, staring down at the puppy in my arms. “Maybe we won’t get to swim today...or maybe we will.”
For the few brief moments I’d been at Charlie’s house, I swore I caught sight of a window toward the rear of the house that led to a pool. An indoor pool maybe, or heated at least. I sighed, not wanting to put myself in the line of Charlie’s charm again, but Max needed his therapy and I promised I’d get him to walk again. I didn’t call Charlie, but grabbed my bikini, towels, threw on some jeans and sweater, then headed out to the car. A few minutes later, holding my little puppy, I knocked on his door and wondered what he would do to me this time.
He opened it after the second knock, leaning in the doorway with a grin. “I knew you’d come back. It seems we have much to discuss. Including adopting a dog?” he said, nodding at Max.
“This is Max, just rescued him the other day from the pound,” I explained.
“Cute puppy.” He slowly reached out a hand and Max sniffed his fingers before giving him a tentative lick. “I’m not sure we talked about co-parenting a pit bull though.”
“I’m not here to discuss this two-year wedded bliss you seem to think we’re destined to share. You really need to stop listening for wedding bells in the air, at least with me. This is me strictly asking a favor as your friend.”
Cupping his ear, he pretended like he was listening. “You’re right. I don’t hear wedding bells. Not just yet. But there will be.”
“You’re still as cocky as ever.”
He smiled. “Yes I am.”
“One of these days that’s going to bite you in the ass,” I muttered.
“Well, you’re obviously not here to say yes to my wedding proposal, so to what do I owe this great honor? Did you stop by to steal the family silver or my rare coin collection?”