Charlotte rushed outside, into the fresh night air, and hurried down the driveway. Away from the Montgomerys’ monstrous beach house. Away from Eva’s cruel words and her mother’s dismayed face.
And away from the offered glass of detested Chardonnay.
She turned at the sound of someone hurrying up behind her and paused. Then frowned. “Ben, what are you doing? I’m fine. I’m just going to walk back home.”
“You came with me, I’ll see you home.”
“No, that’s okay. Go back in. Go on after her.”
“After who?”
“Eva. I’m sure she needs someone to calm her down now that I finally got the nerve to stand up to her. She looked… very ticked off.”
“Why would I want to go after Eva?” His forehead wrinkled.
“Because you’ve always had a thing for her. I’m sure you’d rather be with her than walking me home.”
“I—well, maybe in high school I had a silly crush. Most of the guys did.” He shrugged. “But I don’t want to go after Eva.” He reached out and took her hand. “Charlotte… I’m interested in you. I want to take you out.”
It was a good thing he was holding firmly onto her hand because she might have fallen if he didn’t steady her. “You… what did you say?” Her heart pounded in her chest. And not from the confrontation with her family.
“I said I want to ask you out. I mean, I’m asking you out. Will you go out on a date with me?”
“A date?” She couldn’t quite comprehend what he was saying. This night had been a whirlwind of surprises and she couldn’t catch her balance.
“Yes. How about Sunday night? We could go to Magic Cafe for dinner. Or anywhere for that matter. I just want to take you out.”
“On a date?” She knew she was repeating herself.
He grinned then. “Yes. A date. You know, where two people go to the same place. Maybe have something to eat. Talk a bit. Get to know each other better. You’ve heard of them.”
She smiled then. “I’ve heard of them.”
“So… is that a yes?”
“Yes, it’s a yes.”
“Perfect. Now how about I walk you home? We could crack open a bottle of red wine… I hear you don’t like Chardonnay.” He grinned again.
She threw back her head and laughed, letting the feeling sweep away her anger at her family and wrap her up in this surprise date request from Ben. “Sounds perfect.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, and they slowly made their way back toward their bungalows.
Ben suddenly stopped. “Hey, I have a better idea. How about we go aboard Lady Belle? It’s a beautiful night. We can sit on her and watch the bay and the stars.”
“I’d like that.” It did sound peaceful. She needed some peace. Her mind was still reeling from the events of the night. She knew she would pay the price with her family for making a scene at the party, but she didn’t really care. It had been long overdue, and Eva had been… impossible.
Ben led Charlotte to the marina and down the long dock to the end slip. They climbed aboard Lady Belle. Charlotte settled down on a cushioned seat while he slipped inside to grab some wine.
He couldn’t get the look on Charlotte’s face out of his mind. The look when Eva had torn into her in a mean-girl style he hadn’t seen in action since high school days. But he’d been so surprised and proud when Charlotte stood up to her and held her own.
He couldn’t imagine having a family that never supported you. His parents had always supported him and his brother and the choices they made. Even when his brother chose to leave and take a job up in Michigan, they’d supported him.
He couldn’t remember Charlotte’s parents ever being supportive of her. His mind flashed back to a high school art show. Charlotte had won first place at the show, and he remembered her standing alone when the principal announced the winner. Her parents had been nowhere around, even though many other parents had been there to cheer their children on.
But they’d been there when Eva had been recognized for making the highest SAT score and when she’d been crowned Homecoming Queen.
He scowled and dug out two nice wine glasses. He put the wine and glasses on a tray, grabbed a light throw blanket, and headed back outside.
Charlotte looked at him and smiled when he came out. She’d kicked off her shoes and tucked her legs up under her skirt.
“Getting unwound?” He settled beside her and poured the wine.
She took the offered glass. “Trying to. It was quite a night. I’m sorry you had to see that scene between my family and me. I don’t usually do those kinds of things in public.” She laughed. “Who am I kidding? I don’t usually do that in private, either. I’d gotten so I just always let them have their say. It seemed easier that way. But tonight… well, it was just too much.”
“They’re wrong, you know.”
“About what?”
“Everything. Your outfit is stunning… you look stunning. And your artwork is wonderful. You’re very talented.”
She blushed in the moonlight. “You’re like a one-man cheering section.”
“And everything I said is the truth.” He reached over and brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “And I have another truth for you.”
“What’s that?” She looked up at him.
“I want to kiss you.”
Her eyes widened. “You do?”
“I do. Do you think that would be okay?”
“I think… I think it would be… a good idea.”
He lowered his lips to her and kissed her slowly, gently wrapping a hand around her neck and pulling her close to him.
She sighed.
He growled and deepened the kiss. When he finally pulled away her eyes were dreamy and her cheeks a rosy pink color. He draped the blanket around them and pulled her close to his side.
“I have a truth, too,” she said quietly, looking down at her hands, then back up to him.
“What’s that?”
“I want you to kiss me again.”
“This truth-telling is working out really well.” He grinned and did as she asked.