When Lindsay opened her eyes, the sun was shining through the tremendous windows. Gingerly, she rose to a sitting position. Charlie was still right beside her in the recliner. He’d fallen asleep with his computer in his lap.
She tiptoed to him and put one hand on the top and one on the bottom of the Toshiba.
He grabbed her wrist. “What are you doing?”
“Moving your computer. I was going to cover you up so you could rest a while longer.”
“Did you see what I was working on?”
“Just a screensaver. Why? Was it something important?”
Charlie pushed down the footrest. “No, just flight logs. That’s all.” He closed the computer and set it down.
“I’m not buying it,” Lindsay said. “What are you being all secretive about?”
“Coffee?” Charlie asked, walking toward the kitchen.
“No. Are you going to fess–up to what you were doing on the web? Because I’m not gonna drop it till you do.”
“Woman, won’t you ever let me surprise you?” Charlie sat at the kitchen table and Lindsay followed.
“No! Please God, no more surprises!” Lindsay lifted one eyebrow and leaned closer. “And no more bailing me out, either, while we’re on the subject.”
Charlie held out both hands in front of him. “Okay, okay. After this dinner I’m planning, no more surprises, and no more bailing you out, as you put it.”
“Dinner? Is that what you were planning online?”
“Yep.”
“Just dinner? Don’t they still take reservations by phone?”
“Yes, but this is an extraordinary dinner, and that’s all I’m telling.”
“But we said, ‘no more surprises’.”
Charlie grinned and his brown eyes twinkled. “After this.”
Lindsay smiled and shook her head. “All right.”
She got out of her chair and circled the table, sitting in Charlie’s lap. She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss. “Thank you for being there for me and taking care of me like you did. You don’t know how much it means to me.”
She lowered her head to rest in the cusp of his neck. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Charlie lifted her head and looked deeply into her eyes. Lacing his fingers through her hair, he pulled her in for a deep, thirsty kiss.
“You know you’re the only person I’ve ever said I love you to,” Lindsay said. “Those are few words to express the emotions I’m feeling. It just doesn’t seem like enough.”
“It’s more than enough. It’s all I want, all I need.”
Lindsay sprang up. “Oh my gosh! Where’s my purse? I need to call Ireland.”
“Why the urgency?”
“She’s here—in town. I didn’t have a chance to tell you. She flew down to be with me. I was pretty upset about us.”
“I see. And she’s probably wondering why you didn’t come home last night.”
“Hopefully, she assumed that we made up, but I need to call her anyway to let her know I’m all right.”
Charlie stood. “Take your time. I’m going to fry up some bacon and eggs. You want toast too?”
“That’d be awesome. I’m surprised you haven’t heard my stomach growling.”
“Oh, I did. I could hear it across the table.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right back.” Lindsay walked into the living room, dialing Ireland’s number.
“Hey Linds,” Ireland said, in a less–than–chipper tone.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I guess you and Charlie are back on?”
“Yeah, it’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when I get home.”
Ireland sounded distracted. “I’m so happy to hear that. I knew it would work out.”
“I can hear it in your voice that something’s up. Spill it,” Lindsay said.
“It’s Jeffrey. He’s acting strange. I had to leave six messages on his voice mail, before I finally heard from him yesterday. He usually answers my calls by the second ring. He gives vague answers when I ask where he’s been. He answers, ‘around’. Dad said he’s been late to work a few times lately.”
“Hmm, that does seem out of character. What do you think it is?”
“I don’t know, but I need to get home asap. I’m booking the next flight out. You’re good now, right?”
“Absolutely. One hundred percent. Go on home and get things straight with Jeffrey. Do you want me to drive you to the airport?”
“No, don’t worry about it. I’ll get a cab.”
Lindsay was sore all over anyway, so it was a good thing. Besides, she didn’t have wheels at the moment. “Okay. You’ll text me when you get home safely?”
“Sure will.”
“Be safe. Thanks again, Ireland, for being such a great friend. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate. I owe you big–time, and look forward to returning the favor.”
“Okay. I’ll be sure to text you. Bye, Linds.”
By the time Lindsay hung up, the smell of fried bacon was already thick in the air. “Mmm, something smells good.”
“Everything will be ready in one minute,” Charlie said. “Eggs and bacon are done. Just waiting on the toast.” He set the table with plates and forks. “Want orange juice?”
“That would be nice, thank you.” Lindsay sat at the table.
“What did Ireland say?”
“She said Jeffrey’s acting funny. She’s leaving to go back to New York.”
“Uh–oh. I wonder what’s up?”
“I don’t know, but he better not be up to no good. I’ll have to hurt him. She’s been too good of a friend to me and deserves to be treated right.”
“Good ole Ireland,” Charlie said. “You two are like two peas in a pod.”
Lindsay laughed. “You could say that.” He didn’t know the half of it. Ireland had seen her at her worst: A staggering, sick drunk. She shuddered, imagining what Charlie would think if he saw her in that shape.
Charlie brought the food to the table and they each filled their plates.
Lindsay scarfed down two strips of bacon, then buttered a piece of raisin toast. “This is so good,” she said, covering her full mouth. “Reminds me of the Waffle House.”
Charlie was doing a good job clearing off his plate too. “Remember that old couple we ran into that night at the Waffle House?” He scooped an extra helping of eggs onto his plate. “Do you recall their advice to us?”
“I do,” Lindsay said, “and I appreciate it even more now. I’m going to take their advice and not waste another day. From now on, you are my top priority.”
Chapter Twenty–Four
Even though Lindsay was less achy each day, Charlie insisted on waiting on her hand and foot over the following week. At night he fixed dinner, served her, and cleaned up afterwards. He indulged her in nightly sponge baths and gentle rub downs.
Lindsay found herself considering something that, not long ago, she would have thought absurd: moving in with him.
Ireland was back in New York, and the idea of going home to an empty apartment after the spoiling she’d been receiving, didn’t make much sense. She was enjoying driving the Camry he’d bought for her and regretted that she hadn’t accepted it the moment he’d given it to her.
She’d done a lot wrong in their first few months together. Mistakes that she wasn’t about to make again. The minute he asked her to move in, she would say yes. She wondered what was taking him so long to ask. Maybe he would bring it up at dinner tonight.
He
had
been acting a little peculiar all morning. She’d wanted to sleep in Saturday, snuggle all day long until it was time to get ready for their date, but Charlie had snuck out early.
Lindsay called his cell when she finally got out of bed at ten–thirty. “Hey, where’d you go?”
“Oh, just running a few errands. Simple things. Why don’t you go back to bed for a while?”
Looking in the mirror above the bathroom sink, Lindsay said, “I look pretty rough. I think I’ll go ahead and get in the shower.”
“Okay. Can I do anything for you while I’m out?”
You can stop by my apartment and pack my things
. “I can’t think of anything.”
“Do you know what you’re wearing tonight?”
“Not yet. I probably need to go back to my place and sort through my options.”
Hint, hint
.
“On second thought, I want to pick it out,” Charlie said. “It has to suit the occasion, and since it’s a surprise ….”
“Ooohkay. This must be a really fancy place,” Lindsay said.
“You’re a size six, right?”
“The way you’ve been feeding me lately, I hope I still am.”
“All right. I have to stop by the dry cleaners to pick up my suit. After that, I’m shopping for your outfit, and then I’ll be home. And Linds, we need to leave at six o’clock sharp.”
“This is getting exciting. I can’t wait.”
“Neither can I.”
In the shower, Lindsay belted out nineties songs while she shampooed her hair. Why nineties? Probably because it’d been that long since she was this happy.
This date felt different than any of the previous ones with Charlie. Something was up with him. Deep down, she knew there was more to it than a simple dinner. And she could hardly wait to find out what it was.
She lit jasmine–scented candles and set them on the bathroom counter. Wearing her robe, she sat at the vanity and rolled her hair in hot curlers. Music from her mp3 player was her soundtrack. Her favorite band serenaded to the sweet, sexy images she envisioned of the coming hours.
Waiting for the rollers to cool down, she gave herself a mani/pedi of peachy–nude. Having no idea what dress Charlie would pick for her, she figured it would go with any color.
She walked over to the window and drew back the curtain. It was the most perfect fall day. Sun shining, clear blue skies. Oh yeah, this was sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Charlie finally got home at five. “What on earth took so long?” Lindsay said from the top of the stairs.
Charlie stepped up two stairs at a time, plastic–covered outfits draping both arms. “Long story.”
Lindsay followed him into the bedroom. He handed her a garment bag, and laid the other one on the bed. “I hope you like what I picked.”
Lindsay peeled back the plastic to uncover a royal–blue, knee–length dress. “I love it! The color is so beautiful! I think you got it right. Let’s find out.” She started to untie her robe, but stopped short. “Can you excuse me for a minute?”
“Oh yes, sorry. I need to go downstairs anyway, to get my suit pants.”
“What’s in the other bag?” Lindsay said, pointing to the garment on the bed. “I thought you picked up your suit at the dry cleaners.”
“I’ll tell you about it when I come back up.”
Lindsay closed the door behind him and dropped her robe. The black, satin garter–belt she had on was a surprise for Charlie. She sat on the bed, attaching her sheer, black thigh–highs.
She was pulling the dress over her hips when Charlie opened the door. She held up her hair. “Can you attach the strap in the back?”
“Sure.” Charlie followed Lindsay to the full–length mirror.
Her mouth gaped open at the sight. The empire–waist dress was simple, yet elegant, with its shiny hem. It hugged her curves in all the right places. “Wow.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Charlie said, as he hooked the dress behind Lindsay’s neck. “You’re stunning.”
“Thank you.”
He held up a strand of her long curly hair. “I love this.”
“It took some work to make it this curly. Want me to wear it down?”
“You know I love it long down your back.” Their gaze met, and held, in the mirror. The sparkle in Charlie’s eyes affirmed that she was in store for an unforgettable night.
Charlie leaned and kissed her shoulder. “I’ll be ready in five minutes.” He stripped and stepped into the shower.
* * *
In the car, Charlie explained what took so long. The dry cleaners couldn’t find the pants he’d dropped off with his suit jacket. He ended up wearing the same ones from the night of Lindsay’s accident, since they were the same shade and brand.
He peered through the windshield, studying the sky. “Weather is cooperating. Everything else should go smoothly.”
He made a sudden turn into a parking lot, holding up a card to the security gate. The gate rolled back, and a small building came into view. The sign over the door read Charleston Aero Club.
Lindsay looked around. The Charleston International Airport’s terminal lights flickered in the distance. “Excuse me, what are we doing here? Do they serve dinner in the Aero Club lounge or something?”
“Heh,” Charlie shook his head, “I don’t think so.” He parked in a reserved space, shut off the engine, and walked to Lindsay’s side, opening her door. “After you, my lady.”
“I have someone I want you to meet.” Charlie led her through the front doors of the Aero Club. A gentleman, about the same age as Charlie, sat on a nearby sofa.
“Lindsay, I want you to meet my buddy, Phil,” Charlie said.
Phil stood. “How nice to finally meet the woman who stole Charlie’s heart.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Lindsay said, shaking his hand. “Is this the same Phil who lent you his van when we went camping?”
“Sure is,” Charlie said.
“Interesting vehicle,” Lindsay said to Phil.
“Thanks. I think you’ll like my next one even better.”
“What do you mean?”
“You two follow me,” Phil said, leading them out the back door. A four–person Cessna awaited, with doors open.
“Is this yours?” Lindsay asked.
“Yep,” Phil said with pride. “Just had her washed for this special occasion. I volunteered to chauffeur the two of you this evening.”
Phil walked around the small craft and hopped in. He put on his headgear and peered out the other side, “Get a move on, you two. I have to get back by the morning.”
“The morning?” Lindsay didn’t move. “Is this for real?”
“It sure is,” Charlie said.
“Where’s dinner?” Lindsay asked. “Another state?”
“Atlanta,” Charlie said plainly.
“Atlanta?”
Charlie nodded. “We’re on a strict schedule. Jump in, and then we’ll talk.”
With apprehension, Lindsay took Charlie’s hand and stepped onto the plane. She surveyed the interior and determined her old Ford Focus had more room. When the engine turned over, she caught her breath. “I’m scared.”
“Don’t worry,” Charlie said. “You know I won’t let anything happen to you.” He took hold of her hand and gripped it tight.
“I had butterflies before we got here. Now I
really
feel like vomiting.” Lindsay rubbed her belly. “So, why Atlanta?”