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Chapter 47

*C H A R L O T T E*

I turn my head a bit and I –

"Have you finished with the primer?" Lizzie opens the door.

Hero and I are both startled and his arm let's go of me. My heart is racing. For a second none of us knows what to say. I spot the regret on Lizzie's face for disturbing us.

"Eh, we still have half a wall to go," I say awkwardly.

"Looks great," Lizzie says with a red face. I can tell she's embarrassed.

"Why don't you take a shower, Charlotte," Hero suggests. "I will finish the wall."

I look at him and I see the annoyed look on his face. He obviously wanted to know how far that would have gone.

"Okay, thanks!" I quickly walk to the door.

"Don't use up all the hot water," Hero teases. Luckily, he's back to his normal self quickly.

Oh, I won't I think to myself. A cold shower would be more appropriate.

In the bathroom I take a few deep breaths. My face is still red and my heart is still racing. I also wonder what would have happened. How far would we have gone? How far would I have let it go? I probably would have kissed him if I'm honest. I feel my resistance crumble by the second. I can't take the tension any longer. I desperately need a taste. I need to feel his lips on mine again. I want to feel the way only Hero can make me feel. I look at myself in the mirror again. "What happens after that, Charlotte?" I ask myself.

If I kiss Hero there is no going back. Not this time. It wouldn't be fair. I sigh and start to undress. What do I want?!

I meant it, a cold shower would be great. I need to cool off. I step into the cold water and immediately regret it. Okay, I've calmed down enough I decide and I use some hot water instead.

By the time I enter the kitchen, Hero has finished the final wall. We keep the windows open to let it dry more quickly.

"Okay, I'll take a shower," Hero says. "And then, let's hit the pub!"

His boyish enthusiasm makes me laugh. It's so fun to see him like this. Happy and carefree.

While Hero is in the shower, we inspect the walls. They should be dry by the time we return. This is going to be the best babyroom ever!

"My parents are bringing down furniture next week," Lizzie says. "I'm glad the walls will be ready by then."

It takes surprisingly little time for Hero to get ready. He's wearing a simple black jeans and a white hoodie and it makes him look great. The butterflies in my stomach are very alive again and I feel the tension building a bit more.

We're meeting Killian in the pub down the street so Lizzie won't need the wheelchair. It's a nice spring evening and the air is full with smells and the promise of summer. The temperature is great and makes me long for Madeira again.

"You look nice tonight," Hero whispers to me as we're walking. Lizzie and Jack are walking ahead because she's calling her mum to tell about the room. It makes me happy to see her so happy. It was such a simple gesture but has such a big impact.

I look at my simple red summer dress and jean jacket. It's a simple look.

"Thanks," I answer. "It's just a simple dress."

"But you make simple look great."

This makes me smile. Sometimes Hero just says all the right things. Very carefully Hero wraps his hand around mine. I freeze for a second but then keep walking. I decide it doesn't matter. It's a nice evening, I'm happy and that's all that matters for now.

When we arrive, Killian is already there. Hero lets me slide in the booth first before he takes a seat next to me. Jack and Hero get us a round of drinks while we check the menu. I haven't had pub food in such a long time and I don't know what to pick!

"What do you recommend?" I ask Lizzie.

"Oh, you would love the chili here, it's delicious!"

"Ok, I'll take your word for it and just order the chili."

Jack puts a pint of Stella in front of us and sparkling water for Lizzie.

"Let's toast to a great day!"

We toast and take a sip.

"So, I was thinking," Lizzie says. "We always wanted to visit Pembrokeshire, why not tomorrow?"

"Oh my god, I'd love to see Pembrokeshire," I squeal.

"But what about the room?" Hero asks.

"We can finish it the day after," Jack says.

"If you're sure!" Hero smiles. "I'd love to be a tourist."

"Cool, let's do it!" I say and I clap my hands. I've always wanted to visit Pembrokeshire. It looks like the scene of an Austen or a Brönte novel. It's such a romantic setting! In the back of my mind I'm also excited to visit this place with Hero by my side.