Don't Give Up On Me - Unedited

Chapter 26

The pitter patter of the rain bashing against the glass of the window left Charley to feel content. For as long as she could remember, it was soothing, almost like a lullaby.

She has not yet informed Hunter of what Chloe had told her. She didn't think she could. Setting another burden on him from the betrayal of his family was too much at the moment.

Anticipating Hunters reaction to it all was something Charley did not with to dwell upon.

After Charley and Chloe's shopping trip, she had brought the little girl that he has became so fond of home, to Hunters home anyway.

Hunter had safely brought her back to her mother and Charley had not gathered the nerve to ask the child anymore, in fear of the answers.

It was now the Friday and she was determined to go back into work today. Wether Hunter approved or not. He still felt she was too feeble to attend.

When he strode into the kitchen that morning he was thoroughly surprised to find Charley in her work attire, sat at the breakfast bar instead if the dining room with a copious amount of fruit salad. Sat to her right was a plate of French Toast with strawberries and honey, a glass off grapefruit juice and a cup of coffee which Charley had been taking pleasure of the enticing aroma. The strength of the coffees scent was making her mouth water which startled her. Coffee she could drink, numerous cups a day, but the smell was something she could never enjoy; until now.

"What's with all the fruit?" He asks.

"I was starving and wanted something refreshing."

"You're heading in today?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Charley stares to him clueless.

"It's the last day of the week I just assumed you wouldn't go in. I assumed it would be better if you went in at the beginning of the new week." Hunter takes place at the breakfast bar, raising his caffeinated drink to his lips, he ponders on an excuse to make her stay at home.

Charley eyes him over in his charcoal tailor made suit with a soft grey shirt a silver tie. Enjoying the view, she hadn't realised his next question.

"I was thinking of you and I going somewhere this weekend. Anywhere you want, if you want to that is?"

Still in her daze adoring the fine specimen in front of her, he waves his hand in her direction to blink Charley from her gaze.

"Sorry?" She blushes at her obvious check out of the man she still hasn't put a name on. Is her boyfriend? Or are they taking it each day as it comes?

"I was asking if you would like to come away with me this weekend?"

Morbidly embarrassed still, she stutters slightly. "Oh, er, yeah sure. Where too?"

"Wherever you want." Stuffing his face full of the sweet breakfast she prepared for him.

"Really?" The excited squeak escapes from her lips. She bounces in her seat thinking of all the possibilities. "When you say anywhere...."

"I mean anywhere your heart desires. We could both do with some time away, time to ourselves. Get to know one another better."

Charley throws herself from her seat to drape her arms around Hunter. Unfortunately for him, he starts to choke on the pancake he was eating mid swallow.

"Oh, shit! I'm sorry Hunter." She panics while slapping his back repeatedly.

Trying to cough out a laugh, he reassures her she is fine.

"I take it that's a yes?"

"My reaction wasn't enough to show my answer?"

"I suppose. So where to?"