breathe

chapter 17 | benjamin

Chapter Seventeen

Benjamin

Charlotte's face flushed bright red every time she noticed random girls glance at me when we were at Magic Kingdom. She gripped my hand tight while we were waiting in line for the Haunted Mansion ride.

"It's like they don't even see me," she grumbled as she stared at some blonde and brunette girl. "Fucking idiots."

I chuckled. "I don't think they're looking at me, Char."

"Clueless as always," she retorted, her frustration burning in her dark eyes. "They're staring right at you. You're tall and hot and you have pretty eyes. And they're twirling their hair and giggling and I'm literally gonna fight them."

Before she could continue, I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. I felt the tension drain from her body as she melted into my embrace. Her heartbeat slowed under my hand where it held her waist, her anger dissolving.

When we parted, I whispered, "You've nothing to worry over." Tucking a loose curl behind her ear, I met her gaze, still shining with lingering irritation.

A smile played at the corners of her mouth. "It's just... you're mine. I don't share well."

Grinning wide, I replied, "Lucky for you, I'm yours forever."

She smiled softly at me before glancing back, amusement lingering on her lips. "Aw, they do look disappointed," she noted.

I laughed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as our line shuffled forward.

"Drama queen as always, Lot," Lizzie teased from ahead.

Charlotte sighed, shaking her head. "Liz, you know you'd say the same if some girl was making googly eyes at Henry."

"There probably are a few," Lizzie agreed, crossing her arms. "But they've the good sense not to stare so obviously."

Charlotte leaned into me. "People see you two and think 'cute couple.' With Ben and I, they only notice him." She gave a rueful smile. "Not that I blame them – he is a fucking giant."

Lizzie chuckled. "Can't argue with that, Lottie. But anyone with eyes sees how you two complement each other."

Charlotte's smile brightened, tension lifting from her shoulders. "And Char, you're the eye candy in this relationship," I assured her with a grin.

She rolled her eyes. "Flatterer."

As we neared the entrance, Charlotte reached for my hand, seeking reassurance. I gave hers a gentle squeeze. Inside the Doom Buggy, she settled against me, dark eyes widening at each creepy sight and eerie sound that filled the mansion.

Once out, she turned to me. "Thank you," she said softly, gazing into my eyes as she spoke. "For always being there, through everything. I know I'm not the easiest..."

"You're perfect to me," I insisted, brushing a curl from her face. "I love you, Char. Every moment together makes me so happy."

Her lips curled into a smile, filled with warmth. As the ride progressed, she rested her head on my shoulder, tension fully melted away.

After the Haunted Mansion rides, and several others, we caught up with Anna, Layla, Ollie, and Declan in front of the Cinderella Castle. Declan was understandably passed out in his stroller. We had been at the park since eight in the morning and it was almost nine.

I grabbed Charlotte's hand, gently pulling her away from her family to have a moment alone. But before I could say anything, a short, visibly nervous blonde girl walked up to us.