Between Us

Chapter 16 : Beneath the Moon's Gaze

I woke up slowly, my eyes fluttering open to a sight that made my heart melt. There was Mia, nestled between Charlotte and me, her tiny head resting on Charlotte's lap under a cozy plaid. Charlotte's head, in turn, was on my shoulder, both of them peacefully asleep. I couldn't help but smile like an idiot at the adorable scene.

Carefully, I checked my phone and saw it was already quite late. Panic set in. Charlotte hadn't planned on staying the night here, and I feared she might get in trouble again. Gently, I tried to wake her.

"Charlotte," I whispered, giving her a slight nudge.

She frowned in her sleep, her eyes still closed, and shifted her position as if determined to stay asleep. Despite the stress gnawing at me, I couldn't help but smile at her stubbornness. But I couldn't afford to let her stay.

"Charlotte, wake up," I urged a bit more firmly.

Finally, her eyes fluttered open. She glanced at me, then at Mia still sleeping on her lap, and looked around, clearly disoriented.

"You need to get home," I whispered urgently. "Your father will notice you didn't spend the night at home."

Charlotte yawned and stretched, seemingly ignoring my concern. She gently shifted Mia off her lap and stood, careful not to wake her. She headed towards the kitchen, and I watched her, utterly baffled by her nonchalance.

Following her, I asked, "Are you even listening to me?"

Charlotte poured herself a glass of water and leaned against the kitchen counter, looking at me with a calm expression.

"Why are you so panicked?" she asked, her tone teasing. "You're usually the calm one between us."

I felt my patience wearing thin. "I'm talking about your father. He'll be furious if he finds out you didn't stay at home."

Charlotte cut me off, "Relax, Engfa. My parents are away on a business trip. I told Sarah I wouldn't be home tonight. Everything's fine."

Her words took a moment to sink in. Relief washed over me, mixed with a touch of embarrassment for my overreaction.

"Oh," I muttered, feeling a bit foolish. "You could've told me that sooner."

Charlotte laughed softly, the sound light and carefree. "I tried, but you were too busy panicking."

"I just didn't want to get kicked out a second time," I said, my voice low, my fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the kitchen counter. "I couldn't stand it if your father decided to fire me again. I wouldn't be able to see you anymore."

Charlotte smiled, a slow, thoughtful smile that made my heart skip a beat. She took a sip of water, setting the glass down before looking at me. "Who said we couldn't see each other outside of work?"

Her words were like a lifeline, a reassurance I didn't know I needed. I leaned against the counter, crossing my arms, my eyes locked onto hers. "Are you suggesting something, Miss Austin?" I asked, my tone teasing, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips.

Charlotte stepped closer, the space between us diminishing. "Maybe I am," she replied, her voice soft but confident.

"Well," I said, leaning in a little closer, "if that's the case, I might have to take you up on that offer. How about a date? Dinner, maybe?"

Charlotte tilted her head, pretending to think it over. "That depends," she said, her voice dripping with playful mischief. "Are you asking me out, Engfa?"

I couldn't help but laugh softly, shaking my head. "You caught me. Yes, I'm asking you out. Tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow night sounds perfect," she replied, her smile widening.