Lessons in Love: Nick and Charlie fanfic

Panic

Charlie's POV

By the time Ezra and I get back to my car, I feel like I can't breathe. I buckle him into his booster seat and then slump into the driver's seat, flopping my head back on the head rest as I try to calm down.

I haven't allowed myself to feel like this in years. Nick is gorgeous, sexy, funny, kind and just lovely. I can't even avoid him and why the hell did I give him my number?! I don't do that...

I somehow just ended up on a sort of date with him and it all felt so natural, easy. I wanted to kiss him, god his lips look so soft. Every time he touches me, electricity courses through my body. I don't get like that anymore, I'm always in control.

"Charlie!" Ezra's voice suddenly pulls me from my panicked state.
"Yeah?" I ask, turning to look at him.
"You're not listening to me." He said, looking a little upset.
"Sorry, what did you say?"
"Can we have ice cream with Mr. Nelson again tomorrow?"
"Um, not tomorrow... Maybe another day." I say, turning back to the steering wheel.
"Mr. Nelson is the best!"
"Yeah..." I breathe as I start the car.

We get home and I make Ezra some dinner, put the TV on and tell him I have a little bit of work to do. I go into my room, close the door and throw myself onto the bed, burying my face in the pillow.

I hate feeling like this, the uncertainty unsettles me. One night stands are easy, fun and basically just transactional. I don't want that with Nick, I want him to hold me and kiss me.

I want to spend more time with him, get to know him better. I want to laugh with him again.

I feel my phone buzz in my pocket and my heart starts to race, it can't be him already... Surely not... I pull my phone out and my mouth goes dry as I look at the screen.

[Unsaved number]
Hey, it's Nick x

I stare at the message, unable to bring myself to reply. I can't ignore him though, I have to see him in the morning. Maybe I can just leave it and reply in a bit...

"Charlie, I'm finished. Can we build Lego?" Ezra calls from the living room.

Ezra is what's important right now, his parents are away and I have to keep him happy. The last thing I want is for him to be upset, I don't have time for a silly crush right now.

"Yeah, of course." I say as I lock my phone and push myself up off my bed.

I scrape the food Ezra didn't eat into the bin, put the plate in the dishwasher and sit down on the floor with him to build Lego.

I'm definitely not thinking about Nick... I'm not thinking about his perfect face, his freckles, his lips, his muscles, his voice or that crooked smile... I'm certainly not thinking about the way he licks his lips, or the way his forehead wrinkles...

At six thirty, I bath Ezra and get him into bed. I read him a story and say goodnight. I know it's a Tuesday but if I'm going to reply to Nick, I need a glass of wine.

I pour myself a large glass of wine, curl up on the sofa and with shaking hands, I save Nick's number before replying to him.

Charlie
Hey, sorry I was building Lego with Ezra. He's in bed now x

Nick
No worries 😊 I had fun this afternoon x

I take a large mouthful of wine and a deep breath.

Charlie
Yeah, me too 😊 x

Nick
I was starting to think I'd scared you off when you didn't reply 😜 x