WHERE ARE YOU CHARLIE?

NOW - CHAPTER 19

I couldn't eat much but heck, was Mrs. Fields' food good! After stuffing ourselves we all went to sit in the living-room to receive our Christmas presents. I got several gift cards for stores I didn't even know existed but the girls promised me a trip to the mall the following week, Cole's letterman hoodie and driving lessons from the Fields.

After some hot chocolate with marshmallows and homemade chocolate chip cookies, our friends decided it was time for them to go home. They hugged me goodnight and made me promise I'd come to Jonah's New Years' Eve party with Sam and Cole the day after. After the afternoon we'd just spent together, I could hardly say no.

I was ready to call it a day when Mrs. Fields suggested we watched a Christmas movie.

"Wake up Sleeping Beauty..." Cole whispered above me.

"Did I fall asleep?" I asked while rubbing my eyes.

"We all did..." He answered with a smile. "Let me carry you to your bed, you'll be more comfortable..."

I didn't have time to argue as he effortlessly lifted me off the sofa so that he was carrying me bridal style. I rested my head against his hard chest and closed my eyes. I loved being in his arms. Well, I loved being with him period.

He must have known what I was thinking because he kissed the top of my head softly.

Once in my bedroom, he helped me out of the sweats and reached for his hoodie when I stopped him.

"I like sleeping with your hoodies on..." I admitted shyly. "It's like you're right next to me when I do..."

"How about you take the hoodie off and I keep you warm instead?" He offered, his eyes suddenly darker.

"O-ok..." I stuttered, glad he hadn't turned the light on or he'd see just how flustered I was.

He slid his arm under my head and pulled me to him so that we were facing each other.

"Merry Christmas, Baby." His voice was deeper as he slowly closed the distance between us and brushed a tender kiss on my lips.

"Merry Christmas..." I murmured. "Today felt so unreal..." I admitted a few seconds later.

"I know..." He lifted his hand and moved a strand of hair away from my eyes. "The best Christmas ever..." He added absent-mindedly.

"It was my first, you know..." I blurted out.

"I know..." He repeated. "And I can promise you that there will be many more..."

This time, I was the one who closed the distance between us and crashed my lips against his. He responded instantly and his tongue dived into my mouth hungrily. Both his hands were holding the back of my head tightly which was totally unnecessary since I didn't want that heated kiss to ever end.

My entire body shook when he started sucking on my tongue sensually and I felt just how excited he really was. I should have been scared or at least worried but I seemed to have lost all control of my body when I found myself grinding against him hoping it would somehow satisfy the fire Cole had lit inside me.

"I-is it too much?" He asked me between two kisses totally out of breath.

"I don't know..." I lowered my head.

"Look at me, Baby." His gentle tone was enough for me to look back up and I was instantly reassured. He lifted his hand and cupped one of my cheeks tenderly. "I just wanted to make sure you weren't uncomfortable. I tend to lose control when I'm with you."

"Me too..." I muttered.

He sighed contently and I could tell that he wanted to say something else but he chose not to.