Love Bites

Chapter 17 - Just What I Needed

- What? - Charlie's fingers ran to her tie to check if it was in its place, - cool. What about the facts?

- I assumed you'd want to be informed, - Duff mumbled, his hands toying with the fringe of his shirt. He tried to look casual while taking a gulp of beer, but he believed he failed to. He knew he was no good with words, and the sight of Charlotte appearing so uninterested and lukewarm only irritated him, - maybe since you seem to know her.

- I know her? Axl's girlfriend? What the fuck, - Charlie's brows met, and she foolishly gawped at Duff. - I don't even remember the last time I met Axl, let alone his girl. Whatever, I am happy for them.

- Okay, - Duff was slightly confused, but, having given a bewildered signal look to Charlotte and having got no response, he decided to drop this theme, change the topic and go back to what he originally came for. - I just meant, we had a huge row at the house yesterday and stuff...Also, I missed you. Like, a lot.

- Oh, did you? It would be weird if you arranged the meeting, showed up and didn't say things like that.

Oops! It was meant to be a sarcastic comment to herself, but, judging by how Duff's face changed and then went all smiles, she must have said this aloud.

- So that's the way of telling me to fuck off, isn't it, Charlie? - he laughed, shaking his head. Charlotte watched a couple of strands, tucked loosely behind the ears, slip down over his face and then replied. bumbling:

- Why are you always so damn cheerful, Duff McKagan?!

She was probably speaking a little too loud for two customers by the next table turned their heads but looked aways quickly. She somehow got really ticked off by that, so she clenched her fists and was about to jump up and leave, but Duff was in advance. He stood up on his feet first, towering over he, bent down and gave her a little kiss. Charlie certainly wasn't expecting that but the kiss was so short there wasn't much she could do during it aside from making a surprised face. Duff sat back and giggled, closing his mouth with his hand.

- You're even cuter when you try to be angry at me. And you need to smile more. I haven't seen these teeny-weeny wrinkles on your nose for ages, Charlie!

Was she trying to be angry? Perhaps, but she couldn't. That was too much, striking, knocking-off-your-feet much. Charlie grinned widely, not caring what other people around would see or think. Having Duff near just made her feel so happy for no other reason and warm inside and giddy and all things good.

- Do you work long today?

Charlie was glad she could answer with a "No". She took a look at her wristwatch.

- Actually, I will just hang around for fifteen more minutes and then go home.

- Any plans for the rest of the day? Let's go out, the weather is so nice.

Charlie's mind protested. Who he was to tell her what to do? However, the fact that somebody remembered the way she smiled for such a long time made her feel needed and the corners of her mouth lifted automatically.

- I will just go and change my clothes, okay? - she asked with a grimace of satisfaction on her face. Duff smirked and pulled his hair away from his face.

- Feel free not to. That's a lovely outfit, by the way, you resemble a wannabe film starlet stuck in the dirty diner in the middle of nowhere.

Duff watched her take away his empty bottle, get up and disappear in the staff only room. He felt really happy just watching her bounce back and forth, that's why he came a little earlier than he promised to.

Charlie closed the door behind herself and let out a cry of relief. She was glad to realize he was watching her with sinscere excitement, like he's been really missing her as much as she missed him.

She peeled of her hatred uniform shirt and threw on an old comfy tee with Rocky Horror film poster on it. She was happy she was not going on a formal date with a super serious and snobby guy. She knew Duff wasn't going to take her anywhere posh and pretentious, make her wear dresses and speak with LA accent. She really enjoying being on the same wavelength with him. What she didn't know was that he enjoyed it just as much.

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♪ The Cars - Just What I Needed

Author's note: In case anyone still listens to title songs...Don't take them too seriously. It's hard to pick a song so both the title and the meaning suit the plot. :D Also, I know chapters are becoming shorter, but I hope they are not bad. I am getting really insecure about it...