Losing Charley

Chapter 11 Part 3

"Sorry about that. That was my grandma."

I walk into his room timidly unsure of what he is or isn't going to tell me. I sit on the futon. The TV is on some random channel. He is still dressed in the clothes from earlier today.

"Is everything okay, Joe?"

"Yeah, I was telling Gran about today. It's just hard to talk about her, but Gran is the only one who still tries to keep her alive. I'm gonna take a quick shower. Make yourself comfortable," he says as he tosses me the remote.

Joe gets his stuff for the shower and then walks down the hall. I take a few minutes to flip through the channels. There is nothing on, but then I find Sweet Home Alabama on CMT. I just love that movie; in fact, my dad does, too. It makes me think of home. I check my phone. I send Tessa a message just to say hey 'cause she never calls, but that is how she has always been. As I get a reply and see that everything is okay, I can hear footsteps coming down the hall, but I don't think much about it. I get lost in the movie and then I realize that Joe has returned from his shower. He is standing at his dresser in nothing but a pair of boxers. Hot Damn! I try to act like I'm still watching the movie, but sneak a peek when I can. That body is fine!

He throws on a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt with the sleeves cut out. I guess someone's getting comfortable. He walks toward me and sits on the futon.

"I love this movie!" he says, as he gets relaxed.

"Really?"

"Yeah, my favorite part is when she realizes he's not the loser she thinks he is and actually made something of himself."

I just sit there. My dad loves that part too, but his favorite is when the country boy gets the girl 'cause that is how things are supposed to happen.

"Well, I'm glad you like my movie choice 'cause I'm not changing it. So, what's for supper?"

"Ramen noodles?" he answers with a smirk.

"Fine by me."

What college kids don't like Ramen? We microwave our supper then continue to watch the movie.

I snuggle into Joe's arm. He is just so comfortable. I almost doze off when I jump out of my skin. You know the moment when you're just about asleep, but your body decides to act like you've just been pushed off a cliff. Joe just laughs. I get comfortable again, and no words are said. I wake up at 2:30 a.m. realizing we have both fallen asleep. I grab a blanket off Joe's bed. That's when I hear Joe mutter something. I can't quite make it out. I move back to the futon and cover us both. Joe moves and semi wakes up. He just smiles. I cuddle into those arms, and as I'm just about asleep, I feel those lips touch my cheek. Then he whispers, "thank you." I open my eyes and smile. I reposition myself to where I can look into those beautiful blue eyes. I take both of my hands and place them on his cheeks.

"Joe, I'm just glad you felt that you could talk to me like I talked to you." I stare into those eyes and get lost because I am totally consumed by the need and desire he has within them. He needs me for whatever reason, and I'm going to be there for him in whatever way I can.

Joe stares back into my eyes, and the space between us closes. He looks at me as if to ask for permission. I don't answer; instead, I close the distance between us and show him that it is okay. I can feel his hunger for me as he kisses me. His hands start at the small of my back and work their way up to my neck. I have never felt so needed in all my life.

"Char, we can stop. I know how you feel about..." I don't give him time to say his name. I take his mouth in mine and take control. I can feel his desire beneath me, and I know that Joe can help erase the pain for me as well. We can take both wrongs and make two rights.