Episode 9: The Anticipation
I went inside and grabbed my phone, my fingers shaking slightly from excitement. The earlier's cooking competition still lingered in my mind—the thrill, the teasing, the warmth of Charles' touch—it all came rushing back, and I couldn't stop the smile forming on my face.
"Hey, are you home?" I asked, keeping my voice low, almost afraid to disturb the electric tension I felt even through the phone.
"I just walked in," he replied, his tone calm but carrying that teasing edge I knew so well. "And honestly, I was already missing you."
I laughed softly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I missed you too. So it's just you? No one else around?"
"You're with me in spirit," he said smoothly, "so being alone isn't so bad."
My heart flipped at his words. The way he always managed to make me feel seen, even from miles away, left me weak. I had to fight the urge to just drop everything and run to him.
"And what about the gift you promised me?" I pressed, trying to sound casual, though my chest tightened. "You said tomorrow, and I can't wait that long."
Charles chuckled. "Patience, Beth. You'll get it tomorrow. I promise."
I pouted, trying to mask my impatience. "C'mon, just a tiny clue? Even something small?"
"You're relentless," he said with a laugh. "Alright… here's a hint. I love you. That's part of it. But you'll have to wait for the rest."
I shook my head, grinning despite myself. "So… that's it? Just your love?"
"Yes, and it's the best gift I could give you," he said, his tone warm but playful, leaving me frustrated and enchanted at the same time.
"I don't want your love," I teased, tilting my head, "I want the gift!"
"You drive me crazy," he replied softly, and I could hear him smiling. "But I know you'll love it when you see it."
I huffed, trying to regain composure. "Fine. But you better not be keeping anything from me!"
"You already got the hint, Beth. Just wait, okay?" His voice was calm, confident, making it impossible for me to argue further.
I sighed, shaking my head, my mind already imagining what he had planned. "Alright, fine… but I swear, if it's not good, you're paying for this disappointment."
"I think you'll love it," he said simply, his tone a mix of amusement and sincerity that made me flush.
I felt a flutter in my stomach. "So what are you doing now?" I asked, trying to distract myself from the impatient excitement clawing at me.
"Relaxing on the couch," he said, "talking to the most beautiful woman I know."
A small laugh escaped me. "You're impossible," I murmured, letting myself blush as the words spilled out.
"Impossible?" he asked softly. "Maybe. But I love you, and you know it."
I closed my eyes briefly, taking in his words, letting my heartbeat settle. "I love you too," I whispered, almost to myself, not daring to say it louder.
"Alright," he said, chuckling lightly. "We'll talk later. I need to watch a little TV now."
"Oh? What are you watching?" I asked, curious despite myself.
"Just a movie," he replied nonchalantly. "You'll love it when you see it."
I smiled to myself, shaking my head. "You always know how to keep me hanging, don't you?"
"Of course," he said, his voice playful. "That's part of the fun."
I couldn't help but laugh, feeling my pulse quicken. "Fine… till tomorrow then," I said softly, ending the call, though my mind was still spinning from our conversation.
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The next morning, I was ready to leave. My heart fluttered as I noticed Charles' car pulling up outside. I didn't know whether to laugh or melt; he insisted on picking me up even though we literally lived three houses apart.
"Your boyfriend is out there," Harvey said, nudging me playfully. "Go on, don't keep him waiting."
I peeked outside, my breath catching. Charles was leaning casually against the car, looking effortlessly handsome, yet there was that focused intensity in his gaze that made me nervous.
"Let him come in," I told Harvey, and she quickly moved to open the door.
"Hey, handsome," she said brightly. "Thanks for yesterday."
"Hey, Harvey," he said smoothly, flashing a grin that made my heart skip. "I didn't do anything. But thanks for taking care of my girl."
I felt my cheeks heat up. "You're too sweet," I whispered to myself, as I watched him approach.
I didn't hesitate. I leaped into his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck, and he responded immediately, holding me close as if he would never let go. The warmth of him, the familiar scent of his cologne, the feel of his steady hands around me—it was all intoxicating.
"You two should go," Harvey called out, teasing. "Don't hog all the fun here."
I laughed, glancing at Charles. "Look who's jealous," I whispered.
"I'm not jealous," she countered, grinning. "Right, Charles?"
"Don't mind her," he said, shaking his head, still smiling. "Ready to go?"
"Yes," I said, my stomach fluttering. "Let's go."
Charles opened the car door, offering his hand. I took it immediately, feeling that familiar thrill. Sliding into the seat, I couldn't help but anticipate what the day held.
He climbed in smoothly and started the engine. My mind raced as we pulled into the driveway. I wondered what the gift would be. Part of me imagined something extravagant, another part imagined it being perfectly simple yet meaningful—just like Charles.
The ride was quiet but charged with tension and anticipation. Every glance I stole at him made my heart pound. I watched how naturally he handled the car, his focus on the road yet somehow aware of my every movement. I felt butterflies crawling up my spine and into my chest, a mix of excitement, nervousness, and the warmth of affection I couldn't contain.
I tried to focus on his profile—the curve of his jaw, the way his hand rested lightly on the steering wheel, the slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. My thoughts wandered unashamedly to last night, to the moments we shared, the teasing, the touches, the playful tension.
"You okay?" he asked, breaking my reverie, his voice low and teasing.
I laughed softly. "Just… thinking," I said, trying to sound casual while my heart raced.
"You're adorable when you're flustered," he said. That single statement made my knees feel weak. I swallowed hard and smiled, letting the warmth spread through me.
Within moments, we were at his gate. He honked lightly, and the gate swung open. Charles drove in like he owned the place, confidence radiating from every movement.
We reached his door, and I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervous excitement. Whatever he had planned, I knew it would be memorable because it always was when Charles was involved.
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