Author's Note: There will be at least four more chaps for this fic (current guess at least). Probably four more for California also if you are reading that. THEN I have three more charloe fics I'm working on… two short and one longer…. I'm seriously in trouble here (addicted to this ship). Come on NBC – Renew it already! Going to focus on getting these two done before trotting the new stuff out though.
Home Alone
Bass wakes on Monday to an empty bed. It puts him on edge until he remembers that Charlie had warned him she'd be getting up early. She's going back to work today, and has some archery lessons to teach starting mid-morning. He sighs and falls back into the pillows. He feels lonely and that is unsettling. After all, she can't have been gone more than an hour and she'll be back before dinner. And why should he feel lonely anyway? He's used to being alone. Before this trip, he hadn't been involved with anyone for more than a quick fuck here and there in, hell could it be years? He supposes it could. At any rate, having a day alone should feel good. He should be enjoying the freedom. Instead, there is a knot in his gut and he misses her. He misses her a lot. Damn. Damn. Damn.
He pulls himself out of bed, and takes a shower. He eats toast and drinks a cup of coffee and he can't stop staring at the clock. Has it really been only an hour since he woke up? This day is never going to end. Fuck. He has to do something. He decides to get out for a while. Maybe do some shopping. Maybe he'll call Connor and see if his kid wants to meet for lunch. Hell. Maybe he'll just find a bar and get drunk. Even drinking doesn't sound like it will help. He takes out his phone and is getting ready to dial Connor's number when the thing rings. There is a split second where he wonders if its Charlie calling, and he smiles a little. But the smile fades when he reads the caller ID display.
"Oh hell." Bass mutters, before hitting the talk button and saying with a cheerfulness he does not feel, "Brother! How's the honeymoon?"
Prepper Pete's
Charlie had lain in bed watching Bass sleep for the longest time. She loves the way his curls go all goofy when he is asleep. She loves the way he dozes with his mouth a little open and she loves the occasional snore. She loves… no. She had to stop thinking about the things she loves about him. She's afraid soon she might have to admit she loves more than his messy hair and his snoring. And she can't do that.
She can't love Bass Monroe. Everyone she loves dies.
She quietly gets out of bed, gets ready and gives Bass the softest possible kiss before leaving. He doesn't wake. She takes the bus to work and clocks in with two minutes to spare. According to the schedule above the time clock she has lessons scheduled for 10 and 11 and then will be working the counter for the rest of her shift unless any last minute lessons get scheduled. It will probably be a boring day, and that's okay. She just hopes it goes fast. She wants to get back to Bass.
Pete owns the place, and he stops to say hello on his way to the office. He cuts an imposing figure. Pushing sixty, he is tall and extremely thin. His bald head and bony face make him look almost skeletal. He seems a little scary to some at first, but only until he smiles. His grin lights up a room. Charlie has a soft spot for Pete, and he in turn has always treated her kindly. Secretly he thinks of her as the daughter he never had.
"How was your time off?" he asks her pleasantly.
Images flash unbidden behind Charlie's eyes. Bass…The heat from his embrace… the feel of his mouth on hers… the way he can fill her and stretch her with his girth… the way he makes her feel whole…
Pete grins when she doesn't answer. The expression on her face says it all, "So, it was good then?" he chuckles as he heads to his office.
Charlie blushes a little as she pushes through the big doors that lead to the sales floor. She needs to find her boss. Pete owns the place but Jeremy runs it like a well-oiled machine. He's in his forties, terribly attractive, wicked smart and funny. Charlie had a crush on him when they first started working together but it quickly faded. He was not only a good store manager, and a kind friend, but also a loyal and doting husband to his wife Molly.
"Hey." She says, walking up behind where he's leaning over some paperwork on the counter. "Why weren't you at Miles' wedding?"
"Hey Kid!" Jeremy stands tall and gives his young friend a brotherly hug, "Good to have you back. Sorry about the wedding. Molly's girls were heading out to London the next day for that summer internship, and we had to spend time with them. You know how she is about those kids of hers."
"I suppose that's an acceptable reason," she says with a smile. "We missed you though."
"Sure you did." He pauses, leaving back and looking at her carefully. "Charlie?"
"Yes Jeremy?"
"Did you and Jason get back together?"
"Um, no." she raises an eyebrow curiously, "Why?"
"You look, well, different." He chuckles.
"Different how exactly?" she asks, blushing in spite of her best intentions not to do so.
"Yeah, that's what I thought. Not Jason, but someone has been putting a smile on your face. A really big smile." He pats her on the back. "That's good Charlie. You haven't been smiling enough for a long time."
"Well, I did meet a guy, but it's not a big deal. He's only in town for a little while." Charlie frowns a little.
"You know, this isn't the dark ages Charlie. A lot of people have long distance relationships. So he goes home. So what? Call him. Email him. You know – all that." He holds up his hands when he sees she's going to argue, "No pressure. I'm just saying if this new guy makes you so happy, maybe you know – get his email address or something." He laughs at the look of surprise on her face. She evidently hadn't thought about this yet.
"You're right, I guess." She says slowly. "Maybe… I don't know. I'll think about it."
"That's all I ask." Charlie starts to walk away. "Hey, you can stock and face the water filtration accessories today. They're a mess. You have two archery lessons this morning. Should be a fairly slow day. Plenty of time to daydream after that, Kid." Jeremy just shakes his head, smiling. He hopes this new guy knows how lucky he is.
Lies of Omission
"The honeymoon is amazing. Hawaii is amazing. Nora is amazing!" Miles laughs into the phone. He sounds very very drunk.
"So it's good?" Bass chuckles, "Hey Miles, is the drinking amazing too? Because you sound like you've been doing a lot of that."
"Oh yeah. I'm drinking these pink frothy things in these tall glasses. There is fruit in there and tiny paper umbrellas."
"Shit. I thought I was talking to Miles, not his wife."
"Shut up Asshole." Miles laughs drunkenly, "These girly fru fru drinks are fucking amazing."
"Yeah, I get it." Bass smiles in spite of the nervous knot in the base of his stomach.
"How's my house? You watching it for me?"
"Yeah, Miles. Of course."
"Good. I just wanted to say hi and tell you thanks. You're my best friend and my brother and I hope you have some fun while you're in Chicago." Miles is starting to sound a little emotional.
"You're my best friend too Miles," Bass chuckles. "I'm having a lot of fun in Chicago." He tries to block out the mental images of Charlie doing things to him that her uncle never needs to know about... "I might even visit with Connor today or tomorrow."
"That's good. That kid needs to see more of you Bass, and you him."
"Yeah, I know you're right."
"You know what else you need? One of these fucking umbrella drinks… oh, and to get laid. You need that too." Miles is laughing loudly, then says goodbye and the call is over.
Bass breathes a sigh of relief. That could have really gone badly, but the gods must be smiling on Bass today. He doesn't want to face Miles with the truth yet. Hell, maybe not ever. Fuck. Miles is going to kill him.
Lessons
Charlie's first lesson of the day is Nick. He's a high school kid who has recently taken up archery for fun and he's easy to teach. He listens to everything she says and is a quick learner. She likes working with him and the hour goes quickly.
Her second lesson of the day is much less enjoyable. Also a repeat student, Vince is far from easy. He's in his mid-thirties and is convinced he's Daryl Dixon. He's not of course. Not even close. He dresses like a good old boy, and chews tobacco constantly. He's rude to her and assumes he knows more than she does. Everything she tells him is met with doubt or obstinacy. By the time the hour is over, every muscle in Charlie aches with frustration, but she's proud of herself for not killing him. So there's that.
She puts her bow and quiver and other accessories in her locker before heading out to the sales floor. Jeremy meets her, "Hey Charlie, just got a call. You have another lesson." He has an amused expression on his face.
"Who is it?" She asks, stretching tired muscles and still frowning at the frustrating hour with Vince.
"Well, I don't know. Pretty sure the name he gave was a fake."
This sparks Charlie's attention, "What are you talking about? What name did he give?"
Jeremy chuckles, and looks down at his notebook so that he will get it right, "Here it is. The guy said he wanted an hour of lessons – he asked for you specifically – and he said his name is," Jeremy looks up at her expectantly, "Broody McSexPot. Know him?"
Charlie throws her head back and barks with laughter. The grin that remains after her laughter subsides, lights up the whole room. Jeremy nods knowingly, "I had a feeling this was your new friend. I can't wait to meet him, but I'll have to catch him at the end of your lesson. I'm going to lunch. Steven will cover the register while I'm out."
"Ba-I meant Broody is coming in now?"
"Yep." Jeremy nods, "Said he was in dire need of immediate archery lessons." He looks at Charlie and can't stop grinning. This guy is whipped Charlie. Ask for his damn phone number." With that he leaves the store to get his lunch.
Steven is a high school kid who works part time behind the sales counter. He waves at Charlie and says hello before turning to help a customer. Only minutes after Jeremy headed off to lunch, Charlie hears the bells above the door and then she sees him.
Bass is here.
Charlie's heart beat accelerates wildly. Her palms are sweaty. She feels a throbbing between her legs, where she's already wet. How in the hell does he affect her like this? She doesn't know. She grins at him, and he sees her and grins back.
The distance between them is erased in moments as they cross the sales floor to meet in the middle.
"Hi." He says quietly
"Hi Broody McSexPot. Are you ready for your lesson?"
"Oh yeah." He says, holding out his hand. She takes it and leads him toward the back room where the range is set up.
Just before she shuts the door behind them, she puts out the sign that says "Do Not Enter. Lesson in Progress."
The click of the lock is still hanging in the air and his mouth is on hers. Heat and hunger, passion and need – they are both greedy for each other and hungrily clash their lips and teeth and tongues together.
"God I missed you." He says against her lips.
"It's only been five hours." She chuckles, but delves her tongue into his mouth, tasting him, exploring him, searching his depths.
"The longest five fucking hours of my life," he groans, pushing his body against hers; pulling at her hips, moving his mouth to her throat where he kisses the pulse point and then sucks on the nape of her neck. He presses his jean clad erection against her stomach and she moans.
"Is there someplace we can…" Bass asks, his voice scratchy and broken, like he's forgotten how to use words.
"Over there." She motions with her head to a waiting area in one corner. He looks over and sees an old leather couch.
"Hmm that'll work." He growls out, picking her up and carrying her to the seating area.
Bass sits Charlie down on her feet. In moments their hands are pulling at boots and shirts and pants and underwear and then they are naked and breathing heavily and staring into each other's eyes.
"You are beautiful, Charlie." His eyes are somehow both tender and fierce at the same time.
"You too." She breathes out, reaching a hand toward his chest.
She strokes the flesh, stretched tight across well-defined muscles. She feels his shiver under her fingers and she steps closer. He reaches both hands up to cup her tits. He squeezes them gently, tugging and pinching at the nipples until they harden into little peach gumdrops. He lowers his mouth to one, while continuing to fondle the other and then he switches sides, giving equal opportunity to each perfect mound of flesh.
She moans under his mouth and hands, and she feels the heat as it sinks lower into her gut and then lower still, pooling between the folds of her sex. She wants him. She wants him buried deep inside her. She wants him now.
He has other plans, and pushes her gently backwards until her calves hit the sofa and her knees buckle. She sits on the couch, and he settle on his knees in front of her. Watching her eyes, he slowly works his palms and fingers up and then down her toned thighs. He can feel the tension under the skin, the hum of her muscles as they jump under his touch. Still holding her gaze, he presses her knees apart, pulling her forward so that her dripping sex is right there, ready for his mouth. He uses the pads of his fingers to touch the knot of her clit. He strokes it slowly, watching her squirm. Bass moves the hood back, exposing her nerves to the air. Leaning in close he blows against it and she writhes against him. He uses his fingers to spread her folds and then his mouth is on her and he's sucking and licking and pushing his tongue into her heat. She moans and grabs at his head and pulls him closer, even as she pulls her knees farther apart to allow him better access. He's thoroughly fucking her pussy with his tongue, rubbing a calloused thumb across her nub and she comes apart against his mouth. He pulls from his position, his stubble glistening with her juices.
Bass moves to a standing position, pulls her up on shaky legs, switches places with her before sitting down and bringing her to his lap. She knows what to do. Her eyes hazy and oversexed with the mind-blowing orgasm of moments before, but she reaches down and takes his hard cock into her hand. Charlie strokes it firmly twice before placing it at her entrance and lowering herself on him slowly, allowing her body to accommodate for his girth. She moves and rolls against him, taking him in deep before pulling almost all the way off and then repeating. He reaches up to her breasts and squeezes them as she rides. Her tempo picks up and his breathing becomes ragged. He knows he's close and he pulls her mouth to his. Charlie can taste herself on his lips and that is all it takes. She's coming again, her walls clutching at his cock, pulling his seed from him in gasping contractions. She slows and then stops completely. He's still inside her, buried balls deep but she doesn't try to move. Instead she just leans her forehead against his and breathes him in.
"I'm so glad you decided to come by." She whispers breathlessly.
"Yeah, me too. He smiles tenderly at her and she thinks he's going to say something more. Her heart skips a bit at his expression, but he seems to think better of it and closes his mouth. "We should probably get dressed." He says instead.
They clean up as best they can in the tiny cube of a bathroom just off the shooting range. Then they head back into the store, smiling at each other and holding hands. Charlie feels Bass tense suddenly, and isn't sure why until she hears Jeremy's voice.
"Bass fucking Monroe? You're screwing Bass fucking Monroe?" Jeremy's voice is harsh. His expression is one of shock. His eyes are wide, his complexion pale. He's looking at Charlie and then to Bass and his gaze settles on their joined hands.
"Baker." Bass says quietly. "What the hell are you doing here?"
"I work here asshole." He says. "What the hell are you thinking? Miles' niece?"
"Don't start with me" Bass responds. His voice sounds suddenly tired. "You don't know what you're talking about." He drops Charlie's hand and she feels lost.
"Ha. I know you came back with a death wish, and now you'll get it. Miles is going to kill you. What more do I possibly need to know?" Then he turns to Charlie, "I change my mind. Long distance relationships never work. Better just call it all off now."
Charlie looks from her boss to her lover. Clearly there is a lot of history here. "What's going on and how do you two know each other?"
Author's Note: So yeah, I brought Jeremy back. I really liked his character and felt they wasted him when they killed him off is S1. Review if you get a chance. Thanks.