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"Brax" She shouted as she watched him screech down the road in his Ute, Casey already in the car
...
Charlie sighed as Brax's phone rang out again "Why is he not picking up?" she groaned as she leaned both hands on the back of the couch
Ruby sighed "Case isn't picking… I think he may have left his phone back at his" Ruby looked to Charlie "Brax looked really angry"
Charlie turned to her "That's what I'm worried about… what if he finds Angelo" Charlie shook her head and picked up her car keys
"Where are you going?" asked Ruby
"To find Bra,x before he does something stupid" replied Charlie as she walked around the couch and slipped her sandals on
Ruby bit her lip and sighed "Well I hope Brax does find him. Angelo deserves whatever he gets. He has no right putting his hands on you"
Charlie shook her head "I've never seen Brax like that, I'm not having him getting in trouble because of Angelo. He's not worth it" said Charlie as she moved to the door
Ruby could see Charlie point "Fine, but I'm coming too" she followed Charlie out the door, unsure where they were going to start in their search for Brax
…
"Brax you have to calm down" Casey had been talking to him since they left Charlie's but Brax hadn't responded once, not even when Casey had pleaded with him to pick his phone that had been ringing in his back pocket "We don't even know where he is Brax"
"I'll find him" said Brax as he got out of the car and headed in the direction of the diner, starting his search
Casey cursed under his breath as he realised he didn't have his phone with him "This isn't going to end well" he muttered under his breath as he paced behind Brax
"Brax" Casey reached out and grabbed Brax by the arm
Turning to face him Brax gritted his teeth "WHAT?"
"Brax do you think Charlie really wants this, you going after Angelo will probably only make things ten times worse. If she wanted you going after him like some cave man, she would have shown you the bruise herself"
"I warned him" Brax shook his head "He has no right putting his hands on her"
Casey nodded "And you're right, and I think he is more than deserving of any beating you want to give him but it won't help you, especially not if he gets the cops involved. You just need to calm down" Casey looked at Brax as it seemed he was getting through to him but then he saw Brax's eyes flash red. Turning round Casey groaned loudly as he saw Angelo walking out of the diner and towards the beach
"Brax…" before Casey could say anything else Brax had moved past him pacing with speed towards Angelo
"Oi" Brax blared causing Angelo to turn around. Angelo creased his eyebrows
"What do you want?" as he spoke he was forced to the floor as Brax's fist made contact with his face. Angelo's coffee fell to the floor and he instantly placed his hand on his nose looking up at Brax
"What the hell is wrong with you?" he sneered at Brax as Casey now stood between the two of them
"Brax leave it there" pleaded Casey
"I warned you never to hurt her" Said Brax as he tried getting past Casey but his younger brother stood firmly between him and Angelo who had now stood to his feet
"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything to her you psycho"
"Well the bruise on her wrist says differently" Brax's nostrils flared
"I hardly even touched her. If she had just listened none of that would have happened. And honestly it's none of your business"
At Angelo's words, Casey kept his hands firmly pressed against Brax's chest as Brax tried to move past him. He sighed in relief as he heard Charlie's voice.
"Brax" Charlie called as she quickly jumped out of the car
But Brax was quick to push Casey aside and he quickly grabbed Angelo by his shirt holding him inches away from his face "If you so much as even look in her direction again or stand within a mile of her… I promise I'll have you wishing I had just stopped at one punch" Brax sneered as he glared at Angelo who's eyes had widened slightly "You got it?"
"Get off me" bellowed Angelo as he tried to remove himself from Brax's grip.
Only proving to irritated Brax the more, Brax shook Angelo, his grip still firm on his shirt "I said you got it?" his jaw visibly clenched and Angelo nodded his head. Pushing him back slightly, Brax let him go as Charlie reached them
"Brax!" Charlie paced towards them and instantly stood between Brax and Angelo
"What the hell did you tell him?" snapped Angelo as he glared down at Charlie. Brax balled his fist and stepped forward but was stopped as Charlie placed a hand one his chest before turning to face Angelo
"I didn't tell him anything. I wouldn't waste my breath talking about you" She turned back to Brax and cocked an eyebrow "I think we should go, don't you?" she pushed on his chest slightly trying to move him away from Angelo as his glare remained pierced into Angelo "Brax please" she sighed and Brax looked down at her before looking back up at Angelo
Brax nodded and shook his head "I'm sorry" he said to Charlie
Charlie shook her head "It's ok, let's just go" she closed her eyes in frustration as Angelo spoke
"You've definitely lowered your standards Charlie. Seriously, you couldn't do better than a thug like him" Angelo turned as Ruby spoke
"Better than a weak cheat" she folder her arms and gave him a sarcastic smile "It's just a shame mum's here. If I had it my way I would have him beat the crap out of you"
"Ruby" Charlie sighed and Ruby simply shrugged
"I'm just being honest, something Angelo isn't too familiar with" she turned back to Angelo "Stay away from her and me"
"You're making a big mistake Charlie" Angelo sighed. he winced slightly at the pain shooting through his nose
Charlie looked to Angelo in what could only be descirbed as disgust"Are you crazy Angelo? I have told you I want nothing to do with you and I meant it. The only mistake I made was being with you in the first. Stay away from me Angelo, because next time I won't stop him" She turned back to Brax who had returned to glaring at Angelo, almost looking like he wanted to kill him. Not wanting to keep Brax around Angelo any longer Charlie pushed lightly on his chest a little more
"Can we please go?" Charlie looked up at Brax as he looked down at her and nodded
"Yeah let's go" replied Brax
Casey let out a breath of relief as he and Ruby followed Brax and Charlie towards the car park
"You're going to regret this Charlie" Angelo called after them as Charlie quickly gripped onto Brax's hand stopping him from turning back to Angelo.
Reaching Charlie's car, Charlie came to a standstill as did Brax. Casey and Ruby glanced between the two of them for a second before Casey spoke up
"How about I take the Ute and Ruby and I go back to ours?" he looked at Brax knowing he and Charlie had a little talking to do
Charlie nodded and answered for Brax "Yeah that would be really good guys. We'll drive by and I'll pick you up on my way home"she said to Ruby
Brax dug into his pocket and threw his keys at Casey "I don't want to see a scratch on it" said Brax
Casey rolled his eyes "I wouldn't dream of it"
Brax and Charlie watched as Ruby and Casey got into the Ute before Casey drove off. Charlie turned to Brax and leaned against her car. Brax's gaze lowered to his hand that had now began spinning the ring on his index finger around in circles
"Brax" she called his name softly and sighed
Brax exhaled and slowly looked up at her "I didn't mean to walk off like that" he said before moving to her side and leaning against the car next to her
Charlie turned to him and studied him for a minute "I've never seen you like that before" she spoke as she continued studying his reaction
"That's because that's not me… at least not anymore" Brax replied, his hand still spinning the ring on his index finger
"Not anymore?" questioned Charlie
Brax turned to her "I errr… I'm not the best at keeping my temper in check when I'm angry, but it's definitely not as bad as it used to be"
Charlie nodded; she hadn't forgotten him telling her about how things had been with his father while growing up. She could understand how such a childhood could cause him to be that way. She moved a little closer to him and placed her hand on his
"Although I don't want you fighting with Angelo, the last thing I want is you getting in trouble because of him but…" she smiled lightly "I am flattered that you felt the need to stand up for me"
Brax smiled lightly "So you don't think I'm a thug?" he cocked an eyebrow
Charlie chuckled and shook her head "Nowhere near" Brax nodded relieved that his behaviour hadn't scared her off. He grinned at her as she spoke again "Plus I kind of like the idea of having my own personal knight and shining armour" she grinned up at him as she spoke, stepping a little closer to him
Brax smiled and looked down at her hand, the bruise on her wrist visible to him. Taking his hand he ran his fingers over the bruise on her wrist. He exhaled and looked back up at her"You should have told me" he said
And Charlie looked up at him "Well I didn't really get a chance. I couldn't exactly blurt it out during our argument yesterday and I was a little too preoccupied to be thinking about Angelo when you came over last night"
Brax smiled at her words, his dimples showing to her before he looked at her more seriously "You could have told Bianca"
Charlie shrugged "I didn't want to make a big deal out of it…I still don't. I don't want anything to do with him and I'm pretty sure he's got the message"
Brax nodded, hoping Angelo had truly got the message and would leave Charlie alone "How about we head off?"
Charlie nodded and stepped in front of Brax. She looked up at him with a grin
Brax creased his eyebrows "What?" he asked
"Did I mention that I really like you?"
Brax nodded and pushed himself off her car "Yeah I think you did" he smiled as he snaked his hands around her waist. Lowering his head to hers, he brought his lips to hers as Charlie's hands snaked around his neck. He felt her smile into the kiss before she pulled away
"Right, no more of this till you take me out on Saturday" Charlie placed her hands on her hips and chuckled at the look on Brax's face
"It's only Monday" replied Brax and Charlie chuckled
"I know" replied Charlie and Brax nodded
"Ok I can do that" his eyes glanced down to her lips and he nodded again as he looked back up at her "Yep I can do that" he tilted his head to the side and bit into his bottom lip as Charlie moved her face closer to his, a smirk present on her face. She moved closer to him till their lips was only a mere inch apart. Brax smiled thinking she was going to close the rest of the gap but Charlie moved her lips to the side and placed a kiss on his cheek instead
"I know you can" she laughed loudly at the look on his face
…
Ruby slumped down on the couch and watched Charlie as she closed the door "You should have said something mum"
Charlie sighed "It's not that big a deal Rubes, if it was I promise I would have spoken up. And you know how easily I bruise"
Ruby sighed "Still doesn't excuse him laying his hands on you"
"No it doesn't, but I'm pretty sure after tonight he won't be coming anywhere near me again"
Ruby chuckled, a grin making its way to her face "So you and Brax" she looked at her mum and fought the urge to squeal as a dark blush appeared on Charlie's cheeks "Aww mum you look so cute right now" Ruby laughed and Charlie swatted her on the arm
"You know it's not good to mock your elders" said Charlie
Ruby let out a laugh "I'm not mocking you I'm just simply making an observation. So…" she looked to Charlie expectantly
"What?" asked Charlie keeping her gaze from Ruby
"You know if you tell me it would save me having to ask Brax… and I could make that really embarrassing" Charlie turned to her daughter and shook her head "So are you guys together… or was what me and Case saw your way of talking" Ruby smirked as Charlie chuckled
"We're seeing how things go" said Charlie trying to hide the smile on her face
"Well I think he's perfect for you… I thought it would have happened sooner" said Ruby as she leaned forward and picked up the remote
Charlie creased her eyebrow as she thought of something "It was because of Brax wasn't it? You not wanting me to go to the restaurant with Angelo"
Ruby looked to Charlie, a sheepish look on her face as she nodded "Yeah. I guess I was kind of hoping you and Brax would get together"
"You should have said something" said Charlie
"I wanted to but I wasn't completely sure he actually did like you. I didn't want to say something and then it turned out I was wrong"
Charlie sighed "Well I guess it doesn't matter now. Everything worked out" she walked around the couch and walked into the kitchen
"I'm just glad you chose Brax"
Charlie turned and smiled at her daughter's words and nodded as she thought of him. She remembered his lips running softly along hers and she felt herself blushing "I'm glad I chose him too" she spoke before turning back around and walking to the fridge, Brax now firmly on her mind
…
"You should have let him beat ten shits out of him" said Heath as Casey filled him and Bianca on, on what had happened between Angelo and Brax and why
Casey rolled his eyes "Yeah, you would say that" he knew that if it had been heath with Brax instead of him, Heath would have done nothing to stop Brax beating the life out of Angelo
Bianca's face visibly fuelled with anger "I can't believe that cheating bastard would lay his hands on her" she shook her head as she picked up her phone, before turning to Casey "I agree with Heath, You should have let Brax at him" at that moment Brax walked out of his room
Casey sighed and shook his head "Trust me you really don't want that happening… ever"
Bianca groaned as Charlie's phone rang out "Why's she not picking her phone" Bianca walked around the couch and picked up her bag "I'm going to go over there babe " she said to Heath before she leaned to him and placed a kiss on his lips "I'll call you when I get home" she said as she swung her bag over her arm "Bye Guys"
"Cya" replied Casey and Brax.
Heath followed her to the door placed one final kiss on her lips before she walked out the door. He turned to Brax and chuckled "I'm guessing you at least got one good punch in" he said as he sat down on the single couch
Brax exhaled "He's lucky it was just the one" replied Brax and Heath laughed loudly not bothering to stop even as Casey and Brax looked over at him, both of them with raised eyebrows. Finally Heath's laughter died down and he shook his head
"What's so funny?" asked Brax and Heath shrugged
"You" he turned to Brax "You have it so bad"
Casey chuckled but frowned as Brax hit him on the back of the head. He edged away as he rubbed his head "What was that for"
Brax shrugged "Just felt like it" he grinned before picking up the remote. He cleared his throat in an attempt to hide the smile that threatened his face as he thought of Charlie. The way he had kissed her the day before, the way she had kissed him that day and the way she made him feel
…
Two days later
Charlie smiled as his name flashed across the screen of her phone
"Hy" she turned on her side and pulled her duvet up higher on her body "You home?" she asked
"Yeah" replied Brax, smiling at the sound of her voice
"Was it busy tonight?" asked Charlie
Brax slide down the bed, after having stripped down to his boxers. He let out a light sigh happy to finally be home "Yeah, I'm shattered"
Charlie ran her hand along her pillow "You should be sleeping… we can talk tomorrow" she spoke half-heartedly
Brax shook his head regardless of her not being able to see him "Na, I reckon talking to you will sort me out"
Charlie was happy he couldn't see the blush showing on her cheeks. She remained quiet and Brax spoke again
"You still there?" he asked with a chuckle
"Yep I'm still here" replied Charlie "
"Good" replied Brax "Because I really wanted to get your advice on something" he lay on his back and tucked his free hand behind his head a smile on his face "You see the thing is, I finally got the chance to take this girl on a date"
Charlie couldn't help but grin at his words. She moved onto her back, her free hand playing with her duvet "Someone I know?" she asked
"Maybe" answered Brax "You see the thing is I finally get to take her on a date this Saturday but I'm not too sure about what to plan for the date. I'm kind of looking to make it as special as possible"
Charlie bit into her bottom lip, almost unable to phantom how happy he made her feel "I think as long as she's with you, anything you plan will be special"
Brax grinned and exhaled, he wasn't sure if she actually knew how she made him feel "You're giving me a big head here Buckton"
Charlie chuckled "Oh sorry, what I meant to say was this girl must be crazy to have agreed to go on a date with you" she giggled "Is that head of yours any smaller now?"
Brax chuckled "Na, not really"
Charlie laughed and shook her head "So are you going to tell me what you have planned or do you really have no idea?"
"Oh I know, but I'm not telling you. You just have to wait till Saturday"
"Not even a clue?" asked Charlie "I need to know what to wear"
"Na sorry, not even a clue and anything you wear will look good"
Charlie chuckled "Aren't you the sweet talker Braxton"
"Just honest" replied Brax causing Charlie's smile to grow the more. She turned to the clock on her bed side table; she knew Brax had been at the restaurant for most of the day
"You sure you're not tired Brax?"
Brax shook his head and smiled "Na I'm good just talking to you"
…
He watched as she smiled down at the family of four. She turned to the young boy and smiled widely at something he had said. He watched as she nodded her head and lowered to his level before whispering something that had the young boy smiling from ear to ear as he nodded his head. She laughed lightly but enough that he heard it and he couldn't but help smile as he watched her
"Boss… boss" Brax turned to find Sam looking at him as he held what he assumed was a note of drink ordered to his face
"Yeah" Brax cleared his throat and ignored the knowing grin that was on Sam's face
"Drink orders" said Sam as he placed it on the table he stepped back and chuckled "You know you shouldn't be smiling like that boss; it's kind of creepy, we wouldn't want to send customers running" the young boy chuckled and Brax called after him as he walked into the kitchen
"You do know I can fire you right"
Sam turned just outside the kitchen entrance "Na you need me too much… plus who will get all the girls coming back for more drinks" he laughed as he walked into the kitchen and Brax shook his head only to stop as he realised Charlie was now stop close to him. He smelled her perfume before he saw her. Her sweet smell was something that had somehow embedded itself in his mind
"What's funny?" asked Charlie as she pushed her note pad into the pocket of her apron
Brax shook his head "Just Sam being Sam"
Charlie smiled and nodded at his answer before she edged around the bar. She picked up the drink order Sam had left on the bar and got to it. Brax smiled down at her as he watched her every move. Even without looking at him she could feel his eyes trailing her features. She felt the hairs on her arms stand to attention before she slowly looked up at him a wide smile on her face "Are you just going to stare at me or are you going to help me with these"
To say the tension between them had been high the last few days was an understatement. Brax glanced down at her lips that he had yet to feel against his again since the day he had been over at hers. He grinned at her as a blush rose on her cheeks but not before she swiped her tongue along her bottom lip. Brax clenched his jaw as he fought the urge to lean in and swipe his own tongue along her bottom lip. Not saying a word he stepped behind her and leaned forward making sure to graze her arm as he did so. He felt himself grin as she stilled and her Goosebumps became visible to him. Picking up a tray from below the bar he placed it on the bar still stood as close to her as he could afford without causing raised eyebrows from customers. Taking a glimpse around the restaurant he leaned his lips to her ears
"I really can't wait for tomorrow" he watched her as she exhaled deeply. He only hoped he was having the same affect on her that she had on him. Moving back from her he looked to the drink order and started making the two magarita's n the list. He smiled own at Charlie as she turned to look at him with blushing cheeks. He wanted nothing more than to run his hands over them but he had waited four days. One more day wouldn't kill him… he hoped
Charlie shook her head as he gave her a crocked grin, his dimples making a show "Are you going to stare at me or are you going to help me with these" he repeated her words to her, causing her to laugh
Wanting to give him a taste of his own medicine she stepped forward and leaned slightly into him, her eyes raised up to catch his. She tried to fight her grin as she reached her arm up past his face making sure her fingers lightly grazed his cheek. She bit into her bottom lip as she watched his jaws clenched, his gaze not once wavering from hers as he sucked in a breath. Grabbing hold of the bottle of gin behind him she brought her hand back down but stayed close to him for a moment longer "I think I'll help you" she replied with a grin before she stepped back from him. She smiled at him before reluctantly turning and trying to make progress with the extensive drink order a table had ordered
Brax blew out a breath and shook his head as she turned from him. How could anyone possibly make him feel the way she did
…
Charlie blew out a breath as she ran her hand over her blue dress. She looked through the mirror at Ruby who sat on her bed grinning over at her
"What's with the look missy?"
Ruby shrugged "It's just so cute how nervous you are"
Charlie shook her head "There is nothing cute about it, I mean it's Brax for crying out loud, I shouldn't be this nervous"
Ruby chuckled "Please, the two of you have been dancing around each other for who knows how long. I'm not surprised you're nervous but I don't think you have anything to be nervous about"
Charlie blew out another breath as she slipped her feet into her black pumps "Yeah well tell that to my clammed up hands"
Charlie looked to her door as a knock sounded at the front door and Ruby instantly jumped off the bed "I'll go get it"
Charlie nodded as Ruby walked out of her room before she turned back to the mirror. She had put on the blue dress she had initially taken out for her date with Angelo a few weeks ago. She bit her lips at the way the blue dress clung to her every curve. Tucking her short hair behind her hair she exhaled before picking up her black clutch. She smiled as she heard Ruby greet both Brax and Casey, before she walked back into her room
"Brax is waiting in the living room and I'm going back with Casey to his" Ruby walked up to Charlie and placed a kiss on her cheek "Have fun" she grinned at Charlie before walking out the door.
Charlie heard Ruby say bye to Brax before her and Casey left the house. A few seconds later she gave herself a last once over before walked out of her room.
Brax tried to calm his nervous and straighten up as he heard her walking down the hall. He sucked in a breath as she came into view a smile instantly spreading on her face. He could feel himself smiling but there was nothing he could do to help it
"Hy" Charlie felt herself blushing deeply under Brax's intense gaze. She shifted her gaze to the ground before looking back up at him
"You look amazing" smiled Brax as he rubbed the back of his head with one hand. His eyes trailed her every curve. Charlie felt her cheeks heat up the more
"Thanks" she replied and took him in, in his black suit pant and blue shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. She glanced at the tattoo on his chest that was slightly visible before looking up at him. "So are you going to tell me where we're going yet?"
Brax grinned and shook his head "Never patient are we Buckton"
Charlie shook her head as she stepped closer to him "Never" her smile growing as she saw his gaze quickly dart down to her lips.
Brax cleared his throat "Well you'll have to wait for this… I think you'll like it, but we best get going" he held his hand out and Charlie placed her hand his. Both of them feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness
…
Charlie kept glancing over at Brax as they drove down the clear road. She tried to pick up any sort of clues as to where they were going on the way but nothing sprang to mind "You really not going to give me a clue" she said after a while
Brax grinned as he glanced at her and shook his head "No I'm really not going to say anything" he slowed the car down and turned a corner "Plus I don't have to… we're here"
Charlie sat up and her eyes widened as they pulled up at the restaurant. She glanced at Brax then looked back at the restaurant "No way"
Brax chuckled as he turned off the engine "Yes way" he stepped out of the car and walked over to Charlie's side and opened up the door.
Charlie looked over at him and took his hand as he helped her out of the car "Brax I may have never been here before but I know how expensive this place is" she shook her head "Brax I would have been happy for us to just go to Angelo's"
Brax shut her door and pulled her along as he locked the car "I wouldn't have"
Charlie looked at him and couldn't help smile as he led her to the entrance. Walking in, she couldn't help but gasp at the beauty of the place. Her eyes roamed the white silk covered tables and the cream coloured marbled floor. Brax led them to reception and gave his name. She frowned as the lady stood behind the reception desk nodded before looking at Charlie and smiling. She looked up to Brax as he held her hand leading her behind the young brown haired woman as she led them further into the restaurant. Charlie's eyebrows creased together as they reached the back of the restaurant and the woman led them to a staircase. Charlie tugged on Brax's arms causing him to turn to look at her
"Brax where're we going?" She glanced back through the door at the others eating in the restaurant before looking up at Brax, his smile beaming down at her
"You'll find out soon"
"If you walk right to the top it's the door to your right" said the woman as she smiled at them "Hope you guys have a good evening"
"Thanks" said Brax and Charlie gave the brown headed woman a smile as she walked back through the door they had just come through, now leaving just her and Brax
Brax tugged on her hand "Come on" he grinned at the confused look on her face as she obliged and allowed him lead her up the stairs. Coming to the top, with his hand still in hers Brax moved to the door the woman had directed them to. Pulling her in front of him he stood behind her before leaning forward and turning the handle on the door. Slowly pushing the door open he waited for her to step inside before he too stepped forward. Charlie hadn't said a word since he started leading her up the stairs. And as the door opened he watched her closely as she stepped forward and the roof of the restaurant came into view along with what he had paid them to set up for him.
Charlie stepped forward and felt her chest tighten as she gazed at what Brax had set up for the both of them. A single round table stood in the middle of the roof. A red silk cloth spread over it. A Single candle stood in the middle of the table alongside the champagne the stood in the champagne bucket. She looked out to the dark night and smiled so hard she felt her jaw begin to sting. She had almost gotten completely lost in the scene until she heard him call her name
"Charlie" she turned to face him her smile still placed
Brax exhaled in relief "I take it you're surprised then. And you like it" he cocked an eyebrow
Charlie nodded "More than I have ever been. And I love it" she smiled as Brax took her hand and lead her to the table. He pulled her chair out for her before taking a seat himself
"Brax this is too much" she said basking in the fact that he had went to so much trouble for her
Brax shook his head "I've wanted to take you on a date for only God knows how long. This is exactly what you deserve"
Charlie blew out a breath as their eyes caught each other's. She had felt a lot of things in her life but nothing had ever made her feel as special as she did when he looked at her in the way he was doing in that moment.
I will continue with their date in the next chapter. Remember to Read and Review guys :)