Chapter 36

Charlie POV

Today was the first morning I got up and I didn't cry over Kellan. I think I'm starting to turn the corner. I run to Emily's room to tell her but she's already gone to rehearsal.

I think I finally have started to realize that if Kellan wanted to see me he would have by now. I think it's time to finally let him go. As much as I hate to admit it, I know it's the only way for me to move on. I bet Kellan has moved on, so maybe I should.

Griffin has been a great friend through all of this. I know that he wants to take our relationship to the next level, but I'm not ready for that yet. I don't know if I want to take it past us being friends. He hasn't come out and said it, but I can see it in his mannerism and little gestures. Ever since our little kiss a few weeks back, I think I gave him an inch and he wants to explore that. Tonight we are going out for dinner to celebrate my first day of school tomorrow. I'm so excited especially after all of my workshops this summer. I can't wait to start the new chapter of my life.

Griffin POV

I've decided that tonight's the night to reveal my true feelings to Charlie. I've pulled out all the stops for tonight. I've arranged for us to eat in the chef's private dining room at my favorite restaurant in the city, Per Se. The owner and executive Chef Thomas Keller will actually be cooking us dinner. He is a really good friend of my father's. I have been planning this for weeks waiting for Thomas to come back to town to make tonight just right.

I have sent Charlie just the perfect dress for tonight. I hope I don't offend her by doing this. I never know with Charlie, and that's one of the things I love about her. She constantly keeps me on my toes, and that's something I need in my life.

As the elevator opens, I hear loud music coming from Charlie's room, I think.

"Charlie?"

Nothing. I look at my watch and know I'm a few minutes early, but where is she?

I call her a second time and still nothing so I decide to walk down to her room. Her door is open and I peak in and still no Charlie.

Then I see her reflection in the mirror, she's in her closet trying to zip up the dress I bought for her.

I see her naked back and I feel a lump in my throat. She is the most beautiful creature I have ever laid my eyes on. How I want her by my side for the rest of my life. Tonight has to work, it has to be perfect.

I'm half attempted to go up to her and give her a hand, but I think that would be crossing the line. Instead I head back into the living room and wait for her.

"When did you get here?" Charlie asks when she finds me on her couch.

"Just a few minutes ago. I called for you but you didn't answer. I guess I wasn't louder than your music."

"Sorry. Thanks for the dress; however it is a bit much."

"Not at all, you look amazing."

I take her hand and for once she doesn't pull away, I think that I might have a shot.

Tonight has been perfect, Thomas was the most gracious host and I know I scored big points with Charlie. We've had an amazing conversation while eating the most delicious food; I don't want this night to end.

As I take Charlie home, I know that this is my chance.

"Can I get you something to drink?" She asks.

"I would imagine you don't have any wine," I say looking around the kitchen,

"Why would you say that, because I'm 18 and it's against the law for me to indulge in adult beverages?"

"Cute."

"I know I am, but I do have a bottle of champagne in the fridge," she says grabbing two glasses.

"Perfect."

I grab the bottle and pop the cork.

"To an amazing night and the start of a beautiful relationship." I say hoping for a good response.

"Griffin, I really had a great time with you tonight, but I'm not ready for a relationship yet."

I'll take yet, I still have a chance.

"But you like me right?"

"You know I do."

"Then let me ask you a question."

"If you didn't have an ex, would you want to be with me?"

Charlie POV

How am I supposed to answer that?

I don't know how I would feel about Griffin if Kellan wasn't part of the equation.

The last thing I want to do is hurt Griffin or lead him on, but I can't sort out my feelings until I am really over Kellan.

Griffin needs the truth.

"Maybe?"

"Maybe?" He says finishing off his champagne in one sip.

"What do you want me to tell you?"

"Honestly, I would love for you to say that you like me, too and want to be my girlfriend. I can give you the happily ever after you so rightly deserve. You are worthy of someone to love you and treat you like I can. If you only give me that chance."

"I don't want our friendship to be tarnished if we try to date."

"I promise not to let that happen."

Of course he would say that.

"If you want to see if there is anything more than just friendship then I'm asking you to give me time."

"I can do that, you're worth waiting for."

Kellan POV

12I know I shouldn't be doing this, but I can't help myself. Since I saw Charlie with that guy, I haven't been able to get her out of my mind. To see her kiss him was the kiss of death. I've been keeping an eye on her when I don't have personal security duty. Besides an inattentive security, I need to know that Charlie is safe. Tonight was no exception. Prescott was nowhere to be found when Charlie stepped out the front of her building with that guy again. Where the hell is she? I call Owen and tell him about the lax in security and he tells me, instead of asking me why I'm following my ex-girlfriend, that Charlie asked for no security as they would be using Mr. Saxton's security for the night.

What? I would have never be okay with that. I don't trust that guy. So, here I am watching them from across the street as they walk down the street before getting into a town car. I get into my car and follow them to their destination and decide to wait. Three hours later, I've decided that I'm officially a stalker, I'm just about to leave when they emerge out front holding hands, and it my heart breaks again. She's smiling as is he, as they make their way back downtown and to Charlie's apartment.

I watch the two of them go inside the building and I don't know if I can take any more of this. What if he decides to spend the night, there is no way I can handle that.

I'm shocked when I see the guy come back downstairs an hour later and by himself.

That was quick, there is no way anything happened. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

Part of me wants to go up to her apartment and tell her that I was a fool, that I still love her, and that we can find a way to make this work. I want to tell her that I will do whatever it takes for her family to accept me as her boyfriend.

Ben POV

I figured out exactly what I'm going to tell Francesca tonight, and I'm not going to give in. Blankers drops me off at her apartment and I tell him to be back in an hour.

"That's what you tell me every time, how about you just text me when you want me to pick you up?"

Blankers doesn't ask, but I know he knows what my relationship with Francesca is all about. I haven't even told my parents about her. What's the point? It's not like they will ever get to meet her.

I knock on the door and I hear her to tell me to come in.

"We're in the bedroom," she says.

We?

Fuck! There is no way I'm going to do another guy that is one of my hard limits.

I walk down the hall to find Francesca naked on the bed on her knees with another woman.

"Hello Bennett," Francesca says pointing me to the chair adjacent to the bed. "Sit."

I do as I'm told. I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. It's ever guy's fantasy to be with two chicks, and now it's going to happen. Then I remember that I came here tonight to break it off with Francesca.

Awe fuck it. I will do it tomorrow night.

"Now, Bennett, you have been such a good boy lately. You have done everything I've wanted you to do, so I've decided to reward you with Victoria," she says running her hand down the gorgeous brunette's body. Shit, I thought Francesca was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, but Victoria is something else. I don't know why, but it feels like Francesca isn't even in the room. I just stare at her and she smiles at me. Instantly, my pants feel like they are three sizes too tight.

"I want you naked now."

I do as I'm told and my manhood is at full attention as I move closer to the bed.

"Did I say you could move from your chair? Now, sit back and watch. Don't you dare touch yourself or I will make you sorry."

How the hell am I going to do that?

I sit down and move my eyes back to the bed and watch Francesca push away Victoria's hair from her shoulders so her wavy hair falls back.

"What do you want me to do to her Bennett?"

"Kiss her, slowly."

For once Francesca is allowing me to take control even though I'm not an active participant. Closing her eyes Francesca leans over and kisses Victoria. From sweet kisses to long passionate kisses, Victoria opens her mouth just enough for Francesca to slip in her tongue.

"Now what?"

"I want you to touch her, tease her." I grip the arms on the chair as hard as possible. I don't know just how much more of this I can take.

Francesca grabs a hold of one of Victoria's breasts as she continues to kiss her and then I'm rewarded with Victoria moaning as Francesca pinches on her gorgeous erect nipple.

"And what's next?"

"I want to play"

"Then get your ass up here and show me what you would do"

I jump up from the chair and I get on the bed. Francesca strokes my chest as Victoria watches with her eyes intent on mine.

"Do what you want to her. She is all yours."

I wait for Victoria to respond, but again all she does is nod and smile. I move closer to her and take her face into my hands and kiss her. The instant our lips touch I feel the electricity between us and, when I open my eyes she is looking right back at me.

Wow.

I continue to kiss her with a renewed passion as I feel another set of hands on me. I look up and see that Francesca is behind Victoria playing with her hair.

What am I doing? I can't do this.

"I've got to go," I say and get off the bed and throw my clothes back on.

"Bennett, where are you going?"

"I can't do this, I'm done Francesca."

"Nobody walks out on me. Now get back in here and finish what you've started."

Not even looking back, I run downstairs and into the SUV. Thank God, Blankers never left.

"Are you ok?"

"I am now."

For the rest of the ride home, I can't stop thinking about Victoria. I need to find her.

After the posting of the last chapter, I'm really disappointed in the lack of reviews of this story which has led me to a huge revelation. Either I'm going to wrap up the story due to a lack of interest or I will only post once or twice a week.