Charlie wakes up early enough to get around leisurely and still have time to visit the museum before going to work. She approaches every morning task with a smile as she remembers the day before and her time with Bass. Those last fifteen minutes with him had set her on fire. She thinks about his touch as she showers. She recalls his kisses as she eats her breakfast of toast and yogurt. She closes her eyes and can still see the way he looked at her. Thoughts of Bass consume her.
She puts in contacts and applies light make up before dressing for the July heat in white shorts and an electric blue halter top. She puts her hair into a single braid, slips her feet into her favorite flip flops and grabs sunglasses on her way out the door.
Charlie takes the bus to the Art Institute, enjoying the already busy Chicago city sites that stream past her window. Charlie loves this city. She loves the way it looks and feels. She loves the color. She loves the smell. She feels like she lives inside a work of art.
She is focused only on the museum when she disembarks. Bass watches Charlie get off the bus from the park bench where he's been waiting. He devours her with his eyes, memorizing her every curve. His heart beats faster. He stands and begins to follow her up the steps, admiring the sway of her hips, and the long tan legs. She is breathtaking. He wants to touch her exposed shoulders and stroke those long legs. Honestly he wants to take her back to his place and finish what they started yesterday. He'd like very much to do that right now, but instead he trails behind her.
Charlie feels his touch and somehow knows that it's Bass before she even turns her head to confirm it. She stops and smiles.
"Hey you." she says with a surprise."Hey yourself." He responds, reaching out to trace her shoulder blade with his palm, sending shivers down her spine. "Hope you don't mind my surprising you here. The Clayton's AC is still broken. Thought maybe we'd play hooky today. What do you think?"
She looks Bass over. His blue eyes are hidden behind shades. He's wearing a white tank top that shows off tanned muscular arms, khaki shorts and flip flops. They are both ready for the heat.
She grins, showing him that dimple that drives him crazy. "I think that sounds perfect. Is it okay if we start here?" she points up the steps.
"Yeah, that's the plan. I was hoping you'd show me all your favorites. Seems like you know the place better than a lot of the employees probably do."
Charlie nods. "You might be right. They've offered me a guide job before but I said no."
They start to walk up the steps side by side. "Why'd you say no?"
"I think that I was afraid I'd never leave and still be leading tours a decade or two from now instead of…" she trails off before continuing, "doing something better, I guess."
They reach the top of the stairs, and Bass grabs her hand; pulling her to his chest. "Charlie?"
"Yeah?" she smiles up at him curiously.
"I just realized I didn't even say 'Good Morning' to you yet." Then he leans in and kisses her and Charlie puts her arms around his neck. The kiss is brief, but holds promise of a wonderful day ahead.
"Good morning." She whispers against his lips when they pull apart. Charlie can't stop smiling.
They are still holding hands when they walk through the entrance. She leads him to the members counter, but he stops her. "Not all of us are members Charlie. I need to pay." He points to the visitors counter.
She ignores him, and pulls him along. "There are not many places that I can pull strings to get you into, but here I might have the right connections." She grins back at him. "Save your $23 and buy me lunch with it later."
He laughs but lets her lead him along. They approach the counter and the stout middle aged woman with flaming red hair who sits there looks up. "Hi Charlie." She says with a friendly smile.
"Hey Candy. I'm bringing a guest today. That okay?"
She looks unsure. "I don't think I'm supposed to let you do that Charlie."
"Oh come on." Charlie leans close, lowering her voice to a whisper. "I want to impress him. Help a sister out."
Candy eyes Bass up and down and then nods curtly. "Oh all right. Go on through."
Bass grins at her, oozing charm. "Thank you Candy. You are too kind."
The red head blushes madly, "Enjoy your visit." She says with a flirty little smile. Candy begins to fan herself wildly as soon as they walk away. She can't help but think that Charlie certainly is a lucky girl.
"Where do you want to start?" Bass asks.
She bites her lip a little. "Do you mind if we start with Mariée?"
He loops an arm around her shoulders, "Sounds perfect. I want to get the full Charlie museum tour. Show me only the stuff you love in whatever order you want. We are not in any hurry."
She nods, leaning into him a little. "All right then." She answers with a stunning Charlie smile.
Soon they are standing before the Chagall, hands loosely entwined. "What is it you like the most about this one Charlie?" he asks her quietly. "I know you like it because you saw it with your Mom, but the actual painting – what about it speaks to you?"
"Well I love the colors. The blue is so vibrant." She looks at him shyly.
"What?" he asks, sure she's not saying something that she's thinking.
"I just realized that it's the same color as your eyes." She says, holding his gaze.
"Yours too." He responds, squeezing her hand. "But you were coming here long before you met me. What is it that brings you back?"
"Whenever I see this one I remember the story Mom told me that night we saw it together. I told you that she was always telling me stories about the paintings, right?"
He nods. "What was the story?"
She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, staring at the painting, before beginning, "Mariée was a beautiful woman who had a really big problem." Charlie's voice has gone quiet. Her expression is a little sad. "Mariée's problem was that she had two great loves. One was not right for her at all. He was a musician and he was wild and unpredictable and he had an awful temper." Charlie points to the ram playing a violin. "He was wrong for her, but she loved him with all her heart."
"But there was another?" Bass asks, already intrigued by Charlie's retelling of her Mom's story.
"Yes, she also cared for another. He was trustworthy and kind." Charlie points to the figure floating near the bride's head in the painting, "He was exactly who everyone thought she should be with. Mariée went to her true love – the unpredictable one - and asked him to run away with her. She was willing to risk everything to be with the one she loved the most. He said no. He didn't want to be tied down. He wanted his freedom. He told her to marry the other man; the one who was so kind and good."
"And what did she do?" Bass asks, but suddenly he knows the answer. He knows because he realizes he knows this story. He was there when it happened after all.
"She married the kind man. She loved him but still the union made her sad in some ways. She never could shake thoughts of the one she loved most." Charlie smiles sadly. "That was the story. I didn't know it held any truth until Mom had been gone a long time."
Bass stiffens. "What do you mean?" he asks, trying to keep his voice light.
She chuckles, "It's okay. I figured you had to know about it."
"Know what?" He's not going to offer any information she doesn't already have.
She watches him carefully for a minute, "You're a really good friend Bass. Seriously, it's okay. I've known about my Mom and Uncle Miles for a long time. You don't have to protect their secret from me."
Bass slowly lets out a breath, frowning at her, "Okay, but how do you know?"
She talks as they walk away from the Chagall, "On my sixteenth birthday, my Dad gave me a really special present. It was this hand crafted jewelry box that had been my Mother's. It still held all of her rings and necklaces and bracelets. I was so excited and also really moved by the gesture. Anyway, I was going through it all, piece by piece and I noticed a tiny button on the bottom of the box. I pushed it, and this little compartment on the bottom opened up and inside was a guitar pick and a stack of letters tied together with a long yellow ribbon. It was actually the pick that reminded me of her story about Mariée because her true love was a musician. The letters sort of explained themselves."
"Yeah, Miles was in a band. They wrote back and forth while we were in Iraq. Maybe longer. I honestly don't know. They never spent time together around me. I heard a lot about her of course, but didn't know her." Bass looks at Charlie thoughtfully, "How did learning all that make you feel?"
"Well at first I was really angry. I felt like she'd betrayed me and my family, but then I read the letters again and again and eventually I decided I was looking at it all wrong." Charlie looks up at Bass thoughtfully, "Mom was really conflicted. She did love them both. It's tragic really. I suppose in some ways it just makes her seem more human to me now. One of the big problems with losing someone when you are very young is that it's easy to idealize them too much."
"Miles told me you were more mature than most women our age." Bass holds her gaze. "He's right. You are an old soul Charlie Matheson." He gives her a quick hug, pressing a soft kiss to her temple.
"Thanks, I think." She replies with a chuckle, hugging him back before pulling away and grabbing his hand again. "Come on, there's one down this way that we have to see."
She shows him the Impressionist collections, including works by Monet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh. They pause in front of Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat. Charlie starts to laugh.
"What is it?" he asks, pulling her close to his side.
"This is the painting Ferris Bueller and his friends stare at for so long in the movie. I was just thinking we're having "Bass Monroe's Day Off" today."
He throws his head back and laughs in surprise. "Damn, you know 80s movies and classic rock music and all the best art ever created. You are amazingly beautiful and terribly smart. You are the perfect woman Charlie." His expression has become serious. "I mean it. You really are amazing." Bass tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear, leans in and kisses her lips softly. He pulls back and he's smiling again, "But I will not be singing in any parades or stealing any Ferraris today." He hugs her one more time, leaving his arm around her shoulders. They wander away from the Seurat, both laughing; their eyes on each other.
"Well if it isn't my favorite museum visitor and her stalker friend." Joe the guard walks up to them with a big grin splitting his face. "How are you both today?"
"Oh, hi Joe!" Charlie says, breaking away from Bass to give the old guy a big hug. "I heard you met each other." She points at Bass and asks Joe in a loud whisper, "What did you think? Be honest." She's grinning as she waits for his answer.
"Well," Joe says looking at Bass carefully, "I'd say he's been through a lot, and in you he seems to have found something special." Charlie's smile fades as she too, looks at Bass thoughtfully.
Bass smiles at Joe and shrugs. There is a moment of silence before Charlie says she needs to excuse herself for a restroom break.
"What was that all about Joe?"
Joe sits down on a nearby bench. He looks tired. "I know guys like you Bass. Hell, I was a guy like you. You see stuff in battle that sticks in your head. It makes you confused and sad and angry and nobody else understands and you end up being alone or searching for something that you never find." He pauses, looking up at the younger man sadly, "Seems to me that maybe you found something you were looking for in this one though. Am I right?"
Bass chuckles nervously, running a hand through his unruly hair. "I don't know. Maybe. You are right about the fighting. It sticks with you. I don't think I had it as bad as some, but bad enough. It is hard to find anybody who understands."
"Does she understand?"
"We haven't talked about that. Honestly, I don't ever talk about it - not since I retired and the required therapy sessions ended. I guess I just deal with it in my own way."
Joe stands, nodding, "Here's my card. He presses it into Bass' hand. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm always around." He starts to walk away and then stops, turning abruptly. "Oh, I almost forgot."
"What?" Bass asks curiously, pushing the small card into his pocket.
"When we talked the other day, I asked if Charlie makes you happy. You weren't sure yet." Joe grins, "What about now?"
Bass laughs again, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He really does like this old guy. "Joe," he says, putting a hand on the old man's shoulder, "I'm not sure I remember being this happy."
Joe nods as if this is exactly the answer he expected. They see Charlie approaching, and Joe leans close to Bass. "Just wait till you try that Viagra someday. Then you'll be even happier."
Bass is still laughing when Charlie reaches them. Joe says goodbye and she takes Bass' hand. They walk for a while in silence.
They admire Nighthawks by Edward Hopper and American Gothic by Grant Wood. They chat about their lives and they share memories and tell stories. They hold hands. They kiss. She takes him to the Modern Wing where she shows him works by Dali, Matisse, Picasso and Pollock.
"I love this." She says, pointing to a Warhol portrait.
"You love Mao?" he asks with a skeptical laugh. "He wasn't actually the nicest guy, Charlie."
She punches him playfully, "I love the colors Warhol used in his portraits. I do a lot of this type of coloring in my own – " Charlie stops talking, glancing quickly at Bass who has raised his eyebrows in question. "I mean, I just like these colors." She finishes lamely.
"I knew you were lying to me about painting!" He shakes his head at her. "Now that I know you paint, of course you are going to have to show me everything." Bass kisses the top of her head. He can tell she's flustered.
"No. I don't show them to anyone. I never have."
"Why?" he asks, truly curious. "I know you have a feel for composition. You clearly have an understanding of color and contrast. I bet you are very talented. Why wouldn't you want to show me?"
"I don't want to talk about it Bass." She turns and he has to jog to catch up.
"I'm sorry. I won't push." She still forges on and he grabs her shoulders lightly, pulling her to a stop. "Hey!" Bass pulls her around to face him. He waits until she meets his gaze. "I'm sorry." He says again in a quiet voice. He reaches up and tenderly runs a finger along her jaw.
She leans into him with a sigh. "No Bass. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I'm so weird about it. Maybe I'll show you. Someday."
"That's good enough for me." He smiles. "What would you like to do now?"
"Well, it's three o'clock. Maybe we should eat something?" she suggests.
"I can think of something I'd like to eat." He mutters suggestively, leaning in close to nuzzle her neck.
"I'm talking about food, Bass." She says with a chuckle.
"Hmmm, yeah that too." He answers before pressing his lips to hers for a deep kiss. They break apart when suddenly they are surrounded by a sea of children on a field trip. "Whoa!" Bass says in surprise.
"Ewww, kissing!" a chubby boy squeals in disgust.
"It must be true love!" a girl with long black braids says with a goofy smile.
"Was your tongue in her mouth?" another child yells out. "That's so gross!"
"Sorry," a harried looking teacher says as she bustles past. "Third graders don't understand romance."
The swarm is gone as quickly as they'd appeared. Bass and Charlie are laughing as they exit the Art Institute.
"Where to next?" Bass asks her.
"Millennium Park." She replies with a smile, leading the way.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They find a food vendor pushing around a cart. Bass springs for a late lunch, and they find a nice place to sit in the shade while they eat greasy slices of Chicago style pizza and drink large icy sodas. When they are finished with their meal, they wander through the park, enjoying the sculptures, watching the people who mill around, and generally just enjoying each other's company.
They walk hand in hand through the Lurie Garden and relax for a while near the Millennium Monument. As they weave through the sculptures, Bass and Charlie take out their smart phones and snap pictures of each other, laughing. An elderly man with a heavy European accent and a friendly smile asks if he can take a photo of the two of them together. They agree and smile broadly for the camera.
It has been a beautiful day, but both Bass and Charlie are getting tired as the heat of the summer sun begins to fade. Bass is tempted to suggest calling it a day when he hears music coming from the Pavilion. "You want to check that out? Maybe we can find a place to sit down for a while."
"Getting tired? You're probably too old for this much activity. We aren't out past your bedtime are we?" Charlie flashes him a mischievous smile. This is the first time either of them has brought up the age difference, even in a round-about way.
Bass pretends to look at his watch, "You're right." He teases playfully, "I was due at the nursing home an hour ago. I'd hate to miss out on Bingo night."
Charlie laughs, "Come on Old Man. Race me."
Even though he is tired, Bass is not one to back down from a challenge. Charlie is young and fast, but he has longer legs and better endurance. He beats her to the area around the Pavilion but only by a few seconds. Both are breathless as they collapse onto a park bench, but they are grinning. She leans in close, "So I guess maybe you aren't too old after all."
He pulls her closer still, pressing his lips to hers. "Glad you think so." The kiss is sweet and soft. Bass bites lightly at her lips until they part. Charlie wraps her arms around his neck as his tongue begins to explore her mouth leisurely. She matches him move for move. Soon the softness of this kiss has evolved into something heated and needy.
Charlie pulls back to look at him, and reaches up to gently stroke his cheek. "Thank you Bass." Her voice is low and thoughtful.
"For what?" he asks, leaning in to nibble at her ear.
She pulls back again, meeting his eyes. "For today. Thank you for today. It was – " Charlie pauses, searching for the right word, "it was really perfect."
Bass leans close once more, and she can feel his smile against her lips. "No, thank you. You are the reason it was perfect." He begins kissing her again and she responds.
When they break apart, it is Bass who is pulling away. "We need to slow down a little or else I'm going to have to rip your clothes off right here and have my way with you on this park bench." His voice is teasing, but his eyes are hot with desire.
She chuckles, "Yeah that's a good idea – the slowing down, I mean. I don't particularly want to show the world what I look like naked." Charlie realizes what she's said and is a little embarrassed, "I don't mind you seeing me like that. Just not everyone, you know?" her voice trails off as she remembers their time in his studio together.
He raises one eyebrow questioningly, "You know I've been painting you, right? And when I'm done it will hang in a gallery until someone buys it. The world is going to be seeing you with nothing on?"
"That's different. Seeing a painting is one thing. Seeing everything for real is much more intimate. It's much more personal. That isn't something I would do for just anyone." She sees his expression intensify as he listens.
"Just for me. I think you should do that just for me." The look in his eyes makes her body quiver. His expression is heated. She doesn't know what to say, so she just nods mutely. Charlie thinks she can drown in those eyes. She isn't sure where this is going, but for all her inexperience; Charlie isn't naïve. She knows there is a good chance this beautiful man will break her heart.
At the moment, she just doesn't care. Charlie stands and pivots before settling down on Bass' lap, straddling him. His eyes sparkle as he looks up at her. She grins down at him, and as her lips lower to his, she says, "Just for you."
He grasps her ass and firmly pulls her closer. Her fingers twine into his curls and they forget where they are. They forget everything except the way this kiss consumes them both.
"I wasn't kidding Charlie." He whispers against her lips. "We need to slow this down."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Reluctantly she pulls away. Standing, Charlie reaches for his hand and pulls Bass to his feet. They walk closer to the stage, hand in hand.
The first band had been okay, but Bass hopes that whoever the headliner is tonight is better. He hopes it will be someone they both can appreciate and enjoy. This day has been so good. He doesn't want it to end yet.
Dusk is settling around them as the band is introduced. The lights of the city are just starting to glow and the breeze is cooler now. It's a perfect night for a summer concert.
"It's Wilco!" Charlie says with a grin.
Bass shakes his head at her, a happy smile on his face. "Of course you know Wilco." He moves behind Charlie and pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her in a soft embrace. Charlie snuggles against him and he feels her contented sigh as the music begins to play.
Someday, some morning, sometime, sometime
I'd like to hold your hand in mine
Someday, some morning, sometime
I'd like to tell you, you're pretty and fine
Your face will smile and your eyes will shine
Someday, some morning, sometime
Swaying gently; they are both enjoying the music and each other. Now and then Bass sings along softly with the lyrics. When he isn't singing, he's nibbling on her ear. She feels every brush of his lips as if he is setting her nerve endings on fire. His hands rest just over her sternum, and Charlie keeps her own hands on his forearms, stroking the taut muscles there.
I will throw myself underneath the wheels of any train of thought
Running off the rails I'll sail you through the roadways of your brain
If I could bring a light to shine upon the dark and disobey
The night so young but I still say we're too old for clichés
Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share if you were so inclined
I would love to be the one to open up your mind
Bass moves his attention from her ear to her throat and Charlie arches her neck to give him better access. He lowers his hands to her waist, pulling her closer still. She can feel him hard and ready against her hip and she presses back, soaking up the feel of him and the knowledge that he wants her. Slowly, experimentally, she begins to sway her hips the opposite way of how they've been moving together. She feels his body tense as this new movement begins to stroke him through the fabric of their clothing.
I could base my whole existence upon the cherry-strands of your gold hair
Courtesy of I would ask, almost insist upon treating you kind and fair
Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd have, how our hearts would beentwined
If you would let me be the one to open up your mind
Bass leans farther forward over Charlie's shoulder, kissing the dimple in her cheek, dipping the end of his tongue in that tiny space that intrigues him so. He smiles when he hears her soft moan. She turns her head and their lips meet. This is a different kiss. It is alive with its own agenda. Their bodies are crying out for something more than this kiss can possibly give them, but they make due because of the where and the when of this moment.
His fingers snake under the edge of her halter top, feeling the flesh of her abdomen, moving the fabric higher; he brushes the underside of her breast and Charlie shudders against his hand and he feels the tension building in this kiss and he wants more. She wants more and more is all they can think of as the music rolls around them and over them.
I'd still be myself beneath the banks unbroken beside the stream
Ready to return your thoughts unlearned so it goes, so it seems
Oh I can only dream of the dreams we'd share if you weren't so defined
I would love to be the one to open up your mind
If you would let me be the one to open up your mind
Bass breaks away first. Charlie turns in his arms and takes his mouth with hers once again. This angle is better and allows her to deepen the connection easily. Timid Charlie is no longer here. This Charlie has become an aggressor. She wants him. She bites at his tongue and moves her hands lower to grasp his ass firmly. As she pulls his need against her belly, it's his turn to moan into the kiss. "Jesus Charlie." He growls. "Come on."
Bass leads her through the park. The music of Wilco is still acting as a soundtrack for their evening, but as they move the songs fade behind them. When they get to the Bean (a giant metallic sculpture that reflects the city lights), he stops, pulling her into his arms once more.
She looks up at him; his face is in shadow, but colors flash across his features as they reflect off the surface of the Bean. Charlie is reminded of Warhol's use of pigment and promises herself that she'll paint him like this with a stained glass impression of brilliant color.
Charlie tilts her head, indicating they should keep moving. After a few minutes, she stops. They are deep in shadow now. Close enough to the nightlife around them that they can hear and smell it all; yet strangely removed in this dark space under a tree. She kisses him again and he sinks into her embrace. Their lips and tongues work together to ratchet up the tension they both feel. Bass stills when Charlie reaches for the button on his shorts. "Charlie, what are you – "
She kisses his ear, and whispers, "I just want to touch you Bass. Please let me touch you."
He groans as her fingers grasp his erection. When she starts to stroke him, he thrusts into her fist. Charlie's touch is tentative until he wraps his own hand around hers, showing her what he likes. Charlie is a quick learner, and gains confidence. He moves his hands to her shoulders. She kisses his throat as she works his shaft with her fingers. Bass sucks in a harsh breath as she begins to pull rhythmically. "Charlie, yeah that's perfect." He moans.
"Yeah?" her whisper is hot against his throat.
"I'm really close." He says urgently against her ear. She pulls at him firmly until he moves from her, releasing on the tree trunk next to them. "Fuck." He says reverently, before putting everything away and fastening his shorts.
"Mmmm I think we're working our way there." Charlie says with a chuckle.
"Oh yeah we are." He kisses her again, pulling her close. "And when we do, I'll be sure to repay you for that." He chuckles appreciatively against her lips.
Then he leads her back into the glow of the streetlamps. They walk for a while, thinking about the day they've shared. She notices that he's watching her and she smiles, "What?" she asks.
"I didn't say anything." His voice is soft. He leans in and kisses the tip of her nose.
"But you want to." She probes.
He sighs, "I don't want this night to end." His voice sounds wistful.
"But?"
"I'm supposed to meet Miles at this blues bar we go to. So we have to say goodnight."
"Or?" she probes.
"Or what?" he asks, curious.
"Take me with you. I've went out for drinks with Miles before. He won't mind."
"What if we were planning to talk about you?" he asks, running his hands up and down her back soothingly. His voice is teasing.
"Well, then it's settled. I'm coming with you." She grins at him and he picks her up easily; spinning her around in a slow circle.
"I guess it's settled then." Bass puts her down gently, leaning in close for another kiss. This kiss is not as intense as the earlier ones were, but it is somehow sweeter. They break apart and he pulls her toward the street. They will catch a cab from here. He's not sure what Miles will think of his guest joining them. He also doesn't really care. He'll take any extra Charlie moments he can get.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Uh, hi Charlie." Miles says with a smirk. "Can't say I expected to see you here tonight."
"Well, surprise." She says with a smile and a hug.
Bass is watching Charlie. Miles is watching Bass watching Charlie. When she stands to go get drinks for the trio, Miles turns to his old friend. "So? Looks like maybe I was right?" He's grinning, but Bass isn't even looking at him. "Earth to Bass. Shit Brother. Can you look at me for a minute?"
"Huh? Sorry Miles." He can't focus.
"It's okay. I can see you're distracted." Miles notes the way Bass can't tear his eyes away from Charlie. The desire his best friend has for his niece is impossible to disguise. "Well, maybe we're moving a little fast though?"
"What?" Bass asks. Miles has his attention now. "What do you mean?"
"I mean you've known her for like a week and you're looking at her like she's steak on your plate."
"Shit Miles. You are the one who pushed us together. It was you who thought we'd get along." Bass is frowning.
"I guess I wasn't expecting you to get along so well this quickly." He shakes his head. "She's young Bass."
"I'm aware Miles." Bass is glowering now.
"She hasn't had a lot of boyfriends." Miles continues.
"So what? I don't care about that stuff."
"What I'm saying is she'll probably fall in love with you, you dipshit. And that's okay as long as you know it and go into this with her best interests in mind." He pauses. "Maybe you could love her too, eventually? Wouldn't be such a bad idea I think."
Bass sits frozen. He thinks about Miles' words and his own intentions. He likes Charlie. He likes her a lot. Is he ready for the kind of connection Miles is talking about? He has no idea. As Charlie makes her way back to the table, he grins at her. He can't help himself. Bass shrugs at Miles. "I'm gonna do my best Brother."
They talk over drinks and chat about family and mutual friends. The mood is light and Miles never gives them hell when he sees Bass rubbing the side of her neck or when he catches her staring into Bass' eyes.
Eventually it is time to call it a night. Miles looks at these two people. They are clearly exhausted after a long day. He knows what is probably happening next, but thinks maybe they each need a good night's sleep instead. "Hey Charlie?"
"Yeah Miles?"
"Let's go. I'll give you a ride back to your place." He points at Bass, "and THEN I'll drop off Dipshit at HIS place." Miles grins at the matching dumbfounded glares he received. He chuckles, "Come on Kids. Time to go. You can pick this up tomorrow when you've both gotten some rest."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
They get to Charlie's place and Bass insists on walking her to her door.
"I'd like to come in." he says as he brushes her lips with his, "but maybe Miles is right. It's been a long day."
"It's been a really good long day." Charlie replies, biting down lightly on his lower lip.
"The best day." He agrees, but then he pulls back and looks in her eyes before correcting himself. "The best day so far." He nuzzles her throat.
She purrs as he sucks lightly at the flesh under her ear. When he speaks, his voice is low and sexy, "You know what really turns me on?"
"What?" she asks, feeling shaky.
"Knowing that you're going to go up these stairs now and that you're going to take everything off and slide into your bed naked…" he continues to nibble lightly before continuing, "and then you'll go to sleep and you'll look all rumpled and sexy…" he trails off, sucking again at her throat.
"Sorry to ruin your fantasy Bass, but I wear pajamas to bed."
He can't help but laugh. "Not in my head, you don't." he says with a smirk. Bass steals one more kiss before saying with a sigh, "Goodnight Charlie."
"Goodnight Bass. See you tomorrow."
"Tomorrow." She can hear the promise in that one word and feels a delicious shiver of anticipation. Their eyes lock for just a moment before he turns to jog back to Miles' car.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Later as Charlie slides into bed – naked because he suggested it - Bass is still very much on her mind. She has a feeling tomorrow is going to be a very amazing day.
She can hardly wait.
Author's Note: For those of you who are chomping at the bit for some Charloe 'action', never fear. You'll get plenty in the next chapter.
The following Art was referenced in this chapter: Mariée by Chagall, Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat, Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, American Gothic by Grant Wood, and Mao by Andy Warhol. Cloud Gate (aka 'the Bean') by Anish Kapoor resides in Chicago's Millennium Park. All of the paintings mentioned are currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, with the exception of the Chagall which truthfully is part of a private collection in Japan.
The following songs are by the Chicago based band Wilco: Someday Some Morning Sometime & Open Mind. Priya suggested this band for the chapter, and I'm really glad she did. If you aren't familiar with them, you should check them out.
As always, a HUGE thank you to Priya for being my beta, my collaborator, and my fairy godmother on this story. You rock! Thank you also to Miss P (you know who you are) for suggesting I include the Bean in a Charloe story. It was that suggestion that made me decide to settle this particular AU in Chicago and I'm glad I did. I think it's the perfect American city for an art inspired story. And one more: Thanks to Kwacenka for designing 'cover art' for Brush Strokes. Check me out on Tumblr (LemonSupreme) to see her work. Lastly, thanks to all for the reviews and the kind words. You guys are awesome!