Chapter 1035 - Crafty Charlie

Jeff and Charlie talked in the living room while their two women were in the study.

JoAnna waited for Emma to take her morning-after pill because it's important to take it as soon as possible, and then she listened to Emma's story.

Emma told JoAnna what happened after she left the party, and she was relieved that JoAnna didn't push to find out the steamy details beyond 'it was amazing' .

"I am very happy for you. I hope you realize how much Charlie cherishes you." JoAnna's smile faded and she continued in a serious tone: "Don't take him for granted."

Emma can tell that there is something behind JoAnna's words. "What do you mean?"

"My biggest concern was that he will blow up and leave when he sees that you are with Brian."

"Nothing happened. We were just talking, and I was planning to go home after I calm down.", Emma said in her defense.

JoAnna shook her head in disapproval. "That is not the point. The point is that you were in trouble and instead of relying on Charlie who was right there, you ran away with you ex who is openly interested in getting back with you."

Emma looked at JoAnna in shock when those words sank in.

"I'm not saying this to make you feel guilty. I just want you to be aware that Charlie grew up as a young master of a powerful family and he is used to getting what he wants and when he wants it without the need to ask for it. That is the reason why it took him so long to convey his feelings to you, he didn't know how. He is easy to talk to, but he has his own self-esteem which he put aside in order not to lose you… because he really loves you. I can assure you that a man like Charlie does not joke around when he asks you to marry him."

JoAnna gave several advices to Emma and also told her about some of her experiences when Jeff started introducing her to the circle.

"I hear that you are telling me how I am not worse than they are…", Emma told JoAnna honestly. "…but they have backing of their families, which means money and connections. I don't dare to offend them because I am a nobody."

JoAnna held Emma's hands in hers. "Sweetie, if you didn't realize so far, I am right by your side, and almighty Jeffrey White comes in the same package with me. And don't forget about Sophia and Sarah… And if you think of yourself as Charlie's partner, feel free to add to the lineup Jarred who approves of you. No one has more backers than you. Feel free to slap anyone you want, and they will gladly offer you their other cheek if they know what is good for them."

Emma looked at JoAnna with gratitude and she didn't know how to respond to this. So, she hugged her. Emma realized that she needed this talk in order to understand her current situation, and even though it will take time for all those facts to sink in, she knows that Charlie loves her and that she has friends by her side on whose support she can count on.

…

JoAnna and Jeff spent the rest of the afternoon with Charlie and Emma.

They enjoyed tea, coffee and a variety of pastries while chatting. Charlie invited them to stay for dinner, but Jeff and JoAnna refused because they already have dinner plans.

Charlie and Jeff agreed to meet and discuss several opportunities for business collaboration.

"I will have my secretary call yours first thing in the morning.", Charlie happily told Jeff.

Charlie was eager to talk to his Uncle on Monday and to tell him about potential deals they can have with White corp. He knows that Jarred will approve.

It was a successful afternoon, and everyone had fun.

Well, not everyone.

Four misses who bullied Emma the previous night had a horrible time with their families. There was some slapping and a lot of yelling and then their parents were looking into their assets to see what and how much they should give to Emma in order to pacify Whites.

…

After dinner…

Emma is sitting on the sofa in the living room and Charlie's head is on her lap. Fingers of her right hand are playing with his hair, and her left hand rests on his chest.

He is twirling the lock of her hair while caressing her cheek occasionally.

Both of them are enjoying the fact that they are together, officially, as a couple.

Emma remembered JoAnna's words how previous night instead of relying on Charlie when she was in trouble, she ended up reaching out to her ex (aka Brian). Guilt consumed her because she does not want Charlie to think that she has any feelings toward Brian or anyone else.

"Charlie, I want you to know that you are the only man in my heart. There is no one else." She hoped that he understood.

Charlie broke into a smile. "Emma, move in with me."

Emma's fingers in Charlie's hair froze and he could see the panic rising from her expression. It seems that he pushed her out of her comfort zone again.

"I don't know, Charlie…", she saw that his mood dropped, and she hurried to explain: "You are at work five days a week, leaving early and coming back late. Frequently you have dinners with your business partners. What will I do here by myself when I'm not working? I will barely see you during weekdays."

Charlie nodded in understanding. It's not that she does not want to be with him, but she feels that it's too soon to move in… and she is coming up with excuses. He confirmed already that he needs to be crafty in order to get Emma to do what he wants… so crafty he shall be!

He sighed, looking troubled. "So, what will we do then? Can you come here on weekends?"

"Yes." Emma was happy that they found a compromise so quickly, unaware that she is going right where Charlie wants her. "I can come on Friday evening when you are done with work, and I will leave on Monday morning when you head to office. And on weekdays we can have dinner whenever your work allows you."

Charlie took Emma's hand from his chest and kissed her palm. He smiled while silently confirming his scheme: they will have dinner on weekdays at his villa, and she will stay the night 'accidentally' because it's late to go home. So, Emma will have her 'we are not living together' illusion, while he will get her to stay overnight. Every night. Works for him.

He grimaced while shifting his shoulders.

"Are you OK?" Her concern was evident.

"Suddenly, I feel parched."

"Oh, let me get you water…" Emma moved his head from her lap, placed a pillow where she was sitting to support him, and dashed toward kitchen. She is used to getting things for him.

Charlie looked after Emma and sighed. She didn't get it. She is cute and innocent like that.

She came back a minute later with a glass of water.

He drank half of it and kept it on the table. "It's not working. I'm still thirsty."

"Do you want something else to drink?"

"Yes."

Emma was about to ask what he wants, but she felt his hand on her hip pulling her closer and realized: this man… wants to drink her… and he looks hungry as well. He is a wolf.

Charlie laughed from pure joy and kissed Emma's pink cheeks before lifting her up and carrying her to the bedroom while she hid her embarrassed face in his chest. Her hands were around his neck and she leaned her body on his. He likes that her mouth is not saying 'no' and her body is… welcoming.

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