Closer to the Heart (The Heart Trilogy Book 3)

by Unknown

Chapter 46

  They sat in silence, each waiting for the other to say something.

  “If you're ok with it then I'll do it” Charlotte said, looking at Mitch.

  “I guess so, but if anything happens in the restaurant I need you to text or call me straight away and I'll be in to get you, bugger the plan you are my top priority” Mitch said before turning to Zach.

  “Don't let anything happen to her, she's my girl and I know my mother. If you do then I can't be responsible for my actions” his eyes blazed as the two guys stared each other out. Charlotte looked across at Sasha and smiled in amusement at the male posturing. She shrugged her shoulders and stood up.

  “Zach, I think we should be going now” she murmured, her breath tickling his earlobe.

  It broke the face off and Zach relaxed and let his arm snake around her waist. Charlotte did the same to Mitchell and the four of them relaxed, the tense atmosphere dissipated.

  “Just let us know the date, probably better to do it sooner rather than later” Charlie said, rubbing a hand over her swell.

  “I'm just waiting for Lexie to get back to me but I'll drop you a text and let you know”

  He stepped forward and aimed a kiss at Charlotte's cheek. Then he shook Mitchell's hand.

  “I'd better thank Stephanie and James for the invite” he said.

  Charlotte crossed to the patio doors.

  “Mum, Zach and Sasha are leaving”

  I stepped inside with James just behind me as we said goodbye to our guests. I was surprised to see Mitchell looking so calm, although he couldn't have got any closer to Charlotte.

  “Thanks for the invite and the meal, I'll email you about some promo tickets” Zach said. Sasha smiled and I watched as they left.

  “Everything ok” I asked.

  “Yes” Charlotte said and Mitch just nodded.

  “We're off to bed now” I said.

  “Can we use the tub?” Charlie asked “I need a soak to unwind”

  “I'll go fetch the towels” Mitch said, bounding out the room and up the stairs.

  I moved across to give my daughter a hug.

  “If you need to talk, I'm happy to listen”

  “Thanks Mum”

  Mitch returned with towels and their dressing gowns. His iPod tucked into the pocket of his jeans so that they would have music to listen too.

  “Have fun guys” James said, winking at his son before he wrapped his arm around me. He reached down to plant a kiss on my lips and I heard Charlotte groan.

  “Mum, please!”

  I laughed and kissed James back as they strolled out into the garden.

  “Come on, let’s not waste this opportunity” James laughed, pulling off his shirt and tossing it in my direction. I reached to slap his ass as he walked past me and then legged it up the stairs. I paused for a moment and heard the music start to float in through the doors, followed by giggles.

  “Are you coming” James shouted.

  “Not yet, hoping you might help me with that!”

  Outside in the tub Charlotte relaxed back into the bubbles as Mitch sorted out the music and then jumped in next to her.

  “This is the best thing my Dad has ever bought”

  “Oh yes” Charlie sighed, then giggled “I think I've found the perfect spot”

  “Have you” Mitch slipped his hand beneath the surface and found the jet and Charlotte. The evening had been stressful and he was still not keen on Zach's plan but he guessed that it was the only way.

  Walking across the park Zach felt Sasha nestle into his side, her pace matching his. The moonlight lit the path and just before they left he took the opportunity and spun her round to face him.

  “I've been dying to do this ever since I found you” Zach said. He lifted her chin with his finger and planted his lips onto hers. She opened to him and they both sighed as their tongues explored greedily. It was like a homecoming as the missing years slipped away. When they parted Zach grasped her hand tightly and they ran across the road to the door of his flat. Pushing it open and then banging it closed they hesitated.

  “I want you” Zach said, his lips crushing hers again. Sasha nodded as he opened the door to the bedroom. Her fingers dropped to the buttons on his shirt as she opened them one by one.

  “Wait let’s not rush this” he breathed, pushing her away so that he could put the lamp on and then the music.

  “I don't want to just fuck you, I want to make love to you. I want to worship the fact that you are back in my life”

  “I know Zach, I've missed your touch, your smile, your kiss” Sasha held open her arms to him as music filled the room. It was their song from seven years ago. She turned around so that he could pull the zip on the back of her dress, revealing her underwear beneath. The crisp, white lace was startling against her brown skin. Zach swept a finger down her spin, revelling in the feel of her softness. The curve of her ass as his hand slipped between the material and her skin. All the while “Chasing cars” by Snow Patrol echoed against the walls.

  “If I lay here, if I just lay here

  Would you lie with me and just forget the world“

  He laid her down on the covers of his bed and slipped out of his own clothes.

  “Zach let me see” she whispered “Let me make it better”

  “Not now, later, let’s not spoil our first moment”

  Removing her bra, he let her breasts fall loose before cupping them with his hands. The nipples tightened beneath his fingertips and then more as his tongue and lips enclosed them. She arched beneath him, filling his mouth with her warm skin. His tongue trailed down her skin, over her little outie bellybutton and then lower. His fingers hooked under the elastic before he breathed in her musky scent. He trailed a finger into her folds, separating them to find her core, pink and slick.

  “Zach” she cried, at his first lick. Opening her legs wider, waiting in anticipation of his next touch. Zach didn't linger very long, he wanted to dive into her. He pulled up, feeling her fingers on his back as his lips slid onto hers. He pushed into her, filling her fully as she wrapped her legs around him, keeping him tight. The rocked slowly, their song on repeat, the beat hypnotic. Their orgasms merged together before they lay sated upon the pillows.

  “I don't want to fall asleep in case this is just a dream” Sasha said, resting her hand on his chest.

  “Well, we can always stay awake” Zach replied, pressing a kiss on her shoulder.

  Sasha laughed softly and returned the kiss, happy to be back with the man she loved. Once they were rid of Felicity then they could make plans.

  The morning light slipped through the gap in the curtains as Zach moved the covers from his body and slipped out to start the shower and the coffee machine. Sasha stirred and padded to the bathroom to step beneath the shower, waiting for Zach to join her. Their night had been one long make out session, neither able to ignore the magnetism between them. In the spaces between they dozed or talked remembering happy times from the past but ignoring Felicity and the future.

  Over breakfast Zach's phone rang and he answered.

  “Hi Lexie, what's the news?”

  “Next weekend, will that give you enough time?”

  “Yep, thanks Sis”

  “Oh god Zach, just be careful, I don't want to have to visit you in jail”

  “Not a chance, can I pop in and see you later, I've got to drop Sasha home”

  “Sure, you can fill me in on all the gossip”

  “No chance Lex” Zach laughed as he put the phone down.

  “So it’s all go for next Saturday night” he said. He watched Sasha go pale and swallow nervously.

  He reached to take her hand, stroking the skin before he leaned across.

  “This will work, trust me” he kissed her cheek and she turned so that their lips met. She watched him stand up.

  “I've got a few calls to make and then we'll have to find something to do before I drive you home”

  His first call was to Ch
arlotte, startling her from a much needed lie in. Mitchell was already up and dancing in the studio.

  “Zach, how's things”

  “Good, well great in fact. Lexie just called and the plan is set for next Saturday. We'll just need to sort out transport and do you think you can still fit into that dress I bought you?”

  “The new silver one I found in my suitcase?”

  “Yeah”

  “I'll try it later and let you know, oh and I never thanked you for the teddy”

  “I'll pick you up another now we know there’s two of them inside” he laughed.

  Charlotte looked across at the door, hearing footsteps on the stairs.

  “Look, I'd better go and continue working on Mitch, he never said last night but he's terrified about all this. His mother really did fuck him up”

  “I know, I saw the haunted look in his eyes, it was the same look I saw in Sasha's and I saw a glint of it when your Mum and Felicity met at the club”

  “I have faith, you can end this Zach and we'll all celebrate as we watch them take her away and lock her up”

  “Thanks Lottie, speak soon” and he hung up, feeling suddenly nervous about the plans he had in mind.

  Mitchell walked in, the sweat dripping off his hair and down his chest as he pulled off his t-shirt.

  “Are you getting up today?” He joked, dropping down on the duvet next to her.

  “Yeah, guess so but what shall we do? I wish we could just go off somewhere, I wish I could still dance”

  “Oh, someone's grumpy today” Mitch placed his hand on her bump and was rewarded with a couple of kicks.

  “See even they want to get out” her tone lightening as she held her hand over his.

  “Well, I'll take a shower and see if your Mum or my Dad can take us out, I have a plan”

  “What plan?”

  “I'll let you know after my shower, care to join me?”

  He pulled her off the bed and they showered together. By the time they went downstairs Charlotte was fuming with frustration, none of her favourite clothes fitted and she only managed to find a long line t-shirt and some stretch leggings that were not tight.

  “Dad, are you free for an hour or two?” Mitch asked, finding him in the kitchen.

  “Yes, what do you want?”

  “Just a bit of a shopping trip”

  “Charlie do you want to see if your Mum is free?” James inclined his head in the direction of the garden. Charlotte waddled out and gave Mitchell the opportunity to explain his plan. James nodded and smiled, reaching for the keys to the car.

  On the journey both Charlotte and Stephanie kept asking where they were going, until it became obvious. The multitude of car sales signs bombarded them. James parked in the first one and they all got out.

  “So what type of car do you fancy?” Mitch asked Charlotte, taking her hand.

  “Well it’s got to be big enough for these two” she patted her bump “but kind of trendy with a good music system”

  “Now we're talking because once they're out you'll be learning to drive in it”

  Mitch leant down and kissed her forehead and then they began the search.

  James wrapped his arm around my waist and we strolled along together, giving our kids the space they needed. We finished our search in the Volkswagen sales room. A used white Beetle the car in question. The salesman took them both for a test drive and when Mitchell drove back onto the forecourt with a beaming Charlotte in the front seat, the salesman in the rear I knew the deal was done. James and Mitchell haggled over the price whilst Charlotte and I walked across to the nearby McDonalds and ordered food all round.

  On the drive home with James we passed the unit that Sarah and Chris had told us about. A sold sign emblazoned on the side. It took me seconds to locate my phone and dial the number.

  “Sarah, what's the news?”

  “What do you mean?” She asked, puzzled.

  “We've just driven past the unit you told us about, there is a sold sign on it”

  “Oh, yes, we got it. I was going to call you this evening”

  “Hey, why don't you drive up and stay. I know Charlie will be pleased to see you both and as the weather seems to be holding we could BBQ”

  “Great, we'll get sorted at this end and drive over, we've got a few houses we want to look at so any chance we can stay till Monday?”

  “Stupid question, get yourselves over”

  Mitchell had decided to take the car for a longer drive on the way home and feeling calm he pulled into the parking bay by Simon's bike shop. He needed to get some money coming in and he still felt out of practice for any auditions. Stepping out of the car Simon looked up and dropped his spanner.

  “Oh my god, is it really you?” He lopped over and the two guys clasped each other tightly. Then Simon saw Charlotte and his beaming smile increased as he joked.

  “That's quick work!” he gave Charlie a light hug and looked down at her belly “Does Julia know yet?”

  “Not yet, they only let me out of hospital last week” she said “Told me to eat more and rest”

  He beckoned them through the show room and Charlie spotted the sad look on Mitchell's face as they passed a bike just like his old one. Simon made coffee and the three of them sat down.

  “So have you got any shifts you need covering?” Mitch asked, straight to the point.

  “Yes, of course you can start back on Monday, do Wednesday morning, Friday afternoon and then every other Saturday”

  “He can't do this Saturday coming as we have plans” Charlie butted in. Both guys looked at her and Mitch took a swallow, guessing it meant Zach's plan.

  “Yes, all the other dates are fine, thanks for this”

  “Anything to help a mate out, how was that file I got unlocked for you?”

  “Good, the police have it but I'm not sure how the investigation is going” he turned away, taking a gulp of the coffee.

  Charlotte shrugged as Simon looked at her, trying to tell him without words to lay off the subject of Felicity. She finished her coffee and stood up.

  “Shall we get going I'm feeling tired” she said, taking Mitch's hand. He nodded and Simon followed them out.

  “I like the new wheels” he ran his hand over the bonnet.

  “Picked it up today, its ok, miss my bike though”

  Charlotte shuddered, recalling the broken helmet that was hidden in the attic, along with her own and their leathers. Maybe one day she would be back behind him, holding on tightly as the countryside sped by.

  “Don't tell Julia, I'll give her a call this evening”

  Walking back through the door Charlie sat in the kitchen and helped her Mum with the rolls and salad, happy to hear that her Aunt and Uncle were on their way over. Mitchell had taken Jester for a walk.

  “Everything ok” I asked.

  “Yeah, suppose” my normally sunny daughter seemed downhearted. I sat down next to her.

  “What's up?”

  “It's the babies and what will happen when they're born. I want to go back to dancing and performing but I can't just dump them on you and James and then what if Mitchell gets offered something without me and...”

  “Look, we'll cross those bridges when they appear” I hugged her shoulders as she wrapped her arms around my waist “you'll have us all to help and probably Sarah and Chris when they move up here”

  “What?”

  “Yes, they got the unit they put in for and are going house hunting on Monday”

  “So that's why they're coming over?”

  “Yes and to catch up with us all” I looked at my watch and jumped up. “They'll be here soon I'd better get the cocktail made up.

  Charlotte wandered into the garden and sat down on one of the deckchairs. Mitchell appeared and let Jester bound over to greet her before starting his hopeful vigil next to the BBQ. The colour was back in his cheeks as he got them all drinks, shouted Pam and Peter and started to ferry all the burgers to James waited to get e
verything cooking.

  When Sarah and Chris arrived I ushered them into the garden. I watched with amusement as Chris guided Sarah to a chair and made such a fuss about whether she was comfortable.

  “Hey, Chris are you trying to make me look bad” James joked, watching this over protective display of affection.

  “She's the only wife I have so gotta make sure she's happy” he retorted, trying to hide the news he so wanted to tell them.

  I grinned at Sarah as I carried the jug and glasses out.

  “Here, have a drink it’s a mocktail so no alcohol” I said “So Charlie doesn't feel left out” I winked at her and we both laughed.

  “Thanks Mum, you didn't have to I'd have been fine with juice or water”

  Tucking into the burgers and hot dogs we listened to all the plans. Chris had three months before he retired from the army and by then they hoped to have the building work well underway.

  “So Mitchell, I could do with your help on the dance studio plans as James told me you did your own in the garage”

  “I'll show you later but I know a good company for the mirrors and barre”

  “Great, because in six months I want to be ready, open and I'll need an instructor for the dance classes. I'm going to run the gym and do induction and specialist training so perhaps you'd like to come on board Mitchell?”

  Charlie smiled as her Uncle and Mitch shook hands, the deal done. Sarah beamed and I watched her glance at Charlie's large bump before sneaking a look at her slightly expanded waistline. I knew it was only me that had noticed.

  “So does anyone want strawberries and ice-cream?”

  Chapter 47

  Sunday was a relaxed day, although I was pleased to see Mitchell and James getting wrapped up and excited about the plans for the Gym and Dance Studios with Chris. Charlotte lay on the sofa and listened, part relaxed but I saw a raw tension in her eyes. I knew she was frightened of being a Mum but there was something else. I just couldn't put my finger on it. Sarah and I pulled up the property websites and started to browse. We had a shortlist of five for Monday, one of which was only round the corner.