The Redemption (Charlotte Bloom Book 2) Read Online Free Page A

hand, I was ready to move on with my life. Yes, it was sad that we never really had a chance. Yes, I still thought about him every second of every day. Yes, he was probably the love of my life. But I couldn’t continue living this sad, dull existence. Alec wasn’t going to move to L.A., and I had no plans to move to Wales. As much as I loved him, it wouldn’t work. It couldn’t work.
    I straightened my hair, leaving it long and sleek against the tight black dress, under which I’d thrown on a pair of Spanx. I topped the look off with sheer black tights and black pumps. I kept my makeup simple, only adding a hint of a smoky eye, peach blush, and some nude lipgloss. I had no intention of sleeping with Charlie. I hadn’t even tidied my apartment, thinking it would serve as a good, natural deterrent. I wasn’t worried about it. I wasn’t that kind of girl, but… if everything Amara had said was true, it might be hard to fight him off. He seemed like a really nice guy. I liked nice guys.
     
    “You know… I’m beginning to think that I don’t like you,” I said boldly.
    He stood, and I followed suit. He was so much taller than me. I was leaning against the railing of the porch. He put one hand on the railing, blocking me in, pinning me against the hard wood. I liked it, but he couldn’t know that. I stood up straight to prove that his gesture wasn't bothering me. He couldn't intimidate me.
    “Well, I’m beginning to think that I don’t like you either,” he said. He was smiling now.
    “What’s your problem?” I crossed my arms in front of me.
    He backed away, looking smug and frisky. His dark eyes bore into mine, and I felt my heart hammering in my chest. I wiped my sweaty hands on my pants. Why was I sweating? And why did Alec make me feel… like this?
    “I think you know.”
    “Spell it out for me,” I said, playing along. Two could play this game.
    “Why are you staying, anyways?” He swayed a little bit, falling into me slightly. “What does this place have to offer you? I guess I just don’t trust you.”
    “You don’t know anything about me,” I hissed. He was just trying to get a rise out of me. He was pushing my buttons.
    “Thank God for that,” he whispered, coming in so close I thought he might kiss me. His eyes were annoyed and unsmiling, but his ragged breathing suggested otherwise.
     
    I grabbed my clutch, straightened my dress and jacket, and ran my fingers through my hair. Just then, I heard a knock at my door. I glanced behind me and quickly threw some pillows on to the couch in case he saw into my apartment. I slowly walked to the door to open it.
    I threw open the door and Charlie stood there, tall and, frankly, extremely good-looking. My heart sank a little bit because, as I looked him over for a second, I realized Amara was right. He was just my type. He had light brown hair and piercing, blue eyes. His face was extremely chiseled, and I could see the bulge of biceps through his tight, black turtleneck sweater. He wore distressed designer jeans, and brown dress boots. He was carrying a bouquet of roses.
    “Charlotte? I’m Charlie,” he reached out and shook my hand lightly. He had soft, warm hands.
    “Hi, nice to meet you,” I said, swinging my hair from one side to the other casually. “Thank you for the flowers,” I added, gesturing to the red roses. I hated red roses, but I couldn’t fault him for that. He didn’t know. “Let me just stick them in some water really quick,” I continued, walking back into my apartment.
    I quickly grabbed a vase, filled it with water, and set the flowers in it. I’d deal with the rest later. Charlie was still standing in the doorway when I returned. I instantly regretted not tidying up. I could see his eyes sweep across the entire apartment; it wasn’t very big, and it was all one room, except for the kitchen and bathroom. I’d left a pile of clothes at the foot of my bed, and there were a couple of old food bowls on the coffee