Charlotte Henson

I don't know how I should feel about Braxton's admission, all I know is I cannot stop blushing every time he looks at me. Which is uncomfortable for me, because he looks at me a lot. However, my condition only serves to worsen because of the heat that I see flare in his eyes. Did he always look at me this much? And with so much heat in his eyes? I mentally shake myself. Its impossible for me to have missed it, I'm sure of it.

I remain silent, not out of awkwardness but I'm truly at a loss on where to start.

"I already know a lot about you." He states, conversationally.

I nod, "I'm sure my grandfather told you a lot. He tends to talk about me too much." Its not lost on me that I should've said talked, he's not here to talk about me anymore.

"He told me some things, sure." He admits. "But I've noticed things and watched you for myself."

I shift in my seat becoming uncomfortable with, honest hour. "I know that I make you uneasy, especially now. I know you don't care for Brynn or Keith, yet you love them deeply. You love your work, it gives you a sense of purpose you otherwise don't believe you have. But there is a lot I don't know. I can make you blush by looking at you and I still don't know if thats a good or bad thing?"

I shrug, helplessly. "I have no clue. I blush when I nervous or the center of attention. Its involuntary, I can tell you that."
He takes in my response, watching me closely for what reason I don't know. I can tell he's thinking about something but I'm too shy to ask what it is. When he smirks I can't help but wonder, "What is it?"

"I'm glad you blush so often. I plan to make you do so often, for my own pleasure." He smirks.

I roll my eyes, "You're teasing me."

He chuckles, "You're just so nervous. I promise I won't attack you. No matter how much I might want you, relax."

I try to but its impossible. "Why would you want me?" I question, honestly confused. Thinking about what he said before. He's wanted me for too long. What does that even mean? Since when?

"Why?" He repeats my question. "Do you really want to know? I assure you, most of what I say will make you blush."

"So you're attracted to me?" I ask, stunned.

He smirks. "Very."

"Since when?" I have to question.

"The moment I met you." He answers, simply. I try to think back to the day we met, but I can't remember. I just remember seeing him, trying to become used to his presence and at most times failing.

"You make me nervous. You're size and demeanor, it's intimidating." I tell him, unable to say the same about being attracted to him.

He nods, "I'm aware of that. Why do you think I was always around. I wanted you to get used to me, which you eventually did. At least somewhat."

''But you didn't have anything to do with this WILL right? You didn't do-" As I see his face start to darken, I know I shouldn't of asked.

"I had nothing to do with this. I wanted to pursue you, not force you into anything. This was all Peter, like I told you before. I wouldn't lie to you."

"Sorry." I apologize for indirectly calling him a liar.

He shakes his head. "We need to be open and honest with each other, if that crossed your mind I'm glad you asked."

"You got angry though." I point out.

"Its hard not to take offense to things. Especially, if its your opinion of me. I don't want you to see me as someone that would stoop that low to gain your affections. I would like you to get to know me enough that you wouldn't have to ask these questions."

    It was easier thinking of it as a business deal. No emotions, just get the job done and get out. Now its complicated. Honestly, I like him as a person, but what if I fail to see him as more than that? I glance at him as he watches me intently. He's very handsome, tall, muscular and has an intensity about him that's intriguing. He's very sweet to me and gentle, never once has he acted out of bounds. Today, is the first time in a long time that I've been weary of him and it was only because he told me he liked me.

"Would you like a drink, now?" He asks, clearly amused by my inner turmoil.

"No, I'm fine." I reply, amused.

"Do you find me attractive?" He questions, curiously.

Surprising me. I nod, yes. Feeling my face warm.

"And you honestly had no clue that I wanted you?"

"No, it never crossed my mind." I reply, truthfully. Thinking back over the past year, not once did I notice any interest in me.

"Peter used to tell me I looked at you heatedly and it made you uncomfortable." He states.

I can't help but smile, "I just noticed that heat in your eyes earlier. I assure you I've never noticed it before. If I was uncomfortable around you it wasn't because of that."

"So it is noticeable?" He questions, interested.

"I suppose so. I f you're looking." I nod.

"Why does it surprise you that I would want you?"

Knowing he wants the truth I answer, "Because you're a handsome, rich, powerful man, in my eyes I don't see us as compatible. So, I'm shocked that you would."

"Because you're not a handsome, rich, powerful man?" He questions, teasingly.

I laugh. "Because you can do better. I've never been overly affectionate or know where to begin to make you happy. In my eyes, you're settling." I state, clearly and its the truth. I was raised by a man who was a self proclaimed island and I walked in his footsteps. Grandma and he divorced after the birth of their second child. I never found out the reason, but grandfather did say he couldn't give her what she needed. Sadly, she died a year later from complications from pneumonia.

"You make me happy by breathing. Trust me. Your job won't be so hard. I have to get back to work. When I finish I made reservations for dinner. I plan on staying at Peters with you, unless you'd rather get out of his house? Then we could stay at my place." He offers.

"My grandfathers house is fine." I reply, unnerved by what's happening. Its almost like a game, were playing house and its supposed to be real within six months.