Mesmerized by Audra Cole, Bella Love-Wins Read Free Book Online

change.
    “It’s already pretty full with everyone in town. Plus, I keep weird hours these days, so I figured it would be best if I stayed on my own.”
    I nod, unsure of what else to say….unsure if I even want the conversation to continue.
    I spot the inn ahead and pull to a stop in one of three parking spots. Apparently it’s not a very busy establishment, but from looking at the front it appears nice. Well-tended bushes line the walk on either side of the double French doors, and a hand painted sign sits atop the doors, with little spotlights on each side.
    “Guess this is home,” Brandon says as he peers out the window. I smile, suspecting that he is more familiar with flashy, five-star hotels by now.
    “Well, have a good time with your family,” I say, wishing my palms would stop sweating.
    Brandon turns to face me. “Charity, listen, I know things have not gone super smooth tonight, and I know I said I would leave you alone, but I’d really like to see you again, at least one more time before I go back to LA. Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?”
    I shake my head and look down at my hands. “I really don’t think we should.”
    He drops his gaze and nods slightly. “All right, understood. Well thanks for the ride.”
    I try to smile but it doesn’t feel genuine. What’s left to say? Have a nice life? Wish things could be different?
    None of it seems right.
    He leans in and kisses my cheek, and I hold my breath.
    “Good-bye, Charity.” His eyes lock with mine.
    “Good-bye, Brandon.” My voice breaks.
    Sometimes I hate being a girl. It seems like you are always on the verge of either crying or going insane. Then again, maybe it’s just me. My friends all seem well-adjusted for the most part.
    He offers a small, sad smile before grabbing his bag from the back seat and exiting the car. He shuts the door softly before turning to go up the small walk of the inn.
    I watch him go inside, and then release the breath I’ve been holding back. I rest my head on the back of the seat and try to regain control. It’s one of those moments that you think for sure must be a dream. Or a nightmare.
    I hear a click and turn my head to see Brandon opening the passenger door. Before I can say a word, he leans across the front seat, takes my face in his hands, and presses his lips firmly to mine. The kiss feels possessive, and I instantly melt into it, amazed at how natural it still feels after all this time. Butterflies explode into fireworks in my stomach as the kiss deepens, and his hand moves to weave through my hair. His lips are soft and warm, and familiar against mine. He parts my lips with his and the tip of his tongue invades my mouth, touching the tip of mine and sending fresh waves of heat over my body.
    It takes a good minute before the alarm sounding in my head is loud enough to distract me. I jolt away from Brandon and back myself against the driver’s side window, breathing hard, my eyes wide. My shock is reflected back to me in his expression, and I’m not sure if he is surprised by his actions or my reaction. Maybe both.
    I stay frozen against the door, not trusting myself to move. At any moment, my body could rebel and fling back into his arms. I mentally draw a line down the center of the car and vow to stay on my half. Looking at Brandon, still catching my breath, I am suddenly nineteen again. The old spark is still there. Without even touching him, I can feel the current between us, pulling us closer.
    I close my eyes and remind myself of the invisible line.
    “I should get going, it’s late,” I say.
    The smile leaves his face, and I feel a twinge of guilt. “I’m sorry,” I add.
    He shrugs and smiles again. “It’s fine. I get it.”
    He’s obviously forgotten that I know him well enough to know when he’s fine and when he’s not. Currently he is not okay, despite his words. I feel bad but I also don’t know what else I can do. My hands and heart are tied with memories from the