Chapter 675

Catch them in the act?
Kenneth and Anthony glanced at each other at the same time, both looking like they had something to prove. Neither wanted to back down. Neither was even close to impressed with the other.
“My mom needs her eyes checked. It’s not just that I like girls. Even if I liked guys, Anthony would not be my type,” Kenneth muttered, rolling his eyes.
Anthony smirked and walked right up to Charlotte. He slipped an arm around her waist, leaning close enough that his words tickled her ear. “Kenneth just insulted both me and your taste. Impressive.”
Kenneth stared, totally thrown off.
Anthony pulled Charlotte even closer, his gaze lingering on her bare shoulder. “Honestly, I feel kind of wronged here.”
Kenneth’s confusion only grew.
“Maybe he actually has a secret crush on me and this is his way of dealing with rejection,” Anthony added, not missing a beat.
Charlotte shot Kenneth a look, something unreadable in her eyes.
Kenneth looked like he was about to explode.
He shot to his feet, grabbed his jacket off the couch, and glared at Anthony. “Freak!” He spat out the word, then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Now there were only two people left in the room.
Anthony sank onto the couch, pulling Charlotte onto his lap. He rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice low and a little rough. “If you don’t give me an official title soon, people are going to keep thinking the worst.”
Charlotte smiled, brushing her fingers along his cheek, her voice husky. “Are you really ready for this?”
“Hm?”
Anthony caught her hand, kissing it softly. He looked at her face, the red dress making her look even more stunning. He was a little breathless.
“Ready for my grandpa to break your legs? Ready for Samantha and Kevin to kick you out?” Charlotte asked, leaning into his chest, totally relaxed.
“Of course,” Anthony replied, running his hand through her hair. There was a playful curve to his mouth. “Honestly, I’ve been ready since the first time I saw you. Forget my legs, I’d put my life on the line for you.”
Charlotte looked at him and laughed. “You really go all in, don’t you?”
“Well, I am about to steal their most precious person. I should expect some trouble.”
“Anthony, you’re too good,” Charlotte
said. She stared at him for a few
seconds then leaned and kissed th, the corner of his mouth, her voice soft and sweet. “Don’t worry. If they break your legs, I’ll take care of you.”
Anthony stayed still for a moment then pressed his face against her neck and chuckled. “You’re so thoughtful Shouldnt I thank you for that?”.
“And how exactly would you thank me?”
“By giving myself to you.”
swnt
Before Charlotte could answer, his lips were already on hers, warm and insistent.
“Lottie, do you want me?” he whispered.
Charlotte was so stunned she couldn’t even find words.
***
Half an hour later, the party was about to start.
Charlotte made her way back to Samantha.
“Charlotte, about Kenneth and Anthony Samantha had been running around nonstop, but she finally paused to ask. Then she caught sight of Charlotte’s lips red and a little swollen, and nearly did a double take. “What happened to your mouth?”
It looked like someone had taken a bite out of her. The swelling was obvious.
Charlotte’s eyes flickered with a hint of embarrassment. She fiddled with her hair, mumbling, “Just bumped it. It’s nothing.”
Anthony glanced over at her at that moment.
He knew he hadn’t been that rough. How did it end up looking like that?
Samantha, still worried, leaned in for a closer look. The more she checked, the less sense it made.
No bruises. The lipstick was a mess.
It didn’t look like an accident. It looked like… a kiss.
Samantha looked from Charlotte to Anthony, who was standing across the room
making small talk with Robert, and her mind started to race.
“They Samantha started, totally thrown. “You two