The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor) novel Chapter 52

Charlie blinked at Taylor’s request.

“Charlie?” he asked again, his voice low and soft.

“The thing is—” She gulped, second-guessing. “The truth is, my dad doesn’t want me to date until I’m twenty-five.”

Taylor stilled, his eyes narrowing in doubt. He asked, “Explain Lukifer.”

“Lukifer?” Charlie asked, then let out a nervous laugh. “Oh, Luke? haha!”

She relaxed, slouching against the wall and resting her hands on his arms. She replied, “My dad never knew about him. Only my sister did.”

In response, Taylor lowered his head, so much that his hair dropped over his face. “Babe, so, you’re going to treat me like some undercover lover?”

“What?” She laughed again. “No—”

“So, what do you plan to do about this? You do know we’re going to kiss again, right? We are going to do things that couples do,” Taylor asked. He leaned back, crossing his arms. “I mean, what difference does it make? Now and when you turn twenty-five?”

“I guess my dad was worried that I wouldn’t finish college or my master’s,” Charlie said. “And—um—”

“The sex part,” Taylor cut her off.

“Yeah, I—I guess,” she admitted, looking down.

Taylor groaned. He took a complete turn and lightly slammed his hands against the wall, trapping Charlie between them. He focused on her and said, “But don’t you like me, Charlie?”

“I do,” Charlie admitted. “I really like you, and that’s exactly why I don’t want to put you in a situation where my dad might not approve of you.”

Taylor hesitated. “Okay, you have a point. But Charlie, does this mean we’re not going to kiss?”

Charlie bit her lip. She honestly wasn’t sure if that was possible—especially since they were pretending to be a couple. Moreover, can she really control her feelings for Taylor?

“If it’s about your studies, I have the same goal. Besides, we’re graduating this school year. You’ll continue your master’s, while I’ll either pursue basketball or further my studies. If it’s about sex, I’d never force you into anything you’re uncomfortable with,” Taylor said. “So tell me, what do you think would give me a worse image in your dad’s eyes? Being your friend with benefits, someone you kiss now and then, and live with? Or me, being your official boyfriend?”

Charlie groaned. “Arrghh. I hate it when you’re right!”