My Emerald

White Horse

They were keeping their distance but were close enough for William to hear Nancy say he would be a great present to herself. For some reason that caused rage to build up inside of him, the thought of another man's hands on Charlotte or his mouth anywhere near hers. It had taken all of his self-control earlier to not kiss her and to walk away. Now here her friend was trying to get her to hook up or go out with a bartender! Can’t they see her worth is so much more than that? She deserves the world, not some fly by night guy that makes money by flirting with women at night. He would never let her be hurt by that.

“David, Nancy just suggested Charlotte make the bartender a birthday present for herself.” He said through gritted teeth.

“Hmm a girl that takes what she wants. I like that.

Swiping his thumb across his bottom lip, he turned to David, “no one will touch her. She deserves better. That’s supposed to be her friend, offering her up to a complete stranger. Why are you smirking, go deal with this.” Will said frustrated.

“I’ve never seen you so invested in something that wasn’t remotely yours is all.” David answered with a shrug, “I’m working on claiming my woman, can you say the same?” he said as he walked off towards the girls, leaving William standing there with a fire in his eyes.

William headed to the bar, “What can I get you Mr. Hartford?” The bartender immediately came over to serve him. “The girl, Charlotte Cross,” He stated dangerously flat, maintaining his eye control, “she is with me, do you understand?” The threat was clear in his eyes, “of course sir, I’ll make it known.” The bartender nodded and went to leave.

“That includes you, I am not a patient man.” William said as he walked away. The bartender looked in the direction the girls had gone to see William walking over and David, already with the group staring right at him, gave a slight nod and got back to work. How David so effortlessly fit into any group was beyond Will. He was a cousin from his mother's side and always seemed to be happy and easy going like Rose had been during Wills childhood.

“Will, look who I found.” He called over the music, gesturing for him to join the group. Whatever little hope Charlotte had, he would not be joining as David was not at the engagement party washed away. Turning, she met his steely gaze directly on her. He watched her slide further into the gentleman in the group with them. “Ladies fancy seeing you here, I do hope your phones are all charged tonight?” he joked towards the group. “Ah yes,” Josh spoke up. “You two must be the gentleman that helped get my girls home last weekend, I really hoped you’d be here so I could thank you. I was working and not able to join, and like you said three dead phones meant no pick-up call. I am Josh, Becca’s boyfriend.” He stuck his hand out towards William. Charlotte was turning red, she had scooted into Josh to give the pretense she was not there alone and he had outed her in the first sentence. William smirked and shook Josh’s hand. He liked this kid, he seemed genuine, had starry eyes for the one they called Becca, but still subconsciously seemed like an over-protective brother the way he engulfed Char when she scooted close. “The girls are roommates, these two,” Josh eyed Nancy and Charlotte “are like my little sisters” he beamed winking at Charlotte. “No Josh –“ Charlotte pleaded grabbing his sleeve. “And it’s this one’s 18th birthday” he motioned toward Charlotte. William turned to give her his undivided attention. David had seen his opportunity and was whisking Nancy to the dance floor and Becca seemed eager to follow. “We’ll be right there if you need us Char.” Becca called as she pulled Josh away. Just the two of us now, my Emerald William thought to himself. “So Char, when were you going to mention it was your birthday?” “I wasn’t. I was hoping my friends would forget just like Gerald did.” And there it was two drinks in and she was already loose lipped. She didn’t know what it was about William but she couldn’t seem to keep her defenses up around him. “Why would you want to forget, especially 18 that’s a pretty big birthday. The only thing bigger would be 21 – if you were American?” he chuckled to himself. William had no plans ot ever forget this girls birthday, the day she joined the earth is one of the best he could imagine, especially the more he got to know her. “I’m sorry I didn’t know or I would have gotten you a gift.” He said “and as for Gerald, if he cannot see how amazing you are you shouldn’t dwell on that, there are plenty of others in your ife that can.” Will had meant this to be a compliment but noticed tears welling in her eyes. “Char what’s wrong?” He pulled her close and wiped them away before they could ruin her make up, not that she needed it. “You do not know me, why are you being so nice?” she asked as she looked up to meet his gaze. Even in her heels, she barely made it up past his chest, but she was just tall enough for him to plant a soft kiss on her forehead. “Charlotte, we have only met twice, but I feel like I know your soul. Come on baby girl, this is a party. Let's get you a drink hmm?” Charlotte nodded as he took her hand and guided her back to the bar.