‘I believe you.’
There was a pause.
‘It killed you not to hug him, didn’t it?’
I sighed. ‘Totally. I told you I’m not made for the Corporate World.’
‘You did well. But just for future reference, he wouldn’t have minded in the slightest.’
‘Thanks.’
I handed my visitor pass to Charlie and he dropped them off at the desk, thanking the receptionist as he did so. She treated him to another sunray smile and loaded a depth of meaning into her reply.
‘Any time.’
Charlie nodded and quirked a smile. The hint of the blush on his face told me he hadn’t missed the fact he’d just been hit on.
‘Is there anywhere safe to stand next to you when I’m not going to feel like a third wheel?’
‘Huh?’
‘The train this morning, the receptionist just now…’
‘Don’t be daft,’ he said before changing the subject. ‘I have to get back to work. Do you feel better about the contract thing now?’
‘Yes, I do. Though, to be fair, I only really started worrying about it when you said I should.’
‘Oh, dear.’
‘No, it’s all right.’ I laughed. ‘I’m probably way too naive to be doing stuff like this anyway.’
‘No. You’re not.’ Charlie’s voice had a definite note to it that I hadn’t heard before, a surety. ‘You’re more than capable. I never meant to make you feel that you weren’t. I just don’t want you taken advantage of. I’ve seen it happen and I don’t want that for you.’
I nodded. ‘No, I know, thank you. And I didn’t mean that you made me feel that way. I know that I’m wading in here far deeper than I ever have before, so it’s always going to be scary. I really appreciate your help, Charlie. I hope you know that.’
Impulsively I reached up and kissed his cheek. His freshly shaven skin was soft and smooth and that subtle hint of aftershave still lingered.
‘Any time,’ he said, repeating the phrase of the receptionist but with none of the meaning she had injected. His startling gaze flicked to meet mine for a moment before moving on to his watch. ‘You all right from here?’
I rolled my eyes at him. ‘Of course. Now stop skiving and get back to work.’
He laughed and turned to leave. Suddenly he turned back.
‘Libs?’
‘Yes?’
‘Are you OK?’
I frowned and smiled at the same time. ‘Of course. Why?’
‘It’s just that earlier… when I called… well, you just didn’t sound like you. You sounded like you were upset. I thought the meeting had gone badly or something for a minute. But obviously it didn’t. So, I’m assuming it was something else.’ He shifted his weight and cast a glance around before focusing the hypnotic gaze back on me. ‘I’m not meaning to pry. It’s just that I hate to think of you upset. So, if there’s anything I can do. Anything you need. Anything at all, let me know. OK?’ He paused. ‘Please.’
I nodded at him. My throat felt raw and tight, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get any words out. I swallowed again and made an effort.
‘It was just something silly, but I’m OK now, I promise. But thank you.’
Charlie nodded, his gaze resting on me for a moment before sliding to the ground between us.
