“Mr.Edge...”
He gave the faintest shrug, like he hadn’t just sucker punched me with eight words and a stare that made it hard to breathe.
“I just thought you should know.”
The air hummed with electricity, my pulse spiked to a dangerous rhythm and the temperature seemed to have dropped a hundred degrees as he released my hand.
“Thank you.” I said when I finally found my voice.
“No problem.” He leaned back in his seat. “You’re free to go now.”
“Go?”Go where?
“Your date.” He chuckled.
Oh. Date. Football player. Dinner. Tonight.
“Oh yeah,” I let out a nervous laugh. “I wouldn’t want to be late.” I paused. “Goodnight Mr. Edge.”
“Goodnight, Elise.”
I quickly gathered what was left of my dignity and walked calmly towards the door when what I really wanted to do was run. Once I was in the clear and out of Nathan’s office, I headed for the elevators.
The gentleness of his touch and the harshness in his eyes when he saw I was hurt followed me down to the lobby and leftme wondering if missing the date would’ve been such a bad idea after all.
***
I ALMOST TURNEDaround the second I stepped inside the restaurant.
Not because anything was wrong. Everything was right. Dim lighting, sleek decor, the soft murmur of conversation, and the scent of garlic butter and wine floating through the air. It was elegant without being stiff. Romantic without trying too hard.
But first dates had a way of making my stomach somersault no matter how nice the backdrop was. Especially first dates with men like Daniel James.
He stood when he saw me, flashing a warm smile that could make a nun reconsider her vows. Daniel was tall and muscular, his dark brown complexion complementing the white sweater that hugged his arms just enough to be unfair. His head was clean-shaven and his jawline looked like it was carved from stone.
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, a little breathless as I slid into the booth across from Daniel. “Crazy day at work.”
“You’re good.”
It was two simple words, but the second I heard them, I froze.
That accent. Smooth. Polished.British.
It was rich and velvety, like warm honey. I didn't know whether to smile or ask him to say it again. Or say anything, really. Recite the alphabet. Read me the menu. Those were just a few things to come to mind.
My stomach did a little somersault, and I forced myself to focus as I shrugged off my jacket and set it behind me as Daniel reclaimed his seat.
“I was beginning to think you might be standing me up,” Daniel teased, leaning his forearms on the table. “Would’ve been a blow to my ego.”
I held up my hand to show him the bland colored bandage on my finger. “I battled office papers and lived to tell the tale.”
He grinned. “Paper cut?”
“Paper cut.” I confirmed.
“Tragic,” he said, mock-serious. “I appreciate your bravery in still making it out tonight.”
I laughed, and for a moment, it felt easy. I told myself torelax. Daniel was charming and funny and definitely cute. And I was here to have a good time, not obsess over a man who couldn’t decide whether he wanted to be my boss or my something more.
