“Elise.”
The sound of my name wrapped around me like a lover’s touch.
“Mr. Edge,” I replied, hoping I didn’t sound as breathless as I felt.
“We’re way past formalities, don’t you think?” Nathan said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. “Call me Nathan.”
My chest tightened. “What are you doing here?” I asked, sharper than I intended. Not angry, just exposed, like he could see I’d spent the entire date thinking about him.
His mouth twitched, catching every layer of my tone. “I do have a life outside the office, Elise.”
“Are you with someone?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.
“Sounds like you’re curious about my dating life,” he replied, amusement laced through his voice.
“I’m not,” I scoffed, though I knew he knew I was lying. “Just wanted to warn the poor girl who wasn't wise enough to stay away from you.”
“No, I’m not with anyone,” he answered, eyes locked on me. “And I can’t help but notice you’re alone. Is the date not going well?”
I hesitated. “I didn’t like him.”
“Good,” Nathan said, satisfaction or maybe relief flickering over his face. His gaze roamed over my mini red dress and matching heels. “Still, I can’t believe he left you standing here like this. If you were mine, Elise, you wouldn’t be alone.” His eyes flicked down, lingering just long enough to make me forget my own name. “Because that dress? It wouldn’t have made it past the door.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
ELISE
“I’VE ACCEPTED MYfate. I’m going to be single forever.” I announced Tuesday night as I sipped the rest of my mango and peach sangria. Between the three of us taking turns filling our cups, the only thing left were mango chunks and peaches at the bottom of the pitcher.
I had officially completed all of the dates Kelsey had set me up on despite the fact that I had Nathan on my mind on all of them.
We were currently at Kelsey and my place having one of our last bi-weekly girls nights before Kelsey’s filming schedule kicked into full gear. Kelsey landed the role of Lila, the sunshine fairy in the live action version of the beloved 2000s animated filmWings of Gold.She’d be in California for the first half of filming, which meant we still had some time together before she flew overseas for the second half of the movie.
Kelsey, Taylor, Alessia and I were dressed in pajamas.
“Not forever, just until you’re not working for the boss from hell.” Alessia countered. After our initial invite, Alessia had quickly become one of the girls. She was fun, funny, and easy to be around just like I knew she would be. Kelsey and I were glad to have her in our little fold.
“I can’t believe you didn’t hit it off with any of the men,” Kelsey spoke up, looking up at me as she had her head on my lap. “What happened with Owen? He sent you flowers right and took you out to lunch?”
“Yes, but then Nathan scared him off when we got back.” I frowned remembering Nathan’s dark scowl and menacing tone as he stared at the flowers in my hand and the man who brought me them, as if the Golden Globe actor was nothing more than a piece of gum under his Italian shoes.
“If I didn’t know any better I’d say Mr. Edge was purposely cock-blocking you.” Alessia said before taking a bite out of a mango.
“What? Why would he do that?”
“Because he likes you.” Taylor chimed in from the couch on the opposite side of the room. She opted out of wearing the matching pajamas, but was dressed comfortably in a pair of men’s boxers and a graphic t-shirt with Tony The Tiger printed in the front and for once her kinky curly hair wasn’t slicked back in a bun, but freely falling down her shoulders.
“He does not like me,” I almost laughed. “That would require feelings and we all know that Mr. Edge doesn’t have any.”
“Then how do you explain when he—” Alessia’s question was cut short by a pounding on the front door.
The room fell quiet and all eyes turned to the door. A chill skated down my spine.
I glanced at my phone. No missed calls. No texts. No reason for anyone to be knocking on my door at this hour.
Kelsey and Alessia exchanged looks.
Taylor took a slow sip of her beer, watching me over the rim. “You expecting someone?”
