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“Eli.”
His voice is far deeper than I remember, sending a shiver up my spine. “Hi, Michel.”
“Gods,” he whispers. “You’re really here?”
Nodding, I smile, taking a step toward him. “I really am. So are you.”
He chuckles. “Indeed. I can’t believe my eyes.”
“Yeah, same. I know you’re busy, but I wondered if—”
“I am not too busy for you. Never.”
“Oh.” I slide my hands in my front pockets, feeling my cheeks burn. “Do you have time to grab a coffee or something?”
“Yes. I’d like that so much.” After holding my gaze a moment longer, he turns to the woman behind the counter, who is staring at him like he’s turned green in front of her. “Crystal, I’ll be away for a while. Clear my calendar for the afternoon, please.”
“Really?” she asks.
“Yes, please. Eli is back.”
His comment makes my stomach twist in a pleasant way. Crystal looks at me with surprised eyes and a smile.
“Of course, Mr. Toussaint. I’ll take care of it.”
“Thank you.” He pats her desk. “But remember, I said to call me Michel.”
“Right.”
“I’ll grab my phone and my keys,” Michel says to me. “Be right back.”
He disappears inside the office again, leaving me alone with Crystal.
“I’ve never seen him smile like that,” she says softly. “I didn’t know he could.”
I chuckle. “We used to be best friends. I hope we can be again.”
Crystal nods, but her smile suggests she has more to say. I don’t remember her at all.
“Did you grow up here?”
“I did,” she says. “But I’m a lot younger than you. I was in elementary school when you graduated from high school.”
“Ouch.”
She laughs as Michel joins us, narrowing his eyes. “What’s funny?” he asks.
“Crystal let me know how much younger she is than we are.”
Michel does not look amused. “I see. Yes, well, she’s very organized and discreet. I like that about her.”
Crystal smiles. “I like working for you. Enjoy your afternoon together.”
Michel nods, gripping my elbow and leading me from the office. Outside, he looks both ways down the sidewalk before speaking. “Would you like to walk?”
“Sure. As soon as you tell me why you shut down on me. Did I say something wrong?”
“Crystal is too young for you to date.”
