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I averted my eyes, trying to bite back my smile. “Is that right?”
“Maybe.” He shrugged, trying to play it coy but the twinkle in his eyes said it all. “Since we’re both still here, do you want to grab a drink right now?”
“I can’t.” I pouted apologetically. “I’ve got a thing with Lila right after work.
He groaned. “Of course you do.”
It was at least the third time I had to turn him down. I really did feel bad about it. Liam was cute and fun. I could see there being a spark there if I ever could find enough time to explore it.
Before I could apologize, Don, Ben, and Nathan rounded the corner.
“Hey, hey,” Don said in his obnoxiously jovial voice.
“Hi, Don,” Liam and I both replied weakly.
Ben nodded at us, and Nathan didn’t even meet my eyes. While things were fine with us since my big faux pas, we certainly hadn’t been building any friendship bridges. It was hard to believe I had spent a night out drinking with him considering now all he offered me were chilly greetings and professional work talk. I tried not to let it affect me. I’d never admit he still caused my stomach to flip every time he entered the room, or that I was always electrifyingly aware of his presence.
Don hovered too close to Liam, invading his personal space. “What are you two lovebirds discussing?”
Liam shook his head and shot me a look. “That’s inappropriate. We’re just talking about work.” Don had about as much professionalism as someone’s creepy uncle that had one too many drinks at a wedding.
“What?” Don held up his hands. “I can’t make a joke now?”
“Where was the joke?” Nathan asked. His voice surprised me, and I looked up to see him scowling at Don.
“Geez, you can’t say anything anymore,” Don grumbled.
“Maybe that’s for the best,” said Ben, through a tight-lipped smile. “Goodnight, Liam. Charlie.” He waved and stepped toward the elevator.
Nathan lingered back as Don retreated with Ben.
“You don’t have to stay. Why don’t you call it a night.” He glanced from Liam back to me.
“Oh, um—I’m finishing up a few things,” I responded, surprised he had said anything to me directly.
“You want us to hold the elevator?” Ben called.
“I’ll be down in a minute,” Nathan snapped.
Liam glanced at me, eyebrows raised.
Nathan cleared his throat. “Actually, Liam, I was hoping to talk to you about something.”
“Me?” Liam questioned with evident surprised. The two of them didn’t work closely together. I wasn’t even sure Nathan knew what Liam’s role was in the company.
“Yes, you’re in operations, right?”
“Right,” Liam confirmed.
“I had a few questions about the org. Can we discuss it on our way out?”
Liam glanced from me to Nathan. “I guess so.”
“Great,” Nathan turned sharply on his heel. “Goodnight, Charlie.”
“Goodnight!” I called, looking back at Liam who gave me awhat the hell was thatlook.
I shrugged, genuinely confused as Liam and Nathan disappeared behind the elevator doors. It almost seemed like Nathan was attempting to intentionally separate Liam and me, but that wouldn’t make any sense.
