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I shook my head. Saying goodbye to Nathan wasn’t an option. Even the thought of it nauseated me.
“I know you’re being a good friend, but I’m already too far gone, Lila. I’m in it. And he’s a good guy, I promise you. I haven’t felt like this…” I thought back to my past lackluster relationship. “Well, I’m not sure I’ve ever felt like this.”
She blew out a breath. “Wow, Charlie. I hadn’t realized it had gotten this serious.”
“I went house hunting with him,” I admitted.
Her mouth hung open at my revelation “Damn, thatisserious. So you’re like officially Nathan Shaw’s girlfriend now?”
My face froze at her question. He hadn’t said those exact words, but I was, wasn’t I? He probably just wanted to wait to make it official until we didn’t have to hide.
“He’s never technically said that, but I’m sure that’s how he’s feeling.”
Wariness still shone in her eyes. “I know I’m a broken record, but just be careful.”
“I am,” I lied.
Chapter Thirty-One
NATHAN
“Cheers.”Ben held up his champagne flute. I clinked it before moving on to Don’s.
“Cheers, boys. This integration is going to line our pockets faster than it’s going to get our customers laid.” Don laughed obnoxiously, and I glared at him.
“Charming,” I said. He had been glued to our side since arriving thirty minutes ago, and my desperation to detach myself from him had grown urgent.
Ben shot me a look as we tipped our glasses back. The only thing more miserable than working with Don was being stuck with him at a party. The more he drank, the looser his lips became. I couldn’t believe this was the man who had me worried about my job security.
“The party looks great, Don,” Ben said. His ability to make polite small talk with absolutely anyone would always impress me.
“It’s only getting started,” Don elbowed me in the ribcage, causing me to nearly spill my drink. “Look at how good everyone cleans up. Pretty soon these sons-of-bitches are going to be sloppy. You could get anyone to go home with you tonight.”
Ben held up his left hand. “Happily married, Don. And, of course, there’s our company policy to think of.”
“Pfft, who’s going to rat you out? Not me.” He winked at me. The sleaziness of his tone didn't do anything to convince me that he wouldn’t do exactly that. “What about Hannah in marketing?” He lifted his glass in her direction. “I hear she’s easy.”
“Don,” Ben snapped. “Let’s not treat our employees like an all you can eat buffet. It’s tasteless.”
“Loosen up,” Don slurred. How he already seemed tipsy when the party had just started was beyond me. “Oh, what about that piece? She cleans up awfully nice. I’m sure you’ve had a fantasy or two having to work so closely with her.” Don nudged me and pointed in the direction of Charlie. My breath caught in my throat. She looked stunning. And the way Don ogled her sickened me. A swift punch to the gut would do him some good.
“Watch your mouth,” I hissed, showing no restraint.
“Alright,” Ben clapped my shoulder. “If you’ll excuse us, Don, we’re going to talk with some of the other departments. Enjoy the party.”
“I’m going to hit that guy,” I muttered as Ben steered me away.
“He would completely deserve it, but don’t make it so obvious you’re defending a certain someone’s honor,” Ben replied under his breath.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I hadn’t taken my eyes off Charlie since I saw her. She stood out in a room full of faces I could barely remember. She turned toward one of the hallways in the back of the event space, and I moved to follow her.
“See you later, Ben.”
“Watch yourself, Nathan,” he warned.
I kept my strides quick as I darted down the same hallway I saw Charlie disappear down. She stood at the end, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed in front of her. She didn’t even look up as I approached, completely lost in thought.
“You look beautiful,” I said in a low voice, placing my hand on her waist.
