Page 63 of Take It Offline

“No, you…” Where do I even start? Our status quo is one of a tentative alliance. The only reason he’s here is because I want to make Logan jealous. This isn’t a date.

It’s not a date.

But if it was, it’d rank high.

Because Charlie isgorgeous.

Top shelf, top model,top me, gorgeous.

He raises a teasing brow. “Yes?”

I am so well and truly screwed. “You… You look good. Really good.” I can do better than that. “Incredible, actually.”

When he waggles his eyebrows and grins, goose bumps erupt over my skin, making it so much better and a thousand times worse.

I swear my insides are melting.

Between my legs, my pussy is constructing an ode to his mouth. I rifle through my clutch, pretending I can’t find my phone when I know full well it’s on the couch behind me. Anything so that I can avoid looking at him right now.

“Are you objectifying me?” Forget the North Star. The twinkle in Charlie’s eye leads toward much more interesting ends. He leans in, and god, he smells incredible. “Keep going. I like it.”

My breath skitters like wind chimes, and I want to press myself against every inch of his body.

I need to get a grip before I faint.

“You okay there, sweetheart? You look a little peaky.”

I hate him,I remind myself.

It would be better if I could stop forgetting that part.

Becausethis?Charlie and me? Is a bad idea. We’re too different. We’re from completely different worlds, and more than that, we’re still competing for the same promotion.

Then I catch sight of the flowers he’s holding.

“What are those for?”

“Do I need an excuse to bring you flowers?” He clears his throat, the sound low and rough. “Apparently, peonies aren’t in season, but the florist did me a favor.”

I’m speechless. Peonies? But how did he…?

“They were right,” I eke out, as I take the bouquet, my heart slamming wildly against my chest. It’s beautiful—bright pink and tied with twine.

“Come in,” I say, turning for the kitchen. I plug the sink and leave the flowers in fresh water. It’ll have to do for now. “I’m almost ready. I just need to find my earrings.”

Charlie’s hand on my wrist stops me. “Quit running for a second. Let me look at you.”

Breathing deep, I turn to face him and wait as he takes his fill. And does he ever. His gaze works over me like a caress, eager and insatiable. As the seconds drag on, I fight the urge to fidget.

Twenty-seven is too young to have hot flashes.

The dress is a rental. Something I considered abhorrent as a teen. But I was much sillier then. Now I’m draped in deep forest silk georgette from Givenchy. It’s backless and sleeveless and beautiful, and I don’t even have to worry about whether I’ll wear it again.

“I’d apologize for staring, but I wouldn’t mean it. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful.” Charlie’s appreciation works wonders for my ego. “You sure you want to go to this thing? Because I can think of plenty of ways to spend the next few hours, and all of them involve a lot more than just looking at you.”

His dimples are going to ruin me.

“We’re going,” I say, swallowing back the temptation. I’m not wasting the chance to show off that tux. I might be as tall as Charlie in these heels, but there’s only one way I’ve ever been able to get on equal footing with him. “If, by some chance, Logan isn’t thrown into a jealous rage, every woman there will be when they see your ass in that tux.”

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