Page 65 of The Grand Duel

Her eyes widen momentarily before softening, and then she nods. “I only work four nights a week, two of which are on the weekend so that it doesn’t interfere with my job here. I’m still in the process of switching them around to work better.”

The knot loosens as her blush disperses.

I shouldn’t want to ease her discomfort.

I shouldn’t care.

What I should care about is the fact that she’s not working tonight. Which means I can go to the club.

I swallow, watching her as she fusses over the dogs, not being able to look away.

Forget about the girl, Aldridge.

She’s young. Too good.

Replace her.

Erase her.

“You know what,” I say, switching off my computer and standing. “I might head out after all.”

When I catch a look at her face, she’s smiling at me. “You’ll feel better for it tomorrow.”

“You’re probably right.”

We walk through the office together, parting ways at the doors.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr Aldridge.”

Charlie. Dammit, call me Charlie.

I grit my teeth. “Good night, Lissie.”

I make my way to the car park around the back of the offices, a weird nagging feeling in my gut.

Probably just the knowledge that I’m going to the club tonight.

I pull my car out onto the road, making my way towards home with the dogs. A quick shower, and I’ll be out the door.

I spot Lissie walking down the pavement and flick my eyes away. She has that stupid fucking cardigan thrown over her shoulders, her arms crossed over her waist. “Where’s her damn coat?”

I shake my head as I hesitate before looking back towards her.

I can’t.

Keep fucking driving.

“You’re not her genre of man, Charles,” I mutter to myself. “Too old. And shelovesthe tube.”

I huff a laugh at the memory, and keep driving, all the way home.

The club is quiet but it’s early. The kind of time cardigan-sniffing freaks rock up, looking to get their fill.

The hell was I thinking sniffing her clothes.

I take a swig of my drink and look around the club, clocking eyes with the same old faces.

Some of the women know me well, very well. Some of them only know me…less. The odd night here or there.

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