Page 14 of Shattering Nash

He smiled. “Why is that? Have I done something?”

“No.” She jumped in her seat and blurted. “You’re…”

“I’m, what?” Nash cocked his head. He’d never been so invested in an answer in his life.

Charley bit her bottom lip, her eyes the size of saucers. Her gaze drifted over his face down to his chest. Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink, and he was hanging on her next words.

Tell me!

At that exact moment, the elevator pinged, and from the distance, he heard the doors opening. He assumed it was Oz but hesitated looking. He was too focused on Charley. Beautiful but unassuming. He’d called it the first time he’d met her at Elodie’s boutique. Quiet and painfully shy. Nash didn’t have a specific type, but she was not the kind of woman he’d ever taken an interest in.Until now.

“Charley?” Elodie’s high heels tapped against the floor as she hurried to the balcony.

Charley immediately stood, and he was forced to release her.

“H-hi.”

“I can’t believe I forgot about a meetingIset up. I’m so sorry.” Elodie pulled her in for a hug. “Have you been waiting long?”

“No.” Charley patted her back and looked uncomfortable in the embrace. He suspected it had nothing to do with Elodie. Nash knew how much she enjoyed her boss. It was probably the overall situation.

Elodie let go of her but held onto her arm. “How long?”

“Um, just a few minutes.”

Liar.

Elodie squinted and looked over at Nash.

“She’s been waiting for twenty minutes.”

Elodie gasped, and her shoulders slumped. Charley shook her head.

“It’s totally fine.”

“Elodie.”

The deep voice caught everyone’s attention, and he looked over at Oz. He stood a few feet away with Sal by his side.

“We’ll be in my office,” Oz said.

“Okay.” Elodie smiled then waved her hand. “Wait! Sal, come meet Charley.”

Sal walked over, stopping next to Elodie and smiling at Charley.

“Charley, this is Sal, a close friend of the family.” She hooked her arm through Sal’s. “And Sal, this is the fabulous Charley I was bragging about during dinner.”

Sal laughed and offered his hand. “This one went on and on about you being some kind of savior for the shop. She talked so much about you, I feel like I already know you, honey.”

Nash shifted his gaze, watching Charley smile and shake his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, sir.”

Sir. That would go a long way with Sal. It was old school and a sign of respect.

Sal leaned closer with her hand in his, “You call me Sal. I only make the boys call me sir.”

Charley chuckled with a sharp nod. “Sal.”

Sal released her hand and started to turn. “Take your time, honey. I got a cigar with my name on it, and your man won’t let me smoke it when you’re around.”

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