Page 55 of Shattering Nash

“I just moved and…”

“Well, I can hire movers for you, and I’ll even have it painted and let you choose the colors. How many landlords offer that?”

None.

“And I can assure you, just because you’re living here, I won’t take advantage. This in no way will affect your schedule.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Elle.”

“So what do you say?”

Charley was about to tell one of the biggest lies ever told.

“I really like my new place.” It didn’t even sound convincing to her own ears.Because I’m lying.She didn’t hate her current apartment. Charley was happy to have somewhere to live. But compared to what Elodie was offering, it would seemlike a no-brainer. It made Elodie’s skepticism all the more understandable.

“You do?” Elodie’s brows hiked.

“I do,” she lied.

“Alright, well, if you change your mind, it’s yours. Okay?”

“Okay,” she whispered.

The offer was beyond generous, but Charley wouldn’t take it. Elodie had finally gotten her happily ever after, and Charley wouldn’t do anything that might jeopardize that.

Thankfully, Elodie didn’t push the subject and they went back to working side by side.

Charley eyed Elodie as she bent down, picking up the small box. She managed to intervene quite a few times when Elodie picked up some things Charley deemed too heavy.And I got scolded once or twice.

“Let me get that for you.” Charley reached for the box.

“Charley.” Elodie narrowed her gaze. “You’re starting to remind me of Oz, and that’s not a compliment.”

She dropped her arms to her sides. “Sorry.”

Elodie’s harsh scowled eased, and her laugh echoed off the barren walls. “I appreciate it, but I won’t do more than I know I’m capable of.” She rounded her hand over her belly. “Handling precious cargo here.”

They worked to stock all the accessories then moved on to the dresses on the wall. Again, Elodie suggested she go home, but Charley stayed. When they started to run low on hangers, she went in search of more.

Charley bent down behind the counter, retrieving the last few. The front doorbell rang, and she heard the warm greeting from Elodie.

“This is an unexpected surprise.”

“I could say the same.”

Charley’s heartbeat seized, and she froze hunched down behind the register. The smooth drawl was so familiar. It had been the highlight of many nights over the last few months.Nash.

“Did Oz send you?” Elodie asked.

“Why would he do that? After all, you told him you’d only be coming in for a few hours.” There was a definite tone of disapproval.

“Don’t you dare start with me, Nash.”

His warm soft chuckle echoed through the room, and Charley caught herself smiling. They obviously had a great rapport. A friendship. There was an ease to the way they spoke to one another.

“I won’t say another word, nor will I mention this to Oz, if you leave now.”

Charley heard a gasp. “Kicking me out of my own store?”

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