Page 65 of Shattering Nash

Fuck!

“Inez—” Nash held up his hand. He was about to do the impossible and try to reason with her.

“Don’t Inez me.” She smirked and lifted her chin to the front door. “Got yourself a girl, Nash?”

He drew in a breath and flattened his lips. He wouldn’t share anything with Inez, especially in regards to Charley. The woman had a vault of secrets on everyone, ready to use them at any time.

“She works for Elle.”

Inez snickered. “You’re a shitty liar, Nash. Now, get outta here.”

Nash walked out of the apartment and saw Charley leaning against the wall. When she looked over, she pushed off and clasped her hands at her waist.

“Everything okay?”

Nash nodded, resting his hand on her back and leading her down the hall. “Yes.”

“So, um…” She paused. “You and Inez areoldfriends?”

“Something like that.”

“She was joking about shooting us, right?”

No.

Honesty wasn’t always the best policy, especially when it came to this situation.

“Inez enjoys theatrics.”

As they neared the elevator, she grabbed hold of his pinky, and Nash straightened his back, looking down. It was rare anyone took liberties with touching him. Even the women he’d been with knew better than to make any display of affection in public. Charley was different. She didn’t know the rules.And I like that.

“I’m sorry if I said something wrong.” She looked back at Inez’s door. “I thought it was a simple question, and I…”

Nash slipped his hand into her hers, threading their fingers and sliding over her knuckles. “It was a question, and you answered honestly.”

“I didn’t mean to insinuate…”

Nash jerked his hand to his side, and Charley stumbled forward, bracing her free hand on his stomach. He lowered his head, and she looked up. They were mere inches apart.

“We do know each other, Charley. And in a short time, we’ll know one another better.”

Her cheeks pinkened as she inched closer. “Okay.”

Playing with fire, Nash.

Chapter Twelve

Charley took in her surroundings, peering out the passenger side window. It was a section of town she hadn’t frequented. There’d never been a reason. It was just outside of the city limits. Most would consider it a wealthier area. The properties had larger lots, maybe an acre, and the homes shared a specific look. All massive colonials with perfectly manicured lawns. She swallowed the knot in her throat when she heard the blinker sound, and he turned right, up a long driveway. It was lined with lights, leading up to his home.

Nash pulled in front of the house, and she leaned closer to the window, getting a better look. This was not at all what she’d expected. It didn’t follow the same design as the other homes on the street. The property seemed much larger, with trees lining the perimeter, maximizing his privacy.

The home itself was modern and three stories high. It was an interesting architectural choice. When he shut down the engine, she grabbed the handle and opened the door, getting out of the car. She craned her neck, looking up at the tall structure. It was incredible, like nothing she’d ever seen before.

When she felt his hand on her back, Charley shifted closer to him. This was all happening so fast, and as much as she knew she should take caution, she wanted to be with him. For once in her life, she wasn’t going to overthink it and just live in the moment.

“Your house is amazing.”

“Thank you.”

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