Page 14 of Brazen
I rocked on my feet. “I want to walk back and pack myself. We’ll pick the ring before dinner.”
He offered to shake my hand but didn’t move. “I’ll tell Michael…”
I came closer but gently swatted for him to stop him from doing anything so formal. A spark of memory rushed through me. “Why do you call him Michael? Aren’t most butlers Mister something, or are you two friends?”
Charlie whispered in my ear like we were still lovers, but he didn’t touch me at all, making my entire body tinge with desire. “He’d like it if I kept my distance, which is what he’d prefer, I suppose. Familiar isn’t comfortable for the Brits, but I’ve never been formal.”
“This, I believe.”
He laughed and backed toward the door. “Fair enough. Michael wants us to call him Mister, so for you, I’ll try.”
“But not for him?”
“No. You’re the lady who calls the shots.”
“Okay, I’ll remember that line for when I need it.” I waved.
We weren’t quite on call, but I was tempted to kiss his cheek like everything I'd said was a lie to both of us. And part of it was. I walked briskly to my home, so I had a few hours of sanity that wasn’t mixing everything up and complicating my life even more.
Chapter Six
Charlie
* * *
My butler had sent clothes to my office, and I changed at my desk then spent the day following Kir around. He was so serious. I wasn’t sure what I would do. Because he was the spitting image of our father, I hated disappointing him. But Hope was right—I needed to ensure I went to work as much as possible. Part of proving myself capable meant showing I was a good son and not entirely the useless one always chasing my passing fancy.
Near five o’clock, I went to my desk to turn everything off when Kir, who was six months my senior but so serious that we never ran in the same circles until now, came in. “Maman called today to get information out of me. She is convinced you have some sort of steady girlfriend and that I should be more like you.”
Hope was everything I ever wanted wrapped up in the perfect woman. She was easily sexy but also a kindred spirit who wasn’t sure who she was. And unlike me, Kir was the perfect son. In time, he would find Mrs. Perfect, and he would never have to lie to anyone, anytime, ever. I felt it in my soul.
For now, I smiled. “I’m popping the question.”
His brown eyes widened. “When did you start getting serious?”
Time to sell Hope as the one and only. I lean on the top of my desk. “I met her in Paris.”
He snapped his fingers. “Ahh, so it’s not serious.”
My stomach tightened. I hated being judged as the worst one in the family. I tensed then stood. “It is. She lives here in New York, and we’ve been serious since I met her. Wish me luck.”
“For a girl you met last week…”
“Why don’t you think I’m responsible enough to know when I know?”
“I’m not judging.”
“You are. Look, I’ll show you that I’m responsible, or I’ll quit.”
“You need to prove to yourself you’re a free thinker and won’t get tied down to mundane.”
“So it’s a bet?”
“Sure.” I headed to the door as the market bell closed.
Kir called out, “Bring her home to meet the rest of us.”
I waved at my brother. “I’ll invite you to the engagement party, if all goes well.”
