Page 10 of The Enemy's Daughter

“No, I want us to have coffee. I wanted to go out with you, remember?”

“I remember. It’s just a little strange to bump into you the day after.”

“I know.”

“Do you work?” she asked.

“I do a lot of work. I work in this company. Have you heard of Alaric Technologies?” he asked.

“The name sounds familiar, but I’m not aware of it.”

“Well, I work in his building. I’m a manager.”

“That’s great.” So he was a good guy. “What about a wife, and kids?”

He started smiling. “Are you asking that because of my age?”

Her cheeks heated. Biting her lip, she stared down at her hands. “I’m sorry. I just, I’m not used to being the one that is asked out on a date.”

“You’re a beautiful woman.”

“Not all that beautiful to be honest.” She didn’t want nor need compliments. “No wife or kids?”

“I’ve been the kind of man that has focused on my career rather than my family to be honest.”

“It must be a little lonely?” she asked.

“It is now. It has made me realize everything that I’ve been missing out on.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry. What about you? Have you always wanted to work in a veterinary practice?” he asked.

She laughed. “No, actually. Not at all. When I was a little girl, I actually wanted to be a model. Before my mom passed away.”

“I’m so sorry,” he said.

“It’s fine. It was fifteen years ago, honestly. I wanted to make her proud, and she used to want to be a model herself, and it never really worked out.”

“What changed?”

Bella felt her cheeks heating. “I think that’s a little personal.”

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