Page 44 of Love to Hate You

“Ya think?” I could throttle Tanner.

“Honestly, Nash, I don’t see how this story can have a happy ending.”

Great. Instead of advice, he thinks we’re doomed to fail before we ever really start. I pick at the wet label on my bottle, not happy with what he’s saying, but knowing that he’s right.

“Relationships are all about give and take. Sometimes you have to be willing to compromise in order to make things work. Even something you really want. Would you sacrifice a job to be with Charlie?”

I release a breath and meet my brother’s golden-green gaze. “I don’t know,” I admit.

I’d like to say yes, but it would be a lie.

“But you’re considering it. Just a little, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. A very, very little,” I say. “If she gave me a shot, gave us a shot, and things started going well then that changes everything.”

Tanner nods and leans back on the rear two legs of his chair. “Okay, don’t get too excited, but I have an idea.”

“You do?” I sit up straighter.

“I can’t promise it will get you the girl, but it should help soften her up. What do you say?”

“I wanna hear your idea. I’m up for anything that can help soften that hard exterior of hers.”

Tanner drops down on all four of the chair’s feet and grins. “Okay, bro. We’re going to play this old school.”

Listening closely, I reach for another piece of pizza as Tanner lays out the plan. And call me crazy, but I think it could work. Or, at the very least, help me see through Charlie’s cracks and get a glimpse of the real her.

16

CHARLIE

The next morning, I find myself looking forward to seeing Nash. I was surprised when he left early yesterday since neither of us ever usually leaves the office before 7:00 p.m. I hope his brother is okay.

It’s pouring rain and the commute this morning leaves me crabby and late. I didn’t sleep very well because I kept thinking about my proposal. One night with Nash. The thought makes my stomach do a series of flip flops and I prop my umbrella in the corner. After hanging my coat in the closet, I walk over to my desk and freeze.

There’s an envelope with my name handwritten on it. Curious, I pick it up and slit it open with my letter opener. It’s an invitation to have dinner at Nash’s apartment tonight. A smile curves my mouth because it’s a fancy card with the lettering printed neatly. It’s also formally worded which is kind of adorable.

“You are cordially invited by Nash Beckett to dinner tonight at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Please dress in formal dinner attire and follow the enclosed map to the location. RSVP to Nash at [email protected] by 10:00 a.m. I do hope you’ll join me.”

For a moment, I’m not sure what to think. It’s a sweet gesture and the idea of spending the evening with Nash makes my pulse speed up. I had no idea he could be so romantic. I wonder if Tanner had anything to do with it since he was with him yesterday.

Not that it matters. No one has ever invited me to dinner like this and I open my laptop to respond.

“Dear Mr. Beckett- I am pleased to accept your invitation. Please let me know if I should bring anything. I will see you at six sharp.”

Before I can think too hard, I hit send. Then I do something I don’t think I’ve ever done in my life– I squeak. Excited anticipation fills me and the last thing I feel like doing now is working. Again, another first for me.

It seems like Nash is turning my neatly organized world upside down and, for whatever reason, I don’t seem to mind. I’m actually enjoying it. Less than a minute later, I receive his response and I smile as I open it.

“No need to bring anything other than your lovely personality, Ms. Langley.”

I roll my eyes and suppress a giggle.What a charmer.And since when do I giggle?

My mood magically turns from grouchy to playful thanks to Nash. Deciding to keep the game going, I grab the invitation and pause in front of the mirror to smooth my damp hair back and check my makeup.As good as it gets, I decide, and head down to his office/closet.

When I step into the doorway, my heart skips a beat when I see him typing away on his phone. He’s letting his hair grow longer on top and a lock falls down over his forehead giving him a boyish look. The moment he senses my presence, he looks up, blue eyes bright.

I lift the invitation and smirk. “Cute,” I comment.

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