Page 58 of Hidden Trial

“You’re not one of those girls who takes two bites and is full?”

“I didn’t know such a person existed. But no, I like food.”

“Excellent. Maddy’s a picky eater—sorry. I shouldn’t compare you. That must get old fast.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. If Maddy wasn’t your twin, I wouldn’t be saying stuff like that. You’re not her. Not even close.”

Chapter13

It didn’t takeCharlotte long to get a handle on the cutlery, and she’d entertained him both in and out of character, switching between the two, seemingly on a whim. But it was when she was herself that Will enjoyed himself the most. As Charlotte, she was easy to talk to, and she didn’t hesitate to laugh, which meant Will found himself searching for stories to make her do just that.

After licking chocolate off the back of her dessert spoon, which she now knew intimately, she sighed contentedly.

“You weren’t kidding when you said you liked food.”

“That’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time, and I can now say—not as Maddison—that duck really is delicious, and yes, it does taste like chicken, but better.”

“I can’t believe you finished it.”

“Food is my love language.”

“You don’t look like it.”

“I enjoy food, but I also enjoy self-control.”

“I’m glad you didn’t hold back tonight.”

She leaned her elbow on the table, resting her chin in her hand. “What now?”

“Now?” He’d forgotten for a moment what they were here for. This was training. It wasn’t a date. Somewhere in the middle of dinner, he’d forgotten that.

She’d shared a story from her childhood and paused to take a sip of water. It made her hiccup. Then she’d laughed, and that’s when everything had changed. He’d let his guard down, and it would cost him.

She was supposed to be here to get a job done and nothing else. She was supposed to be Maddy’s double and nothing else.

But looking at her sitting there, her eyebrows lifted, waiting for his response, it wasn’t going to be enough to tell himself that anymore.

He’d always been protective of himself growing up. Foster homes had taught him that. He’d done it well most of his life, keeping his heart from caring too much. That was until he’d met the young girl that had become like a sister to him all those years ago. But he’d failed to keep her safe, and he’d paid for it ever since.

But Charlotte was no sister. She was the first woman in a long time who had his pulse racing. And looking at her smiling red lips, he knew it was time for dinner to be over.

He no longer saw Maddy when he looked at her. All he saw was Charlotte. And the idea of putting her in harm’s way had turned into a cold, hard ball in the pit of his stomach. He didn’t want her watching his back the way he expected Maddy to. All he wanted to do was protect her. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t lose another.

After setting his napkin on his plate, he said, “Now you get to rest. You ready for bed? I’m exhausted.” A lie, but necessary under the circumstances.

She tipped her head back with a groan. “Oh, yes. Please. I mean, this has been great. Thank you. But I am bone-weary.”

“You think you can walk on those heels one last time?”

“To make it to my bed? Yes, I’d walk over hot coals if that’s what it took.”

* * *

When Charlotte accidentally bumped Will’s shoulder against hers in the elevator, she got goosebumps. It was the best date she’d ever had, and it wasn’t even a date. She had sworn to herself that she wouldn’t fall for him, but she had, and now she didn’t know what to do.

They were silent on the ride up, but when Will stepped off the elevator to walk her to her room, she said, “You don’t have to walk me. I know where it is.”

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