Page 3 of Her Nightshade

Charlie

Icouldn’t believe it—Ana Martin. Holy fucking shit. I knew she was beautiful, but seeing her up close was something else entirely. Her brown, shoulder-length hair was tucked behind one ear as she eyed a champagne flute on the table in front of her. The gold gown she wore plunged deeply, teasing just enough of her cleavage to make my heart race. Dark red lipstick painted her lips, and I instantly fell in love. I always fell in love too fast and for all the wrong reasons. I barely knew anything about her, other than the fact she was the former First Lady married to that arsehole we had to call president. The scandal was huge, and I couldn’t help but feel for her.I bet I could help her forget all about it.

As she straightened her shoulders and scanned the room, her eyes locked with mine, and she looked surprised.

“Ana Martin, wow,” I said with a chuckle, awe-struck and unsure of what else to say.

“Del Rosario now,” she corrected me, a slight smile on her lips. “But please, just call me Ana.”

Ana.The way her full lips said her name, paired with that little Spanish accent, made flutters swirl in my chest.

“Sorry,Ana,” I apologized. “I’m Charlie. Charlie Ashford.”Jesus Christ, I’ve never been so speechless before.

She laughed softly, highlighting her high cheekbones. “I know. I think the whole world knows who you are.”

I couldn’t stop staring. Her big, hazel eyes seemed to pierce right through me, and for a moment, I nearly forgot what she said as my heart pounded uncontrollably.

“I think you’re much more famous,” I responded.Fuck, did I just say the wrong thing?“Because, you know…you’re a former First Lady,” I added nervously.Fuck, that’s not all she is, you wanker.

She shrugged, seeming a little offended.Shit. “I suppose so,” she said, now looking away from me and at the table.

I needed to reel her back in. I needed to keep her talking. “So, um…” I leaned closer, hoping I wasn’t invading her space, but the venue was so loud. “Do you live in New York, or are you just in town for the gala?”

“I live here now,” she said. “Only a few blocks away.”

Fuck yes, she’s close to me. “Me too,” I blurted out, unable to hold back my enthusiasm, sounding like an eager little puppy.

Her eyes widened just a little, but she only nodded, responding with a quiet, “Hmm.” I was bothering her, I could feel it. But I couldn’t tear my gaze away, and for the life of me, I couldn’t stop talking.

“Can I get you another drink?”

She glanced down at her half-full champagne flute. “No, thank you. I was just about to leave,” she replied, looking like she was ready to stand.

I panicked. If she was leaving, I had to see her again. “Oh, well, hey, neighbor…would you want to—” I stumbled, feeling the pressure. “I don’t know, maybe meet up for coffee? Or a drink?”

I leaned my elbow on the table, feeling my heartbeat through my ears. All I could think about was how much I wanted to feel the softness of her tan skin.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she glanced down at my hand on the table, resting close to her arm. “Are you trying to ask me out?” she asked, an amused expression on her face as her gaze shifted back to mine.

I let out a nervous laugh, glancing down at the table, feeling a bit embarrassed. She was blunt, but I liked that. When I looked back up, her eyes were still playfully locked on mine, and my heart pounded like a jackhammer. “Yeah. What do you say?”

She immediately laughed, and I found myself joining in, unsure if she was laughingatme orwithme. I didn’t care—I just wanted her attention.

“Charlie, I’m at least ten years older than you,” she said with a smirk.

I shrugged. I loved older women—they knew what they wanted, and I was more than happy to give it to them. “I don’t care. Do you?”

Her eyes lingered on mine, the internal struggle clear on her face.

“Alright,” she finally said, leaning in just a little. “How about this: Figure out how to contact me, and I’ll go for a drink with you.”

It felt like I’d just won the lottery. If she wanted to play this game, I was more than ready, and I was confident I’d win.

“Challenge accepted. I’ll see you soon for that drink, then,” I said with a grin.

She flashed me another one of her breathtaking smiles before standing, grabbing her purse, and walking away. I couldn’t help but stare at her round ass, completely in awe—not just of her beauty, but the way she carried herself. There was something about her that left me wanting more…needingmore.

I watched as she left the room without looking back. She had to know I was staring.Fuck, I’m already in love.

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