Page 7 of Heartstruck at Dawn
“Nina didn’t tell me that you had security,” he said as an opening statement. “I think that’s pretty badass.”
You’re kidding me.
The conversation mainly consisted of questions about my security detail and quickly shifted to Charles’s family vacation home on the Amalfi Coast. And oh, that other vacation home in Barcelona. Yawn.
What he lacked in good conversation, he made up with his good looks.
“So, do you want to order?” he asked, picking up the menu.
“I’m on a rigorous diet,” I replied. I wasn’t going to order a big meal when I planned on leaving soon. But I was freaking starving! I could’ve ordered an entire tuna. “I’ll just have the edamame.”
Charles signaled the server to approach the table with a wave of his hand and placed our order, unimpressed by my lack of appetite.
Charles talked about cars, but it wasn’t the fun type of car conversation. More like the bragging type. But as he told me about the many sports cars his family owned and allowed him to drive at his will, I drifted away into thought.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the Porsche conversation I had with William on our way back from the cottage and how much fun I had when we texted that day.
“So, Nina said you’re a photographer,” Charles said out of the blue, grazing my forearm with his index finger. “If you ever need a model, I can make a space for it in my schedule.” He shot a smug little smirk my way.
He did have a pretty face, but I wasn’t very fond of him touching me like that. “Ah—yes.” I tried smiling as I pulled my arm away from his reach. Caleb glared at us or, better said … at Charles.
Enough. I texted Caleb directly.
Me:SOS. 5 minutes.
Caleb:5 min OR if the guy lays a finger on you again. Whatever happens first.
Damn it.
Using the SOS beacon always made me feel terrible, but there was no way I could stay any longer on this date. The conversation was annoying, and I hadn’t agreed to it. The arm grazing situation wasn’t ideal either.
It bothered me that Nina and CJ had set it up without my consent. I knew they didn’t mean any harm by doing so, but I would’ve appreciated it if they’d asked me first. I guess they thought I would say no, and that’s why they tricked me into it.
Caleb and David approached my table. Charles seemed excited about that—interested. “Miss Murphy, sorry to interrupt,” Caleb said, looking at Charles. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to cut your—lunch short.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” I asked with concern, fully immersed in the roles we were playing. I can’t say it wasn’t fun.
“I cannot discuss any further details at this moment, but if you could, please follow me. We’ll take you back to your apartment where we can explain the situation,” Caleb added as part of the charade.
“It’s too bad you have to leave, Billie. Can I at least get your number?” Charles asked. He looked disappointed, and I did feel bad about leaving suddenly, but I wasn’t in the mood for any of this, and Caleb watching everything was even more grueling.
I was about to give Charles my number because I’m a wuss and didn’t have the heart to say:No,you can’t have my number because I’m trying to figure things out with my bodyguard,when Caleb interrupted, “You’ll have to clear the standard security check first, Mr. Connelly.”
That,too.
“It’s Donnelly,” Charles replied with a frown, tossing his napkin on the table, looking at Caleb.
“Of course”—Caleb cleared his throat—“once you’re authorized, we’ll get in touch with you and provide you with Miss Murphy’s contact information.”
Right.
“I’m so sorry,” I said to Charles as I stood up to leave. He seemed entertained by the theatrics Caleb pulled off on him.
“Don’t worry about it, Billie. I hope we can reschedule some other time.” He smiled a genuine-looking smile.
“Sure thing,” I lied with a grin, feeling terrible on the inside.
We finally left. David was driving me back to my apartment, but I asked him if he could stop somewhere to get a slice of pizza. I was starving, and I wanted to make it up to Caleb. It must’ve been awkward for him. I know it was for me.
