Page 43 of New Growth
“What more do you need, Elliot?”
“El.” His gaze held mine. “Please. Just call me El.”
I cleared my throat. “Okay, El. What will satisfy you?”
He bit back a smile, and I could see him fighting the urge to say something wildly inappropriate. It took everything in me not to react to his facial expression.
“Maybe dinner sometime this week?” he asked finally. “My treat.”
My playful attitude disappeared as quickly as it came.Why this week of all weeks?
I leaned against the counter. “Sorry, I’m working all week. I can’t.”
His head tilted slightly in curiosity.
“Really? What do you do for work?” His genuine tone was refreshing. I felt like he actually cared about the answer, and I appreciated the interest. Even if it was faked.
He propped himself up against the counter, positioning himself directly in my line of sight, making sure he had my full attention.
“I own a salon,” I said sheepishly, now nervous with him so close.
His brows lifted, clearly impressed. “That does sound like busy work. I definitely don’t want to mess up your schedule, but is there any way you can squeeze me in?”
I faltered, and the blush I had been fighting slowly crept its way up. “I—I don’t know.”
He studied me for a second, then smiled. “How about this? You seem to like this café, so maybe we can grab coffee before your day starts?”
I bit my lip.That… didn’t sound so bad.Right?
It was still a move in a direction I wasn’t sure I’d be ready for, but if it got too inappropriate, I could still graciously bow out.
“Um, okay.”
“What time do you usually open up your salon?” He asked softly.
“Around nine.”
He nodded like he considered the options. “Okay. Tomorrow at eight sounds good?”
So soon?
I barely knew anything about him besides his name. In fact, our name was the one thing I was sure we had in common. Besides a mutual need for mocha lattes. But, like a curious cat, I didn’t mind knowing more. It couldn’t hurt.
I hesitated, then nodded. “I mean… sure.”
“Great,” he said smoothly. “I’ll see you then, Ellie. Have a beautiful rest of your day.”
And just like that, he walked away.
Lizzie leaned over the counter, eyes wide. “Girl…”
“That was…”
“Yup.”
I exhaled sharply, collecting myself before grabbing my coffee and desserts and heading for the door.
That man was dangerous.
