Page 25

Charley stood at her kitchen counter, staring down at the dessert.

She’d made it earlier in the day with every intention of dropping it off.

Then she’d gotten the call from Elodie. Until now, it had completely slipped her mind.

She tapped her foot on the hardwood. Considering she had no plans on returning home tonight, it was best she made the delivery while it was still fresh.

Do I have enough time?

What should’ve taken her at least an hour had her running around, showering, and getting dressed.

It had been so long since she’d been on a date, let alone a night with a man.

It was completely out of her comfort zone to do something so spontaneous and possibly scandalous with a man she barely knew.

Charley grabbed the bread in one hand and her phone in the other. She needed a distraction from thinking of their kiss, the ride in the elevator, and spending the night with him. Her nerves were officially on high alert.

When her phone pinged, she glanced down at the screen. The caller showed up as unknown, but she assumed it was him

Nash: Meeting is done. I should be down in about fifteen minutes.

That was perfect. It would give her plenty of time to drop off the bread and get back to her apartment before he showed up.

Charley: I’ll be ready.

She tapped the smiling emoji and hit send. Then gasped. Her intent was a simple smiling face. What she sent had hearts for eyes. Shit! She frantically started to tap the screen in hopes of editing the message. Seconds later, it showed Nash had read it.

Dammit!!!!

Charley rushed out of her apartment and to the elevator. She rode up to the seventh floor and walked halfway down the hallway. She sucked in a breath and lifted her hand, gently knocking on the door. This time she hadn’t heard voices, but seconds later she got the same greeting as the first time.

“Who the hell is it?”

She flinched but regained control, gripping the plate tightly. “Hi, Inez. It’s me, Charley from three twenty-two.”

Charley barely finished her sentence when the door flew open. Inez was standing in the doorway, scowling with a cigarette hanging from her mouth. She quickly glanced down at the plate Charley was holding, and her brows dipped deeper, forming two sharp lines.

Instinctively, Charley raised the plate and smiled. “I made you banana bread.”

A flash of confusion crossed over her face.

Inez eyed the plate suspiciously. “Get in here.”

Charley stepped inside and waited for Inez to close the door.

She followed her down the short hall that opened up into the kitchen and living room.

Charley glanced around and locked eyes with the man on the other end of the breakfast bar.

What the heck was Nash doing here? Was Inez his old friend? Two people couldn’t be more opposite.

“Hi.” Her voice hitched.

Nash straightened, and his jaw squared when their eyes met. He lowered his chin but gave no greeting. She shifted her gaze to Inez, who was staring between them in suspicion.

“You two know each other?”

Charley smiled. “Yes.”

As of two hours ago, they knew each other quite intimately.

The silence in the room had her veering her eyes to Nash who stood silently.

He seemed just as on edge as when she walked in and been far less than forthcoming to Inez’s question.

Did she speak out of turn? That thought had her backpedaling.

“Not really,” Charley blurted, and Inez jerked her head, squinting.

“Well, which is it?” Inez snapped.

Charley cleared her throat, knowing she had made this even more awkward. “I work for Elle, and he works for her husband.”

The corner of Inez’s mouth hiked, and a grin emerged. It was a strange sight. She’d only met the woman one other time but couldn’t imagine her with a genuine smile.

“Her husband ?”

“Yes. Um, Oz?”

Inez slapped the counter and bent over laughing. It was a strange reaction to a simple fact. It was a minute before she straightened with a gleaming smile. She rested her hip against the counter and looked over at Nash.

“Looks like the boss has got a new title. Elle’s husband ?”

“Inez,” Nash said, and it came out as a warning.

Their interaction was hard to follow. It was as if they shared an inside joke that Charley wasn’t privy to. And Nash didn’t find it amusing. The whole vibe was off, and Charley was eager to get out of there. She waved her hand, catching both of their attention.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt” —She pointed to the door— “I should be going.”

Charley only made it two steps before Inez’s voice echoed through the room. “Get your ass back here.”

Charley froze and slowly turned. Inez pointed to the seat at the breakfast bar. “Sit down.”

“Inez, I think it’s best if she leaves,” Nash said.

Inez smirked and slowly turned. “I bet you do. But this ain’t your home, Nash. It’s mine. Charley, I’m not telling you again.”

Charley rushed to the stool, hopping up and clasping her hands in her lap. Inez tore her gaze from Nash and walked over to the counter in front of her. She ripped off the foil from the bread and the aroma filled the room.

Inez stared at it for way too long. Charley shifted in her seat, sneaking a peak up at Nash. His eyes were trained on her without an ounce of softness. This whole scene was uncomfortable, and she’d have given anything to leave. What am I missing?

“You make this?” Inez asked, and Charley turned her attention back to her landlord.

“Yes.”

Inez slowly nodded and leaned across the counter, grabbing a huge knife from the block.

She lifted it and slammed it down, slicing off a piece at the end.

It was rather dramatic, and Charley sat back in her chair.

It wasn’t necessarily hostile, but it didn’t receive the usual reception when she made baked goods for others.

“Eat it.” Inez snapped, pointing the knife at the lone slice on the edge of the plate.

“Oh, no, I made it for you, I don’t…”

Inez moved closer and waved the knife inches from her face. Charley was already sitting to the back of the chair with little room to move away. Her heart pounded, and her throat thickened, staring at the pointy edge of the sharp, large knife.

“Inez.” Nash growled.

Inez ignored him, and the knife moved a few inches closer. “Eat it.”

“O-okay,” Charley reached her arm out, keeping as much distance as possible between herself and the blade.

Her fingers gripped the piece, and she slowly brought it to her mouth, taking a bite.

It was possibly the best she’d ever made.

It still wasn’t as good as her mother’s but definitely a close second.

Unfortunately, she’d taken too big of a bite and with her nerves on high alert, her mouth was drier than usual.

Inez never took her eyes off her as she chewed.

When she bit into a walnut chunk, her eyes widened, and she flattened her lips. Shit!

Charley was usually adamant about asking people about food allergies before making them anything. She hadn’t this time.

Immediately, Inez started waving the knife closer to Charley’s face, and she jerked back and gasped.

“What the fuck was that?” Inez shouted.

Charley shook her head, realizing she had taken too much bread down her throat, and it felt as if it was lodged. She forcibly coughed and covered her mouth.

“Christ, Inez,” Nash said in the distance, and seconds later, his hand slapped her back. “Get her some water.”

Charley’s eyes welled as she choked on the bread.

“I ain’t getting her shit. What the fuck is in that?”

Charley could barely follow the conversation, and she opened her mouth, desperate for air. And with one hard pound to her back, she got it. The bread dislodged, and she gasped a breath.

“Nuts,” she choked out, coughing and gripping her throat. Her nose started to run, and a tear slipped down her cheek. “I-I should’ve asked.”

Charley sniffled, and Nash’s hand caressed over her back, circling.

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Inez shouted.

“I usually ask if people have nut allergies before I make the bread because of the walnuts. I can make another one without.”

Inez furrowed her brows and darted her gaze between Charley and the bread. Charley covered her mouth and coughed, then swiped her cheeks. She was a mess but felt comforted with Nash’s hand on her back.

Inez walked to the cabinet, grabbed a glass, and filled it with water.

She placed it in front of Charley, and without hesitation, Charley grabbed it, taking a large gulp.

She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand as the embarrassment set in.

She’d almost choked to possible death on banana bread.

That was not a headline anyone wanted to see.

“I’m sorry,” she muttered, and Nash’s hand stilled on her back.

“Why the hell are you sorry?” Inez asked, scowling.

Charley had just lived through the moment. She wasn’t about to narrate it. She shrugged, and Inez face softened slightly.

“All right, I’m done with both of you. Get out.”

Charley reached for the plate, and Inez swatted at her hands.

“Get your hands of my bread.”

Charley widened her eyes. “I can make you another one. Without nuts.”

“I can eat nuts, you little fruitcake! I swear, the headaches y’all bring to my table. I should shoot every last one of you, but since I’m feeling generous” —Her hand shot out, pointing to the door— “Get the fuck out.”

Charley scrambled off the stool. She heard the faint chuckle from behind her.

At least Nash was amused by this whole situation.

Charley, on the other hand, was unsettled and ready to go.

She started to the front door with Nash at her back.

As she reached for the knob, he leaned closer, grabbing it before she could and opened the door, ushering her out into the hallway.

What the heck just happened?

****

Well, that was a fucking shitshow!

Inez’s paranoia was off the rails tonight.

The woman trusted very few people especially strangers.

But suspecting Charley of nefarious behavior?

She might not have understood what was happening but Nash did.

Having Charley taste the bread was to ensure it wasn’t laced with anything.

It was a bit over the top even for Inez.

Nash cupped his jaw. “Give me a minute with Inez.”

“Okay.” She shifted on her feet, seemingly still shaken from the encounter.

Nash walked inside Inez’s apartment. She poked her head around the wall, and her brows tightened. “Didn’t I tell you to get the fuck out?”

Nash ignored the question and walked deeper into the apartment, stopping in the opening to the kitchen. In less than a minute since they’d been gone, Inez had had a slice of banana bread and was currently working on her second.

“I see you’re enjoying it.”

She took a bite of the bread. “Fuck off, Nash.”

He wasn’t above taunting Inez just a little. He pointed to the bread, “Do you mind?”

“Yeah, I do fucking mind. What the hell do you want?”

He didn’t even try and hide his amusement, which only seemed to piss her off more.

“As Charley mentioned, she works for Elle and…”

“Oh, the Queen.” Inez’s tone was mocking. She grabbed a cigarette and lit it. “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet.”

And she wouldn’t. Oz did his due diligence keeping Elodie away from all Underground affairs.

“As I was saying, other arrangements have been made for Charley’s living situation. She won’t be staying long. Another week, possibly two.”

Inez cocked her brow and lifted her cigarette to her lips taking a slow drag. She never took her eyes off of him.

“She’s paid up for the month.”

Nash arched his brow. “I have faith you’ll reimburse her.”

Inez chuckled. “Then you don’t fucking know me too well, Nash. She rides out the month and stays. Non-fucking-negotiable.”

Nash clenched his teeth. “Why?”

The corner of her mouth curled. “Why not? She paid her rent, even offered to drop a security deposit. She’s quiet, not an asshole, and makes me treats. If you think I’m gonna part with fancypants , you got another thing coming.”

Fuck!

“Inez—” Nash held up his hand. He was about to do the impossible and try to reason with her.

“Don’t Inez me.” She smirked and lifted her chin to the front door. “Got yourself a girl, Nash?”

He drew in a breath and flattened his lips. He wouldn’t share anything with Inez, especially in regards to Charley. The woman had a vault of secrets on everyone, ready to use them at any time.

“She works for Elle.”

Inez snickered. “You’re a shitty liar, Nash. Now, get outta here.”

Nash walked out of the apartment and saw Charley leaning against the wall. When she looked over, she pushed off and clasped her hands at her waist.

“Everything okay?”

Nash nodded, resting his hand on her back and leading her down the hall. “Yes.”

“So, um…” She paused. “You and Inez are old friends?”

“Something like that.”

“She was joking about shooting us, right?”

No.

Honesty wasn’t always the best policy, especially when it came to this situation.

“Inez enjoys theatrics.”

As they neared the elevator, she grabbed hold of his pinky, and Nash straightened his back, looking down.

It was rare anyone took liberties with touching him.

Even the women he’d been with knew better than to make any display of affection in public.

Charley was different. She didn’t know the rules. And I like that.

“I’m sorry if I said something wrong.” She looked back at Inez’s door. “I thought it was a simple question, and I…”

Nash slipped his hand into her hers, threading their fingers and sliding over her knuckles. “It was a question, and you answered honestly.”

“I didn’t mean to insinuate…”

Nash jerked his hand to his side, and Charley stumbled forward, bracing her free hand on his stomach. He lowered his head, and she looked up. They were mere inches apart.

“We do know each other, Charley. And in a short time, we’ll know one another better.”

Her cheeks pinkened as she inched closer. “Okay.”

Playing with fire, Nash.