Page 7
It was. He didn’t connect on too many levels with any of the members of Killcreek. Nash had chosen his path and never looked back. No regrets. But he respected the ride and their brotherhood. Always.
“Like I said. Give me a day, and I’ll be in touch,” Ace said.
“Thanks,” —Nash paused— “brother.”
It was a term he only used with Ace. A sign of respect.
For a short time, that’s exactly what they’d been to each other.
There was a small stretch of silence, then the line went dead.
Nash tossed his phone on the desk and turned to his laptop.
He had a few things to wrap up on the business end of the club.
It was always important to keep the numbers efficient and correct.
After all, their legitimate businesses were what kept them off the radar of authorities.
When he heard the knock on the door, he didn’t bother looking up from his computer. With the X-Lounge closed and Oz off the premises, there was only security in the building.
“Come in.” Nash heard it open.
“Charley Hudson is here for Elle.”
His hands stilled on the keyboard, and he looked to the door where Ridge was standing in the open doorway. It was the last thing he’d expected to hear.
“She’s here?”
Ridge gave a curt nod. “Caine brought her up. She said Elle told her to meet her here about inventory. I don’t know anything about it.”
That made two of them. It was rare anyone attempted to come to the office without being announced and a formal meeting being set up. Oz hadn’t mentioned anything to him. Before Elodie, this would’ve raised red flags and suspicions. Things had changed.
Nash stood, heading to the door. He knew Oz’s schedule, and that he was having dinner with Elodie and Sal. He considered reaching out, but he’d do his own investigation first. He buttoned his jacket as he walked down the hall with security following in line behind him.
Charley Hudson. Nash bit back a smile. He’d only met her a few times at Elodie’s shop.
To say she was reserved, quiet, and shy would’ve been the understatement of the year.
The first time they’d met, she was like a deer caught in headlights.
Nash understood the apprehension with Oz being an intimidating figure.
However, her response to him had been interesting.
Nervous, with a pink blush crossing over her cheeks.
She barely spoke a word to him on the rare occasion their paths crossed.
She only offered a shy, quiet hello when he’d greeted her first.
The women he casually dated were long past their days of blushing.
In fact, it had been decades since any woman had shown a sense of nervousness around him.
It was new for Nash, and he enjoyed it a little too much.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Nash made a point of finding reasons to casually stop by Elodie’s shop for a run in.
He didn’t do it often. But it was his guilty pleasure.
He rounded the corner and saw her standing at the railing overlooking the main floor of the club.
It was closed and not much to see, but she seemed enamored and completely focused.
Her long reddish-brown hair was usually up in a severe ponytail.
Tonight, it was loose waves down to her mid-back.
He couldn’t see her eyes, but he remembered them as pale blue.
Her long dark lashes only accentuated her almond shaped eyes.
Charley wasn’t stunningly beautiful. With minimal makeup and her subdued fashion choices, she wasn’t the type of woman who’d capture everyone’s attention when she entered a room.
But she’d certainly gotten Nash’s. Every fucking time.
Her head tilted, looking over at the DJ booth on the raised platform.
It had been one of the more expensive design choices.
Though, nothing in the club had been cheap.
Every detail was thought out. Nash had played a role in the design.
For an upscale club, it didn’t disappoint.
It rarely crossed his mind what others thought of the club, but with her expression, he was intrigued.
“I don’t see the appeal,” Charley muttered.
Nash flattened his lips, dropped his chin to his chest, and resisted the urge to smile.
That was the last thing he’d expected to hear.
A lot of people, primarily women, fawned over every intricate detail of the club.
Not Charley. It was refreshing, honest, and genuine, especially since Charley was under the impression she was alone.
“No?” Nash said, watching her back straighten and her hand fist the railing.
Surprise, kitten.
Charley slowly turned. Her lips were clamped together tightly, and two small lines formed between her brows. Her face flushed as she darted her gaze over him and his men. Nash stepped forward, and she seemed to shrink slightly.
“Our club isn’t up to your standards?”
She gasped and widened her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
He expected an apology, though it was unnecessary. Nash moved closer, noticing her knuckles turn white. When he was a foot away, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, tugging it slightly. She immediately released her hold.
“Don’t be. You’re entitled to your own opinion.”
When he let go of her wrist, she dropped her hand to her side and nervously shifted on her feet.
He glanced over his shoulder, locking eyes with Ridge.
Nash lifted his chin, silently dismissing the men.
They all went separate ways to either end of the balcony.
It wasn’t complete privacy, but he hoped it would settle her nerves.
Nash was well aware how intimidating his men could be.
“I don’t know anything about night clubs, so my opinion means nothing.” Her voice shook on the last word.
“I disagree. Sometimes, it’s good to have insight from someone outside of the realm. Gives a different perspective, especially coming from someone whose opinion is valuable to others.”
Charley seemed to relax for a brief second only to snort and shake her head. “Nobody values my opinion.”
“Elle does,” he countered.
She peeked up through her lashes, and the corners of her mouth curved into a small smile. Even before this moment, Nash knew Elodie’s opinion of Charley meant a lot to her employee. On a few instances, he’d overheard Elodie talking with Oz about Charley. She’d had nothing but praise.
“I like the art,” Charley blurted, and her cheeks turned to a darker shade of red. She fidgeted with her scarf and veered her gaze to the opposite side of the room.
She was so on edge, he felt an unrelenting need to put her at ease. She still had one hand on her neck while the other traced the zipper of her purse.
“Charley?” When she looked up at him, Nash smiled and gestured to the table. “Have a seat.”
Charley made her way to the table and sat. Nash unbuttoned his jacket, taking the seat across from her.
“Do you know a lot about art?”
She drew in a breath. “Um, no. I just know what I like, if that makes sense.”
It did. Art was all about interpretation. A hundred people could look at the same painting, and ninety-nine could think it was the worst display they’d ever seen. And that one remaining person could deem it a masterpiece.
Nash stared back at Charley. She looked different tonight.
Still beautiful but her clothes were casual, obviously nothing she’d gotten from the boutique.
Blue jeans and a white T-shirt. And her oddly added accessory.
The scarf was pretty, probably something she’d picked up from Elodie’s store. Though it didn’t match the outfit.
Charley clasped her hands, resting them in her lap. As the seconds ticked by, he noticed she glanced around the room, twisting her fingers and blatantly avoiding eye contact.
“Elle didn’t mention a meeting,” he said. Nash hadn’t expected her response. She jerked her head and immediately reached inside her purse, pulling out her phone. Her hand shook as she tapped the screen.
“I can show you the proof, um…” She stumbled over her words. “I mean, what she sent me.”
She bit her lip, and her features strained when she muttered, “Where is it?”
It was an odd reaction to a simple question. Nash lightly grabbed her wrist in an effort to calm her. It had the polar opposite effect. She gasped softly, and her pulse went into overdrive under his palm.
“Relax, Charley,” he whispered.
“I may have misunderstood the message.”
He slid his thumb over her skin. “Show me.”
She turned the phone, and his eyes scanned the screen.
She hadn’t misunderstood. It was written out clearly. Elodie set up a meeting at the X-Lounge for them to meet at eight to discuss inventory.
“You didn’t. However, it’s possible Elle has forgotten.”
“Okay, that’s fine. I can meet with her another day at her convenience. I’ll just go now.” She glanced down at his hand clutching hers. It would’ve put her at ease if he let her go.
Not yet.
He shifted forward in his seat and leaned closer, “Do I make you nervous?”
Her throat bobbed, and her bottom lip trembled slightly. Nash didn’t expect an answer, but he wanted one. He was sure she’d stay silent. She didn’t.
“A little,” she whispered.
He smiled. “Why is that? Have I done something?”
“No.” She jumped in her seat and blurted. “You’re…”
“I’m, what?” Nash cocked his head. He’d never been so invested in an answer in his life.
Charley bit her bottom lip, her eyes the size of saucers. Her gaze drifted over his face down to his chest. Her cheeks turned a beautiful shade of pink, and he was hanging on her next words.
Tell me!
At that exact moment, the elevator pinged, and from the distance, he heard the doors opening.
He assumed it was Oz but hesitated looking.
He was too focused on Charley. Beautiful but unassuming.
He’d called it the first time he’d met her at Elodie’s boutique.
Quiet and painfully shy. Nash didn’t have a specific type, but she was not the kind of woman he’d ever taken an interest in. Until now.
“Charley?” Elodie’s high heels tapped against the floor as she hurried to the balcony.
Charley immediately stood, and he was forced to release her.
“H-hi.”
“I can’t believe I forgot about a meeting I set up. I’m so sorry.” Elodie pulled her in for a hug. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No.” Charley patted her back and looked uncomfortable in the embrace. He suspected it had nothing to do with Elodie. Nash knew how much she enjoyed her boss. It was probably the overall situation.
Elodie let go of her but held onto her arm. “How long?”
“Um, just a few minutes.”
Liar.
Elodie squinted and looked over at Nash.
“She’s been waiting for twenty minutes.”
Elodie gasped, and her shoulders slumped. Charley shook her head.
“It’s totally fine.”
“Elodie.”
The deep voice caught everyone’s attention, and he looked over at Oz. He stood a few feet away with Sal by his side.
“We’ll be in my office,” Oz said.
“Okay.” Elodie smiled then waved her hand. “Wait! Sal, come meet Charley.”
Sal walked over, stopping next to Elodie and smiling at Charley.
“Charley, this is Sal, a close friend of the family.” She hooked her arm through Sal’s. “And Sal, this is the fabulous Charley I was bragging about during dinner.”
Sal laughed and offered his hand. “This one went on and on about you being some kind of savior for the shop. She talked so much about you, I feel like I already know you, honey.”
Nash shifted his gaze, watching Charley smile and shake his hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, sir.”
Sir. That would go a long way with Sal. It was old school and a sign of respect.
Sal leaned closer with her hand in his, “You call me Sal. I only make the boys call me sir.”
Charley chuckled with a sharp nod. “Sal.”
Sal released her hand and started to turn. “Take your time, honey. I got a cigar with my name on it, and your man won’t let me smoke it when you’re around.”
Nash tightened his lips. Rules had changed since Elodie’s pregnancy. Smoking of any kind in her presence was forbidden.
“Again, Charley, I’m so sorry.” Elodie placed her hand on her stomach. “Baby brain is kicking my ass, and he’s not even here yet. Do you have time for the inventory, or do you want to set up something else? It’s your call.”
Her response was immediate without an ounce of hesitation. A true people pleaser.
“I can stay.”
Elodie brushed her hand over Charley’s arm and passed. “Great, c’mon. And thanks for keeping her company, Nash.”
Charley glanced up at him, and her lips parted. Her chest rose in a steady pace, but the crimson still shaded her cheeks. She scanned his face, and when her gaze dropped to his lips, Nash couldn’t resist.
“My pleasure.”
Charley jerked her head and swiftly followed behind Elodie, heading to the corner table on the balcony.
Interesting.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7 (Reading here)
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53