Page 60 of Finding My Charming

Great. Now I am left with only my thoughts. I checked the time and gasped. I’d managed to waste more time than I’d thought. Vincent would be here any minute.

Without a second thought, I turned off my computer and ran to the bathroom to make sure I looked presentable. The trace amount of mascara I’d applied that morning was still going strong, so I fluffed my hair a bit before resigning to the fact that I looked as good as I could, given the circumstances.

I hurried back to my desk and grabbed my phone and purse. There were still a few people in the office, so I didn’t worry about locking up behind me. I was in such a rush to make sure Vincent wasn’t in front waiting for me that I ran headfirst into someone.

I stepped back and rubbed my forehead that was tingling from the impact. “Sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Seems to be a habit of yours.” Brilliant blue eyes shone down at me.

“Oh!” I jumped back in surprise. Dallin was the last person I was expecting to see in that moment.

“Going somewhere important?” His eyes now held a teasing glint that matched his smirk.

“I… um… well?” What is going on with me? I forced myself to break eye contact, hoping that would help my brain function again. Scanning the street, I didn’t see Vincent or the silver car he said he drove.

“You seem confused. I thought you had a date tonight.”

His words shocked me even more than running into him had. “How do you know that?”

His smirk grew into his full lopsided smile while he crossed his arms over his wide chest. “Your friend mentioned it when you guys came in for lunch.”

My hand twitched, itching to take out my phone and send Ari a scathing text. I never should have trusted her around him. It was bad enough hearing his words coming from her. Having it come directly from his mouth would be more than I could handle.

“You don’t have anything to be worried about, you know.” He was staring at me intently as if trying to figure out for himself whether or not I believed him.

Before I could stop myself, I sighed. “You don’t even know me.”

Instead of losing his smile, like I expected, it deepened. “I kind of do.”

My eyebrow shot up with his cocky assumption. “No. You really don’t.”

“You’re the middle child with two sisters. You stick out like a sore thumb with them.” He gave me a look like he was checking my reaction, which was a glare. “You’re hardworking and obviously smart. You’re kind and easily make friends — when you want to.”

My jaw was slowly dropping, but he continued before I could interrupt.

“You like to please those around you, especially your dad. You might be going to school for law, but I don’t think you know what you want.”

“I… you… How?” I shuddered breathlessly failing to process what had just happened.

His lopsided grin grew to epic proportions. “I’ve watched you, Elise. I’ve seen how you interact with everyone in your office. You’re courteous and thoughtful. You got into Lincoln with an academic scholarship, so you’re obviously smart and determined.”

I held up my hand, signaling him to pause. “Either you’re a stalker or a mind reader, and both options creep me out, so please stop.”

I took a step to the side, hoping to avoid him, but he mirrored me, blocking my escape.

“I’m observant, not a creep. Sherrie also told me the majority of what I just said. I’ve seen you with your sisters going in and out of the office.”

I tilted my chin up so I was looking him in the eyes and gave him a challenging look while mulling over his words. All very logical explanations. Dang him.

“It’s still creepy.”

His shook his head and chuckled while taking a step back. “I’m sorry. I am. I wasn’t trying to be a creep or a stalker I just wanted you to know that you really shouldn’t worry about tonight. Any guy would be lucky to have a chance with you.”

With the last word, he turned and walked down the street. He turned the corner before I could respond. What does he mean? I didn’t understand. I might not get a chance to ask for clarification without hounding him, and my pride wouldn’t let that happen.

I debated with myself for about a half a second about going after him, but I quickly pushed the thought far away and turned around to face the street. Moments later, a sleek, silver car stopped at the curb in front of me, and the driver door opened. I watched as Vincent slowly stood to his full height with his back to me. Despite my best efforts to play it cool, I couldn’t pull my eyes off the soft-looking shirt that was being pulled taut against a wide back of lean muscle.

My breath caught in my chest as he turned, and I had a moment to take in his strong profile. Jaws like his should be illegal.