“Perhaps next time, I’ll just wait outside.”
“Even better,” he said curtly. He saw the disbelief on her face. Knew she wanted to point out that he’d ordered her inside. But he’d spent enough time on this. It was time for her to be on her way then he’d need to sort this mess out.
Christ, what a headache.
“Ms. Paulson—”
“Charlie,” she interrupted.
“What?”
“My friends call me Charlie.”
“We’re not friends.”
She flinched. Kent was always telling him he was too blunt and abrasive. Maybe he was growing unused to dealing with the opposite sex. He guessed Eden didn’t count since she was his sister and used to him.
He was becoming an anti-social grouch. And he’d just hurt this little girl’s feelings.
Not a little girl. Woman.
Except he just couldn’t get that thought out of his head. And if the way she was looking at him now was any indication…well, those big eyes, filled with hurt and disillusionment, would be enough to make any self-respecting daddy take her into his arms and try to ease the hurt with cuddles and kisses.
She’s not a Little. She’s not yours. And she’s going to leave as soon as you can get this done.
“I know we’re not friends, I guess it’s just something people say. Not like I really have any friends to call me Charlie, so I suppose I should have said that everyone calls me Charlie.” By the time she stopped talking, she was bright red and her gaze was darting around the room as though searching for an escape.
She didn’t have any friends? How did someone so sweet and young not have a pile of friends?
“I can’t believe I just blurted all that out.” She ran her hand over her face and he noticed the way it trembled. Nerves?
Say something kind.
“I don’t like the name, Charlie.”
She blinked. Stared.
“I think Charlotte is a beautiful name, though.”
“Oh, well, thanks, I think.” She looked slightly confused, as though trying to work out whether to be insulted or complimented.
“Charlotte, I—”
“Boss man, can I speak to you?” a voice interrupted.
He let out a low noise of displeasure that had Charlotte taking a step back. Crap. He turned to Zeke. “What is it with everyone interrupting me? What is it? I’m busy.”
“Won’t take a minute of your time,” Zeke replied, not appearing the least bit intimidated by Clint’s bad mood. “It’s important.”
“Fine.” He turned back to Charlotte. “Stay here. Don’t move.”
“I really think that I should just—”
“Sit. Stay.”
He turned away before she could say anything more. But he was guessing she didn’t notice the huge mirror on the wall ahead of him. The one in which he saw her stick her tongue out at his back.
Hmm, definitely not as timid as he’d first thought.