Charlene rolled her eyes. “You do know you’re horrible at this.”
“I don’t know. I think I give great advice,” Sofia stated proudly. “And unless you have a better idea, I suggest you take mine.”
Charlene said, “In case you don’t know already, there are company policies in place at Lawson Steel about dating within the organization.”
“It’s just a phone call. Is there anything against that? And if there is, the rule is stupid and I’ll talk to Dylan about altering it.”
“Sometimes I wonder why I call you,” Charlene sighed, giving up.
“Because I tell you what you don’t want to hear, but what you know you should do. So hang up with me and do it for goodness sake. Trust me, you’re in his home. If that doesn’t say he wants to hear from you, I don’t know what does.”
“Fine. Good night Sofia,” she huffed.
“Go get him,” Sofia teased before ending the call.
When she looked around the room again, she noticed Connor hadn’t budged. It was like he was one of the many statues in the place. Of course, he wasn’t deaf and surely he’d overheard her conversation with Sofia. No way was she about to call Seth while Connor was listening. It wasn’t like there would be anything juicy to hear, but that wasn’t the point. Charlene regretted calling Sofia where Connor could hear. Lawsons like their privacy and her big mouth was not easy to block out. It was another thing she was going to need to work on.
Not even sure duct tape can seal these lips.
She chuckled to herself as she got up off the couch.
“Do you need anything?” Connor asked.
“Nope,” she replied.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
She turned around and said, “I get it. You’re supposed to keep an eye on me at all times. But I’m going to the bathroom and there is no way you’re coming with me. I don’t want you even standing by the door. Because if you do… I’m leaving. Understood?”
I wish I was back home.
Charlene hated the fact she needed to explain every move to someone. Lawsons might like their privacy, but so did she and right now she had very little. As she made her way out of the room, she noticed out of the corner of her eye Connor raising his hand to his side. She stopped in her tracks. Was he reaching for his holstered gun? What did he know that she didn’t?
“Connor? ”
He raised a finger to his lips and she became quiet and still. Then she heard the door opening and she held her breath. Please be Sal.
It wasn’t. Instead it was Seth.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
Connor holstered his gun again and stepped aside.
Seth said, “I live here.”
“You know what I mean. You’re supposed to be…well I’m not sure where you’re supposed to be, but it’s not here.”
He smiled at her. “Not the welcome home I was expecting. Would you be happier to see me if you saw what I have in the bag?”
She put her hands on her hips and said, “I’m not a child that you can bribe.”
“What a shame. Because these are amazing.” She watched Seth reach inside the bag and pull out a truffle. “I wonder which flavor this one is. Are you sure you don’t want one?” he said holding it up.
“I haven’t had any dinner yet,” she responded.
The smile faded. “Are you serious?” She nodded. Seth turned to Connor and said, “What the hell Connor. You’re going to starve her while protecting her?”
Connor didn’t even blink. Charlene added quickly, “I was joking Seth. Of course I’ve eaten. I’d offer you some pizza, but I guess I was hungry.” She pointed to the empty pizza box on the coffee table. “I guess I should’ve eaten in the dining room, but I was more comfortable here. Hope that is okay.”