Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“When else would I go out for dinner?”

He ignores my comment and talks right through it. “With whom?”

“What?” His sudden interest in my personal life takes me by surprise.

“I’m asking if I need to send a bodyguard, just in case there’s even a one percent chance that your date turns out to be a kidnapper.”

Given my luck with men, the possibility of my date being a kidnapper, or worse a murderer, is unfortunately not far-fetched.

“I’m not some magnet for crazy guys, okay?”

My words immediately remind me of the infuriating text and the asshole who dared to ask for forgiveness after what he did.

Forget it, Daisy.

“I’m just going out with my girlfriends. Willow is going to pick me up in an hour.”

Charles shakes his head, setting his laptop bag down on my desk, and I know what’s coming.

“Don’t start with the speech now.”

“It’s not a speech. But do you know how insane it is that you don’t drive at twenty-three?”

“And who in God’s name is afraid of crowds at twenty-nine?” I fire back.

As soon as the words escape, Charles winces, as if I’ve struck him with a whip.

Crap!

It’s been four years, and I’ve never once questioned his eccentricities when it comes to anything with the word social in them. On the day of my interview, he mentioned he doesn’t do crowded places. I assumed he simply avoided them when possible, not that he detested being in a room with unfamiliar people with the same intensity I reserve for having a plate of cockroaches for dinner.

But that’s none of my freaking business.

“Charles, I’m so sorry. It just slipped out. I didn’t mean it.” I feel a pang in my chest as he looks away, a forced smile on his lips.

“I’d say it was called for.”

“God, no. I was just being a bitch because of something else, and I took it out on you.” The words slip out of my mouth before I can control them.

His entire demeanor shifts as expected, and the sharpness returns in his gaze. “What happened?”

I shake my head. I don’t want to drag him into this mess. It’ll just confirm his suspicions like I’m that lame girl who dates kidnappers. “It’s nothing like that. I’m just tired.”

Charles circles my desk and swivels my chair to face him. He shuts off the PC and is about to swipe his hand on my neatly placed Post-its, when I throw myself onto the table.

“What are you doing? That’s my work!”

“Okay. I’m not touching anything.” He promptly takes a step back. “But let’s call it a day. Start fresh tomorrow.” His gaze softens, hands held out in front of him, signaling he won’t disturb anything.

“Who are you and what have you done with my demanding boss who expects me to work like a robot and never leave this office?”

“Don’t worry, he’s not far. As soon as we get over next week, he’ll be back.” Before he can turn away and leave, Charles meets my eyes. “I’ll have Steve on standby. If you need anything, just call him.”

“Are you ready to place your order, ladies?” A waitress walks over as Willow and I take our reserved seats in Giovanni’s, Cherrywood’s famous pizza joint and family restaurant. Christmas lights twinkle in every corner, and there’s a towering fir tree near the entrance. There’s a warm, cozy feel, with candles burning at every table next to a small orange flower arrangement.

My best friends and I have come here almost once a week since we were in school.

“Oh, we’re still waiting—” I start, but my words halt as Violet and Elodie stroll over.