Page 172 of The Grand Duel

It’s from the new scheduler.

A new appointment for Charles Aldridge at eight o’clock today.

I see the note attached and click on it.

You look beautiful today, Lis.

I stare at the message until my eyes go fuzzy, and I have to rub at them, trying for thinking a lost cause.

Charles doesn’t make it back by five, and I quickly pop into his office with Mrs Chamberlin’s file before leaving for the day. The dogs have spent the day at Mason Lowell’s estate, Charles seemingly taking Luna’s injury seriously and making changes. It makes me happy, if not a bit sad to not have them at my feet following me around the office.

I round his desk and drop down in the seat, taking a moment to sit in his space and feel immersed in him. His office is personal to him. Warm and rich. I can see why he wanted to keep the space when he moved the business into the headquarters.

I place the file onto his desk with a sigh, contemplating if going to dinner with him is a good idea.

After last night, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to spend time with him. To let him show me just how much his apology means.

Light from the desk catches my eye and I sit up, noticing his open laptop has flashed with a notification.

The laptop he uses in the car.

His personal laptop.

I narrow my eyes on it, unable to stop my mind from wandering.

Not able to help myself, I quickly click the button to unlock it, and when a password prompt pops up, I wrinkle my nose and jokingly typedaisyandluna.

The screen clears, a list appearing.

I frown at the words listed and scroll quickly to the top until I see my name.

I freeze, adrenaline pumping under my skin.

I’m instantly intrigued.

LissieEltonAldridge

Persistent

Kind

Brown eyes

Knows how to fill a silence