Oh God, what if it’s his president again? What if he is coming to talk to me now Callum is out of the way?
It chimes again. Shit, stop hiding and go open the door.
When I cautiously open it, a woman turns and smiles at me. “Charley?”
“Yes,” I say, looking behind her to see a small red car parked on the drive. She’s alone, or so it seems.
“I’m Taylor, did Nashville mention I was coming?”
She watches me as I try to come up with words, because this woman is beautiful and happy and I have no idea who she is or why she is here, yet Callum knew she was coming?
“God, I’m so sorry. I’ve shown up here out of the blue and you’re probably wondering who the hell I am. God forbid these men communicate,” she brushes some hair over her shoulder and smiles at me. “I’m Noah’s girlfriend. Sorry, you probably don’t know who I mean. Do you want me to leave because I’m making an absolute mess of this?”
“Um… Maybe let me know who Noah is?”
“Sorry, I call him Noah. I meant Nero, the president.”
“Oh,” I open the door a little wider.
“If it’s a bad time or you’re completely freaked out, then I can go.”
“No, it’s fine. Um, why are you here though?”
“Noah said you might need company. I hope you don’t mind, but he mentioned what happened the other night at the club.”
“Well, it’s his club and…” How much does she know?
“Could I come in, it’s getting chilly out here.”
“Oh, damn, sorry,” I open the door wide and step back and Taylor comes inside.
She looks around, taking it in as she takes off her coat. “I never would have put Nashville in a house like this,” she turns back and smiles. “Then again, these guys are all full of surprises.”
We stand in the hallway and I glance about. This isn’t my house and I also don’t ever have visitors, or guests, to anywhere I’ve lived. Remembering I’m an adult I offer her a coffee, which she gratefully accepts and follows me to the kitchen.
It’s been cleaned since Callum threw me down on the counter, but I can still picture it and my cheeks flush. Taylor makes herself comfortable on a stool and waits for me to finish the drinks.
“Noah said you’re new to the city?” she asks when I’m facing her across the island.
“He knows a lot.”
“Trust me, you don’t know the half of it.”
“What does that mean?” I ask sharply.
Taylor frowns. I don’t have to be polite to someone I don’t know or didn’t invite around here but she is nonplussed when she replies. “Noah likes to keep people safe.”
“Does he think he needs to protect Callum from me?” My brows lift.
“No. Oh God I’ve got off on the wrong foot totally here. I’m new to all of this as well if I’m being honest. I’ve only been with Noah for about three months. I was his best friends nurse when we met.”
“You’re a nurse?”
“I am,” she smiles, some of the hesitancy leaving her voice.
“I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” I tell her. “I’m just a very private person and having people asking questions about me or looking me up is a sore spot.”
“I totally understand, Charley. And if I gave you that impression I’m sorry. Noah wouldn’t have asked me to come round here if he didn’t think you were important to Nashville. And if that is true, then he will respect Nashville’s privacy. He just thought you might need someone to talk to. My friends say I’m a pretty good listener, but I’m also amazing at small talk or anything to do with the Baltimore Orioles.”
