“Did you research your potential employer, Nadia?”
“I didn’t have time. The call came as I was having dinner. I walked straight here.”
He sighed heavily, as if she were the veriest of morons.
“Tell me. Why were you running earlier?”
“I heard footsteps behind me. I’m sure it was only my imagination, but I got spooked.”
Luc straightened and cast a critical eye over the storefront window across the way. “Were you to meet a man or a woman?”
“Man.”
“Description?”
“He said he had sandy-brown hair and that he’d be wearing a blue suit.”
“I see no one fitting your description.” He gave her a troubled look. “Do you think it’s possible you were set up?”
She spun and frantically searched the seating area of the coffee shop.
He was right.
Moisture burned her eyes, and she closed her lids against the sting of the tears. How idiotic could one woman be? She’d wanted a decent-paying job so badly that she never questioned the bizarre circumstances.
“You must think I’m stupid.” Her face burned with embarrassment. Who didn’t research a company before accepting an interview?
“No. Eager to find employment, and perhaps a bit naive, but not stupid.”
The sympathy in his voice caused her stomach to hurt.
Silly, silly Nadia. Always doing foolish things.
“I’m always trusting the wrong people,” she admitted. “For all I know, you could be the Devil himself, and I’d be here making friends.”
His rough bark of laughter surprised her. “You’re delightful. Come. I will buy you a cup of coffee on the off chance your interviewer makes an appearance.”
Together they crossed the empty street and entered the building.
“Sorry, folks. We’re closing in ten,” the unkempt man behind the register told them.
“Surely you can spare the time to brew two lattes to go,” Luc cajoled.
Only Nadia witnessed the slight narrowing of his eyes. The barista was too busy swiping through his phone to notice.
“I’ve already shut down the brewer,” the guy stated. “I have a date, man.”
“I wouldn’t want to hold you up from your date,” Luc said dryly, but there was a coolness to his tone.
Sensing things were about to take a turn for the worse, Nadia placed her hand over Luc’s. “It’s no big deal.”
He stilled. His incredulous gaze shot back and forth between her hand and her face.
“Who are you?” he asked sharply.
She released him and backed away. “N-Nadia Cummings.”
“Give me your hand, Nadia,” he commanded.
