“Cough, cough…” Celestine suddenly burst into a fit of coughing. “Clifton, I can’t—”
“What’s the matter? Too old for you? Or is it just that sour look on his face?” Clifton was relentless, pitching Gideon as if he were the prize at a county fair. “Don’t be fooled by his grumpy mug—he’s only a few years older than you. Besides, as you kids say, he’s never even dated. Pure, old-fashioned romance, if you want it. And hey, once he’s gone, there’s a fat inheritance waiting for you.”
With each word, Gideon’s expression grew a shade darker.
With each word, Celestine felt her soul shrivel up a little more.
Honestly… calling him unattractive with a face like that? She’d have to be blind.
But… but he’s already married.
She shot a furtive glance at Gideon, whose face was black as thunder.
Why won’t he just tell Clifton the truth? If he did, none of this awkward mess would be happening.
Seeing Celestine hesitate, Clifton turned his focus to Gideon, eager for backup. “Come on, Gideon, say something! What do you think of Celestine?”
“Clifton, I appreciate your efforts, but Mr. Prescott and I…” Celestine began, searching for a gentle way to decline.
Knowing Gideon, he’d probably say something like, “If you like her so much, Grandpa, why don’t you date her yourself?”
The thought alone made her want to sink through the floor.
After a long, loaded silence, Gideon finally spoke up under Clifton’s prodding. “Miss Selwyn, Grandpa is very pleased with you.”
Celestine felt a chill run down her spine.
Here it comes.
Just as she braced herself, Gideon and Celestine spoke at the same time.
“Clifton, I’m not single and have no plans to date right now!”
“We could have dinner sometime.”
They both stopped, their words colliding in the air, eyes meeting in a flash of mutual embarrassment.
Celestine’s cheeks flushed hot.
Right then, the elevator doors slid open. She blurted out a quick, “Goodbye!” and fled.
“You little brat, what did you do to Celestine? Look how you scared her off,” Clifton scolded, scooping up the little white dog and stroking its fur affectionately.
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