Shark Out of Water by DelSheree Gladden

the European circuit, but she has been working here in the United States more often lately.”
    Charlotte surprised him by laughing. “How did I not see that coming?” she shook her head and chuckled. “You come off as the absolute stereotype of a French man, arrogant, charming, and seductive. Of course your sister would be a gorgeous French fashion model! Are your parents painters or musicians?”
    It was too much, Guy began laughing and shaking his head. “My mother is a wonderful painter, but my father works in finance. He did, anyway. He is retired now.”
    “Do they live in a gorgeous Parisian flat overlooking the Eiffel Tower?” Charlotte was grinning, now, enjoying teasing him, but Guy could only shake his head again.
    “A château in Beynac-et-Cazenac, actually, a city on the cliffs.” Guy smiled at the thought of being there soon. As much as he did not want to be badgered about moving home, he was anticipating the calming atmosphere of the country.
    “Is that where you grew up?” Charlotte asked. “I didn’t have you pegged for a country boy.”
    “Pegged?” Guy asked.
    “I meant, I didn’t imagine you as having grown up out in the country. You seem very comfortable in the city.”
    “ Oui, I am . You were right before. My parents moved to the country for retirement. I grew up in Paris, in a large flat, but it was on the Seine, not by the Eiffel Tower.” He shook a finger at her. “You did not guess that correctly, at least. I am not all stereotype.”
    Even though Charlotte laughed again, she looked at him seriously. “You know I was just joking. You are very far from a stereotype, even though I think you enjoy letting people think that of you.”
    “It is what people expect.”
    Charlotte did not respond to that. She shook her head as if she did not believe him, but she chose not to argue. He still was unsure of what quality Charlotte possessed that felt so comforting, but he found himself wishing he could have stayed with her longer. Unfortunately, it was time for him to get back to the hospital.
    “Charlotte, I regret that I must say goodbye.”
    She looked over at him, startled. “Has it been that long already? I hadn’t realized.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry if I kept you longer than I should have.”
    “Please do not say you are sorry. I would stay much longer if I could, but I will have more than one person cross at me if I do not arrive on time. I enjoyed speaking with you very much.” He hesitated, not sure why he suddenly felt so insecure. He feared pushing this any further, but he also feared leaving his next interaction with Charlotte up to chance. “Could we do this again?” he asked finally.
    Her fingers paused in their stirring of her lemonade. She did not look up at him right away. Even when she did, there was indecision in her eyes. That same strange pain blossomed in his chest again. Did she really not believe what she had said about him, that he was not the cavalier and arrogant version of himself he portrayed?
    “I… I would like that,” Charlotte said. She met his eyes squarely, showing him her fear, but also her anticipation.
    “You would?” He could not keep the surprise from his voice.
    Charlotte laughed. “Yes, why wouldn’t I?” She said it casually, but it was clear from her expression that there were definitely reasons she would not. Guy did not know what they were, but something was pushing her to turn him away.
    Before she could change her mind, Guy pushed his mobile phone across the table to her. He kept his hand on the phone, ready to pull it back if needed. “Would it be too brash of me to ask for your number?”
    Charlotte tapped her fingers on her own phone. After a moment’s hesitation, she pushed it toward him. “Not if you give me yours as well.”
    Smiling with relief, Guy abandoned his own phone and picked up hers. He heard her let out a breath as he worked on saving his number into her contacts. By the time he had finished, she