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Chapter 67

Chapter 67

I wondered, ‘Ernest? Isn’t he a taxi driver? How does he turn into the lighting technician I’ve been waiting for eagerly?‘

For a moment, I felt like I was hallucinating.

“Ms. Hudson, meet Mr. Collins,” Graham introduced us.

Ernest extended his hand toward me. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Hudson.”

His tone and gaze were as if we were strangers.

I was still seated, and from my angle, I could see his perfect jawline and irresistibly sexy Adam’s apple, which made my heart race.

Deborah nudged me with her elbow, snapping me back to reality. I stood up and shook his

hand.

Our hands barely touched before he spoke, “Ms. Hudson, please continue your meal. I’ll check out the site.”

“No, I’ll come with you,” I said, standing up, but Ernest didn’t move.

He suddenly turned to the man beside him. “Graham, have you eaten? I haven’t grabbed a bite yet. What’s good to eat around here?”

“I’ve eaten,” Graham chuckled and looked at me, “We can order something.”

I caught the hint in his glance and immediately addressed Deborah, “Deborah, could you please order something for Mr. Collins?”

“Sure,” Deborah quickly took out her phone and asked, “Mr. Collins, what would you like? Pizza, burgers, or maybe a steak?”

Ernest gestured toward the half–eaten takeaway before me. “I’ll have what she’s having.”

My order was Deborah’s recommendation, which was a spicy beef burger.

But Ernest was from the South. I thought spicy food wouldn’t be his thing. Yet, he chose it. “Okay, that’s a local specialty. It looks like Mr. Collins and Ms. Hudson share the same taste,” Deborah remarked while placing the order.

Feeling uneasy, I cleared my throat and looked at Ernest and Graham. “Shall we then…”

“Let’s eat first. Need to have the energy for work,” Ernest said, setting down his backpack and pulling out a half–drunk bottle of water, taking a few gulps.

Watching his throat move as he drank, I couldn’t help but swallow hard myself.

The food wouldn’t arrive for another twenty minutes. Holding the bottle, Ernest said, “Ms.

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Chapter 67

Hudson, please continue your meal. We’ll check out the site in the meantime.”

After he and Graham left, Deborah nudged me. “Girl, Mr. Collins is so hot, so manly.”

Humans are visual creatures, and Deborah was instantly attracted to this man.

I had to admit that Deborah had good taste.

“Don’t you have a boyfriend?” I continued eating my burger.

Deborah giggled. “Doesn’t stop me from window shopping. He’ll be gone once he has the lights set up. No harm done.”

Her words caught me off guard. I never expected the typically demure Deborah to harbor such wild thoughts.

“Player!” I teased her, then cautioned, “Keep it in check. Don’t mess around.”

“It’s just a little fun during a dull month here. Don’t worry. I won’t cross any lines,” Deborah seemed already scheming to charm Ernest.

Remembering something Ernest had told me, I shook my head.

Ernest’s order arrived in twenty–two minutes, and Deborah spent twenty–two minutes talking about him. Love at first sight seemed true with Deborah.

I couldn’t help but think if Deborah broke up with her current boyfriend because of Ernest, I’d feel partly guilty. And I had a feeling Ernest wouldn’t be into Deborah.

Though Deborah seemed to be looking for fun only, I knew feelings could turn genuine and hurtful once involved. It was best to nip Deborah’s crush in the bud to spare her any potential heartache.

So, I mentioned, “He’s already interested in someone.”

“Really?” Deborah looked at me, curious. “How do you know? Do you know him?”

Explaining our acquaintance would only lead to more questions.