Alyssa blinked twice, yet she found Nicholas still there, right in front of her nose. When did he creep up so close to her? Clarissa cleared her throat and looked from one to the other, clearly at a loss for words. “Umm, Alyssa, this is Nicholas Donnelly, sir’s best friend, but I guess you know that already. Please wait here for, sir. He’ll join you in a minute,” she mumbled uncomfortably, and made a dash for the door, eager to escape the room. Despite her lengthy speech, not once did their gazes waver as they stared at one another for what seemed like ages. “I know you’re indebted to me, but staring isn’t a way of thanking me,” he pointed out with an amused grin on his face. Alyssa blinked and looked away, her cheeks flushed at being caught staring. Who wanted to stare at him, anyway?