Page 65 of Game Change

He stands straight, and several seconds pass before he faces me. “Her name is Francesca, and she’s not coming over,” he says.

“Oh?” I arch an eyebrow. Of all things, I never thought he was a playboy. “Well, whoever she is, I can—”

“There’s a blizzard out there. Who do you think I have coming over?” he asks. He sounds a little testy, which I’m not used to from him. “The other place setting is for you. Sit. Dinner is just about ready.”

He pulls a roasted chicken out of the oven and a platter of mashed potatoes. There’s already a bowl of green beans on the table. My stomach growls again and my mouth waters. He gestures to one of the place settings.

“Why are you here making my favorite dinner?” I ask with my eyes narrowed.

“You know, Brynne, it’s possible that you’re not the only person on earth who likes to eat this.”

“And you were going to eat it all by yourself?” Something about this doesn’t seem right. He just shows up at the office out of the blue, and now he’s made my favorite meal.

“There’s such a thing as leftovers. Please, sit,” he says through clenched teeth. I eye him and the food again. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. I can admit to myself that having me here is a kindness.

“Well, you don’t have to feed me. I appreciate you taking me in, but I’ve already imposed enough on you; I can’t expect you to give me food, too.”

He stares at me before rolling his eyes. “So, you’re not going to eat for the next few days?”

“I have TicTacs in my purse and a handful of chocolates I found on Heath’s desk.” I’d sooner starve than eat them; I only took them because it will piss him off.

“Those are his special chocolates from Belgium. He will have a fit when he gets back to work.” I roll my eyes. As if I give a damn what that little jerk feels about some stupid chocolates. “He’s not a little jerk,” Colin says, and I realize I must have said that out loud.

“Okay. You’re right. He’s a tall, annoying jerk.” I snatch my purse, pull out my TicTacs, and sit on the couch. I realize I only have two.

“Are you going to ration those over the next few days? Do you want a knife so you can cut them? Maybe you can have a tiny piece once every few hours.” He stands over me, reaches for my breath mints, and snatches them. “You’re my guest. I heard your stomach growl about four times since I saw you. Stop being so damn stubborn and eat.” He opens the container and puts them both in his mouth. He looks me in the eyes as he chews them.

My stomach growls again, and I look out the window. It’s pitch-black outside, and the tree branches scrape against the window. Even in the dark, I can see the flurries flying around outside. There’s no way I’m leaving tonight. I might not even be able to go tomorrow. I’m stuck, and I’m already starving.

He pulls out a chair and sits himself at the other one. Resigned, I approach the table and sit down. He serves himself, and I do the same. After the first bite of chicken, I close my eyes at how delicious it is. It has to be because I’m hungry. The mashed potatoes are seasoned perfectly and with the right amount of garlic flavor. They’re creamy and buttery, just the way I like them.

I forget my unease of being here with him and eat as if this is my last meal. Everything is delicious, and after I finish my plate, I help myself to more. Throughout, we don’t speak, but he eyes me often, and when I take seconds, his lips curl into a small smile.

I eat until I’m full, then I wash my meal down with a cold bottle of water. Once I’m done, I lean back in the chair, satisfied.

“Thank you,” I say.

“You’re welcome. I know my meal is not on the same level as TicTacs, but I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

I feel a blush spread across my cheeks.

“Let me clean up as a thank you.” Since there is hardly any food left, I start to clear the table. He helps me. I rinse the dishes and load the dishwasher. By the time I’m done, he’s wiped down the table.

I look around, unsure of what to do now. It’s barely eight o’clock, and if I was with Raven like planned, we’d be up late talking and eating with a true crime documentary on in the background.

Chapter 34

Colin

Once the kitchen was clean, she ran upstairs, claiming she was going to read a book.

It’s been sweet torture having her here. Even those ugly gray sweatpants couldn’t make me stop wanting her. I had to use all my willpower not to allow my dick to pop up, but she’s so damn beautiful. Even when she was outside in those ridiculous boots sliding all over the place, she was beautiful. At one point, a snowflake landed on her eyelashes, and I wanted to kiss it.

I’ve dreamed of her here. I’ve pictured her here. When we parted ways on the island, I knew it would only be a matter of days before she would be here with me. Only there would be no talk of her leaving or of us living in different parts of the country. Now, she’s here, and she’s further away than ever.

I’ve considered letting her go and moving on with someone else, but she’s still the woman I want. Having her upstairs is like the worst possible torture. It’s only ten o’clock now, and she’s only been here a few hours, but it feels like days.

I stare at the television in my room and have no idea what show is on or what it’s about. I wonder if she has a book or only said that to get away from me. Maybe the pull is too strong for her too. The difference is that I’d happily give in, bring her to bed, slide inside of her, and not pull out until morning.

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