Page 16 of The Widower
Colin walked off without even saying good night to me.Still an expert at ignoring me…
CHAPTER 5
“Time is the best remedy for a wounded heart.”
COLIN ADAMS
I was about to fire Isabelle the moment I realized she’d broken one of the rules I value most.
She’s clumsy, gets under my skin more than any woman I’ve ever hired, talks back whenever she can, and even brings people into my house without permission.
All perfectly good reasons not to like someone like her.
And yet… there’s something about her that pulls my attention. It’s not just her beauty—I keep trying to ignore that—but the way she holds herself together even when I’m sharp with her. She refuses to crumble, and that’s a rare trait, especially for someone living under the same roof as me. My property. My rules. My control.
I’ll admit it—what she said about Hanna’s father leaving them got to me. She sounded genuine, and that was probably the only reason I didn’t do what I should’ve done and fire her on the spot.
Despite everything, I’m not as cruel as I may seem.
I was already at Vero Italian Restaurant, waiting for James, who was late—as usual. He’d set up this meeting over a week ago, but some habits never die.
After more than thirty minutes, he finally showed up, opening with exactly what I expected.
“I don’t have much time, Colin.”
“And what else is new?”I shot back with my usual sarcasm.
“I’m hosting a small dinner at my main estate. Your presence is mandatory. This Saturday, to be clear.”
“Mandatory?”
“That’s right,” he said firmly.“And you’ll need to bring a date.”
“Excuse me? You’ve got to be kidding me.” I rolled my eyes, already furious that he was dragging someone else into this.
James had the same grumpy expression I’d grown used to seeing—an expression I’ll probably end up wearing myself if my life keeps going the way it is.
“I’m not joking, Colin. Everyone attending will either be married or bring a partner.You’re no exception.”
“Yes, I am. I don’t fit into either category.”
“Stop being a grouch.”
“Says the man who invented grumpiness.” I shrugged, knowing it was pointless to argue with him.
“You’re hopeless,” he muttered, clearing his throat. “Just do this for me, all right?You know these meetings matter, and you’re the one designing my new mansion.”
“Another mistake. You know ever since…” I stopped, my throat tightening. It still hurt to think about it—especially about my daughter. “I—”
“I get it, son. Everyone handles pain differently. I’m just asking you to bring someone. I’m sure there’s someone on your mind. You’re a good-looking man—half the women in this city would kill for a night with you.”
“If they would, I haven’t noticed. And I don’t care to.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t tell me you haven’t slept with anyone since Jennifer passed.”
I stared at him for several long seconds.Even he looked uneasy after that.
“No.”
