Page 24 of The Widower
“So, if you were a student of the architect who designed this mansion, you’d be pretty happy?”
“James…” Colin said warningly, but James ignored him, too focused on me.
“Of course! Look at this place!It’s stunning!”
Yes, I was completely smitten.
James laughed again, shaking his head in amusement.
“Sweetheart… do you really think I’d trust my money to two different people?”
“I’m… not sure what you mean by that,” I said slowly.
“Tell her, Colin. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
Colin took a deep breath and looked straight at me.
“I designed all three of James’s mansions. The one you just said I could never outdo?I built it.”
“Oh. My God. I’m so sorry—I had no idea!”
Colin didn’t scold me, but I was mortified the entire time after that—right up until we were getting ready to leave.
I went to the bathroom after the ogre announced we were leaving.
When I came back, he was waiting near the lobby—no one else around.
“You hate me, don’t you?” he asked out of nowhere, catching me completely off guard.
I didn’t see the point of that question.The answer was pretty obvious. Still, I played along.
“I’m paid to work, not to talk. Or be honest, for that matter.” A mischievous smile curved my lips. I just couldn’t resist poking the bear.
“I don’t care if you hate me. Makes no difference to me.”
“Let me guess—that’s because basically everyone hates you?”
Okay, that was harsh. Colin’s my boss, and maybe those few glasses of champagne weren’t such a great idea because I was running my mouth more than usual.
“Maybe.” If he was embarrassed, he didn’t show it. “We should go.”
“Right now? Just when I was starting to have fun?” I teased.
“Meaning your idea of fun is reminding me that people hate me?”
“Oh, no. That guy over there’s been staring at me since I got here, and... I kind of feel like kissing him.”
I wasn’t sure if that was the right thing to say. Colin’s face darkened instantly—completely black with fury—all because of a harmless joke.
“You’d better start being a lot more careful with what you say around me.” His voice was tight, his expression sharp, and I couldn’t help being curious about what might come next.
“I don’t get it. What’s wrong with me wanting to kiss someone? Just because you don’t do that anymore doesn’t mean I can’t.”
The words were out before I realized what I’d just said.
If he’d looked angry a moment ago, now he looked... indescribable.
“Listen to me…” He stepped closer, gripping my arm firmly—but not harshly. “You’d better worry about yourself and leave me the hell alone.”
