Page 62 of The Widower
I didn’t have to wait long. He stood up, facing me squarely, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from tracing the lines of his body. For someone who lived like a recluse, he sure took good care of himself—and just watching him was enough to drive me insane.
“Lose something?”
“What?” I asked, feigning innocence, though I knew exactly what he meant.
“How long are you planning to stare at my body?”
“And what’s the problem with that?”
He exhaled sharply, and I couldn’t help smiling. God, it was intoxicating to push his buttons.
“You leaving on your own, or do I have to make you?”
“I’m curious,” I said sweetly, tilting my head. “What would ‘make me’ look like, exactly?”
“Isabelle… I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but you’d better stop. You don’t know me.”
He stepped closer, and my whole body reacted before I could stop it. I shivered—and he hadn’t even touched me yet.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I murmured. “Try being clearer.”
In one abrupt move, he grabbed me and lifted me slightly, pressing my back against the glass wall beside the machine he’d been using.
“You want clarity?”
“I don’t want it,” I whispered, smiling. “I need it.”
“Okay.”
I turned my back on him, grinning.
“Why are you… walking away?” he asked, eyes wide, disbelief flickering across his face.
“Free advice,” I said, glancing over my shoulder.“Next time you start something with me—don’t stop halfway. Now we’re even. No more games between us.”
I’d just crossed that thin, dangerous line between us, turning the tables on my cold, untouchable boss. But honestly? He had it coming. He’s the one who started this game back when he kissed me during that stupid round of questions and answers… and then walked away like nothing happened.
I felt lighter—more confident.
I hadn’t felt this happy working here in a long time. It felt good to have a little control over something. Was it only for a moment?Sure.
But so what?
In the end, Colin didn’t hate me as much as I thought. Actually, I was starting to think he might even like me… at least a little.
“What’s with that look?” Helen asked.
“Nothing,” I said quickly, startled out of my thoughts.
“You were daydreaming,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me.
“Oh, just thinking about what I’m gonna do tonight,” I lied smoothly.
“Uh-huh.”
I went back to work like nothing happened, but my mind kept wandering back to that kiss in the gym—fierce, hungry, unforgettable. The memory was enough to push me to do what I’d been avoiding. I grabbed my phone and dialed.
It only rang twice before someone picked up.
