Page 21 of The Widower
When Isabelle’s working, we usually stay out of each other’s way, and that arrangement works just fine. But having to look at her like this was twisting my head in knots. That damn dress…
“How long are we staying here?” she asked, snapping me out of my thoughts about her body.I forced myself to look at her again—carefully this time. I wasn’t sure if studying her more closely would do me any good.
“As little time as possible,” I said firmly.
She let out a muffled laugh.
“What?” I growled.
“Nothing. I just thought you’d have to, you know, play nice or something.”
“I don’t need to!” I snapped. “I’m confident in my work—and so are the people who hire me.I’m direct and practical. I’m only going because of pointless pressure.”
“I was just saying—”
“Don’t say it,” I cut her off again.“Just do what I asked. Be good company, and don’t make my life harder.”
I felt the burn of her dark eyes on me. Isabelle wasn’t to blame for my bitterness or the way I barked at her—but I can’t go back.
I’m not that Colin anymore.
Not anymore.
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
Every second I spent in that man’s car made me want to disappear.
I’d thought I could talk to him like a normal person. Stupid me actually believed he was only cold, insensitive, and rude back at his mansion—but I was wrong. He’s an idiot in every possible sense of the word.
“Jerk,” I muttered under my breath.
“What was that?”
I hadn’t realized I’d said it out loud. I thought I’d cursed Colin in my head, but apparently the anger ran so deep it slipped out. And honestly, “jerk” was pretty mild for someone like him.
“Nothing. Just thinking out loud.”
“Sounded like you were talking about me.”
Did he know? Or was he guessing? Either way, I didn’t care. I wasn’t on the clock, so I was free to say—or think—whatever I wanted.
“Of course not. Why would I say something like that?”I lied, forcing a smile. I had to put my job first, not get fired on a night I wasn’t even supposed to be working. “I just have a lot on my mind, that’s all.”
Colin didn’t say a word, and honestly, thank God.I prefer him silent—because when that man opens his mouth…
“We’re here.”
The place we arrived at was huge—no, massive. Colin’s mansion looked like a toy house compared to this one, and I couldn’t hide my surprise as I took it all in.
The garden stretched endlessly, with a giant pool right at the entrance. I also noticed an outdoor kitchen and several guest areas scattered around the property.
“My God… this place is incredible.”
Colin glanced at me but didn’t bother responding. I kept staring, amazed, spotting a small oasis in the garden with a jacuzzi and a pool framed by artificial waterfalls. The night lighting made everything look even more stunning.
“How about you walk a little faster?”
I realized I’d fallen behind, too busy gawking, and quickly apologized.
