Page 71 of The Widower
“So I’ve become that predictable?”
“I’d use a different word to describe you.” I turned my head slightly.
“Which one?”
“Rude. With everyone. Except Hanna.”
Colin stared at me for a moment, and I could’ve sworn he was going to snap back, but he didn’t.
“I’ve learned to be that way,” he said finally. “My patience ran out a long time ago. Don’t try to understand it.”
“And why is Hanna the exception?” I asked, crossing my arms, genuinely curious.
“Maybe because she’s a kid. I don’t know. I usually have more patience with children—they don’t piss me off on purpose. Adults, on the other hand, love doing that.” His eyes met mine, sharp and deliberate.
“So that was a jab at me, then?”
“I didn’t say that. You did.”
“I’m not stupid. From day one, you’ve made it clear you didn’t like me.”
“If it helps, I didn’t like any of the women I’ve hired.” His tone didn’t waver.
“Have you ever thought about getting professional help? After everything you’ve been through, I think that’d be the normal thing to do.”
“Do you enjoy pissing me off?” he asked, stepping closer—but I didn’t back away.“What do I have to do to get you to stay out of my personal life?”
“Too late for that. You’re a mystery, and I happen to like solving mysteries.”
“No. Deep down, you don’t want to understand me.”
“Oh, I do,” I said softly, holding his gaze. “I really do.”
“What the hell is your problem, woman?”
We were only inches apart now, but that initial fear I used to feel around Colin was gone. If this were my first day on the job, I’d probably be intimidated—but what I felt now wasn’t fear.
It was want. He didn’t scare me. Though, judging by the look in his eyes, that’s exactly what he wanted.
“You’re my problem,” he growled. “I hate not being able to understand people.”
“Colin… what are you doing?” he asked, eyes narrowing.And I could swear there was desire behind that look.
“I didn’t do anything.”
He exhaled sharply, eyes closing for a moment as if something deep inside him was fighting to stay in control.
“Don’t try to figure me out,” he said quietly. “You’ll never manage that.”
“I want to try anyway,” I said, standing my ground.
“Woman…” He stepped closer, his hand sliding into my hair, fingers brushing against my scalp as he pulled a lock toward his face. “The smartest thing you can do is stay away from me.”
“You’re the one closing the distance,” I shot back. “Not my fault if you’re scared of me.”
“I’m not scared of you!” he snarled.
“Then prove it.”
