Page 13 of Collision

Bastard.

“Don’t you hire editors to do that for you, Jamie?”

“They’re swamped. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t necessary. Besides, you’re the fastest reader in this place by a long shot. And your ma-” he pauses as he realises what he was about to say. Now I just want him to leave me alone.

“My major was supposed to be in Creative Writing. Yep.”

“I’m sorry.”

I sigh and hold my hands out for the two manuscripts he’s gripping tightly. “Decisions by yesterday, huh?”

Jamie grins as he ducks down quickly, planting a swift kiss against my scalp, and I swat at his chest. Heat floods my cheeks and I twist to check no one is watching.

“Jamie,” I groan.

“What would I do without you, sis?”

“Fail.” My voice is a grumble and nothing more, and Jamie grins down at me before ruffling my hair a little.

When the intercom buzzes I shove my highlighter into the mess of curls I’ve scrunched on top of my head, holding it in place, and pick up the phone.

“Yes, Boss?”

“Stop calling me that.”

I can hear Jamie’s smile. “Will do, Boss.”

“Right, whatever.” His smile is probably now a pout which feels like a mission completed. “Josh should be here any minute now, but I’ve got to make a call. Can you just keep him with you until I’m ready?”

I glance up just as the doors of the elevator open and my voice catches in my throat. “Sure thing.”

I take a second to collect myself as I put down the phone and rise to my feet. My eyes run over him and suddenly I feel gawky and awkward.

His hair is a mop of ruffled curls, a soft brown and unruly, and his eyes are so dark they’re almost a piercing black. They feel like cold water running over my skin. His skin is sun kissed and a gentle red splays over his prominent cheekbones. Deep grey jeans and a black shirt, the top few buttons undone, cling to his body and this guy oozes confidence.

I smooth my hands over the pale pink dress I had chosen to wear today and thank every deity there is for the foresight to wear heels. He’s tall.Verytall.

As he steps forwards and into the office, he smiles. And it’s a beautiful, wide, breathtaking smile. His eyes run over the length of me and I try not to shift under his gaze.

“Welcome to Wilcox Writings.”

Why is my voice so breathy?

“You must be Jamie’s sister.” He speaks softly, with a gentle English accent and a warm smile.

“Yes. Josh, I presume?”

“You already know my name?” That smile shifts into something playful, boyish even, and a shiver runs the length of my spine. “Now I feel like I’m on the back foot here, because your brother never told me yours.”

He holds his hand out for me to take and I feel my blush spreading up my chest and into my cheeks.

“Mikaela. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Josh rakes his eyes over me again, making no effort to be subtle in his appraisal, and holds my hand for a moment too long. I can see it in his eyes; he knows exactly what effect he has on me and he’s unashamed of the fact he’s enjoying it. “The pleasure is most definitely mine.”

I need to say something - anything - but he’s looking at me as if we aren’t standing at the front of a very busy office and my veins are on fire.

“So, is your brother about?” His eyes flick to my lips and I force myself to look away - break the contact.

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