Breaking the Bro Code by Stefanie London Read Free Book Online Page B

joking and the flippancy there was a vulnerability so precious and beautiful he would have given everything to have a taste.
    He had given everything for a taste once; he’d broken a promise to his best friend and paid for it with everything he had. But something now told him that he’d do it all over again. He’d give up all he had for her over and over. Snap out of it—that ship has sailed. You lost it all last time and leaving her was the right thing to do.
    ‘And how exactly will you make me pay?’ She tipped her nose up at him, all bravado and temptation.
    He leant down so that his lips were near her ear. ‘You don’t want to find out.’
    He felt the shiver that ran through her even though there was still a sliver of space between them. He noticed the flare of her pupils, the quick intake of breath, and the way her tongue darted out the side of her mouth. That tongue was going to bring him undone.
    ‘I think you’re all talk and no action, Colby Hillam.’
    ‘Elise...’ he growled in warning.
    ‘All. Talk.’ She sounded the words out slowly, her lips wrapping around the taunt in a way that sent fire through his blood. ‘No. Action.’
    Before his sensibilities had the chance to act, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pressed her up against the car with a gentle thud. His face hovered inches from hers, so close that he could see the faded freckles that ran across her nose and the strange little ring of gold that stopped her eyes from being just grey.
    Her lips parted in response, though whether it was from shock or invitation he didn’t know. The front of his trousers was so tight that he yearned to press against her, to relieve the pressure, to drown himself in pleasure. Her lashes touched together and she stayed still as a statue. He could kiss her, he could drop his head and plunder that sweet, delicious mouth of hers so damn easily...
    Don’t you lose it, don’t you dare .
    ‘I’m taking you to dinner.’ He stepped back, holding his shoulders square and ignoring the aching dissatisfaction that made his limbs heavy and wooden.
    She rolled her eyes. ‘Gee, when you invite me so politely like that, how could I refuse?’
    ‘Such a smart mouth on such an angelic-looking face.’ He shook his head. ‘And I know for a fact that “polite” doesn’t work with you.’
    She opened her mouth to protest when her stomach growled loudly. ‘Fine, but I’m driving.’
    After a quick trip they were seated in a small Italian restaurant...emphasis on the small . From the outside it had looked like a family restaurant, a safe zone for him to keep his mind on appropriate topics like her performance preparation. Now that they were seated, the warm glow of a candle softened the light, bringing out the gold tones in her hair, and their knees bumped in the intimate space. And Col did not feel very safe at all.
    So far during his time in Australia he’d accomplished little. He’d delayed on cleaning out his father’s house because he couldn’t stand the sight of the place; he’d scarcely looked over the speaking notes his communications person had sent him, and used all that wasted time battling thoughts he shouldn’t be having. Thoughts about all he’d given up when he left.
    ‘Don’t try and pull another stunt like you did tonight,’ Col said, forcing his mind onto how ticked off he was supposed to be.
    ‘It wasn’t a stunt. I was merely simulating a stage atmosphere.’ She tore a piece of garlic bread in two and chewed on one half. ‘Just because it happened to hold some personal amusement doesn’t make it any less valuable a lesson.’
    ‘Don’t give me that. If there’s one thing I know for sure about you, Elise, it’s that you’re aware of each and every little thing you do.’ He took a swig of his red wine and looked at her pointedly. ‘So don’t play innocent with me. I’m not falling for it.’
    She nodded and stifled a smile. ‘Can you blame a girl for trying to get a little