Bride by Design 3: Manchala Nights by Alicia Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

or that things might go wrong between us?
     
    I felt sick and skipped dinner. I didn't want to take advantage of Colin, but wasn't I doing that just by working at my new job? And why had he helped me out for no reason - what would have happened if I hadn't gone to Manchala?
     
    I spent the next day conflicted about what I'd just learn ed , wondering if I should call Colin and thank him, or if I should just ignore it and move on.
     
    Was I just looking for an excuse to call Colin? I didn't know, but if he didn't want to talk to me, it would be a very brief phone call. But it would be nice to hear his voice again, even if he was being stiff and formal. On the other hand, maybe he'd already forgotten about me and was busy with a new girl, and I'd just make a fool of myself if I called him.
     
     
     

Chapter Seven
     
    My indecision was put to an end when I walked out of work on Friday .
     
    There was a familiar black limo parked near the curb, and when the window wound down, I saw Colin sitting inside. I almost squealed with delight, and walked towards the car as quickly as I could. When I stepped inside, I grinned at Colin, and I saw the familiar wary mask drop from his eyes as he smiled back, and I hugged him before he could protest.
     
    "Thank you so much for the job, Colin," I said happily , squeezing his hands in mine. "I don't know why you called Brian, and you're nuts, but I appreciate it."
     
    Colin gulped and said gruffly, "Brian wasn't meant to tell you I called."
     
    "No, but you can't stop gossip!"
     
    I laughed, not trying to hide my exuberance. I was happy Colin had helped me get a job, but I was even more thrilled to see him again.
     
    All the emotions of the past few days bubbled up to the surface - I'd missed him, I'd thought I'd never see him again and then I'd been confused about why he'd helped me get the new job. I knew I was a visible mess of emotions but I didn't care, all I knew was that Colin was in front of me again and I had a few more minutes with him.
     
    His gorgeous green eyes smiled back at me softly, and I held his hands, feeling how strong and warm they were.
     
    "I've missed you, Colin," I said, not caring if that made me sound weak. "I'm sorry about what happened in Manchala."
     
    I leaned in to kiss him, and was surprised and hurt when he pulled back and moved to the seat opposite me.
     
    I tried not to pout, and Colin said gently, "It's hard to resist you, Lisa."
     
    "Then why are you? Is there someone else?" My eyes narrowed and I felt a chill of jealousy.
     
    Colin laughed softly and ignored my flashing eyes. "How could there be someone else when I can't get you out of my mind?"
     
    The words reverberated through my head and I calmed down a bit. Had he really been thinking about me? "Then what it is it?"
     
    "We need to talk business before we get all emotional and mess things up again."
     
    I nodded. He was right, emotions did mess things up. And of course he hadn't come here just to see me, there must be some business issue happening.
     
    I tried to not to feel disappointed as I calm ed down and attempted to be more professional. "What's going on? You know I owe you for this job. "
     
    My voice sounded hollow, and Colin winced. "You owe me nothing. I paid you, you went to Manchala with me, that's it. I called Brian impulsively, I just felt like you needed a break."
     
    I was about to protest, but he interrupted me. "I need you to do something for me. I want you to pretend to be living with me in my townhouse."
     
    I looked surprised, and Colin continued, " Don just called. He's found out that Roger's being investigated for embezzlement, and he's regretting his decision to go with Roger. He wants to go with me instead."
     
    "That's great! Wow, that was lucky for you."
     
    Colin laughed drily. "There's no such thing as luck, just being super-prepared. Anyway, Roger's been hinting to Don that we might not really be married. So Don's coming over to my place tonight