Midnight (McKenna Chronicles Book 1) by Elizabeth Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

the afternoon, Tim is leaning over the back of my chair, pointing out
directions to correct a programming error on my computer. Out of nowhere my skin tingles, the
hair at the very nape of my neck bristles and I'm compelled look up. Directly
across the large open meeting space is Colin. He’s wearing his usual white
shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows and the collar open, casually tucked into
black dress pants that fit his frame perfectly. His eyes focus on me,
unwavering as he stands just outside of the office door. My heart stops, yet my
blood rushes into my head, causing a loud pulse to pound behind my ears. Tim’s
lecture becomes a monotone of useless information. Colin doesn’t move, and he
doesn’t make any inflection to acknowledge me; his brilliant blue eyes dark,
his face unreadable. His gaze flicks quickly to Tim, who’s hovering over my
shoulder, continuing to address my computer concerns, oblivious to the change
in the atmosphere.
    I
wave a greeting, but Colin moves into Evan’s office without acknowledging me,
slamming the door behind him. The sound reverberates through the room and my
heart falls, disappointed by his reaction or lack thereof.
    Tim
leaves to finish his work for the day and I find myself distracted, constantly
looking up as people walk by my office and out the door. I try my hardest to
forget Colin’s in the building; it shouldn’t change anything. I shouldn’t
expect a special reception. Finally, just before six Evan’s door opens and the
deep timbre of Colin’s voice resonates throughout the office. He's stern and
all business as he finalizes directions to Evan. My head rises automatically,
only to watch him stride out the door with a purposeful gait, leaving without a
glance in my direction. My heart drops involuntarily. Dipping my head behind
the computer monitor, I hide my hurt, berating myself for the absurdity of it.
What did I think he would do? I’m clueless about men and in my naiveté I
thought we had some sort of connection.
    “Charlie?”
    “Ahh,”
I scream and my hand flies up to cover my chest. “Evan, you scared the shit out
of me.”
    He
chuckles. “Sorry, I thought you saw me coming.”
    I
shake my head no, letting my heart begin to beat again.
    “Why
are you working so late? You should go.”
    “There’s
nothing to go home to; living out of a hotel this week, remember?” After it’s
said, I hear how pathetic the statement rings. I try to redirect quickly. “I
want to finish something up and then I’ll go. Will you be back tomorrow?” I
ask, hating that I sound hopeful, similar to Tim’s lunch invitation.
    “In
the morning, we’re leaving tomorrow afternoon and then we’ll be back at the end
of the week.”
    “Oh,
okay. Well, I’ll see you in the morning then.”
    He
begins to turn toward the door, stopping when he's only halfway, hand resting
on the knob. “I have plans, otherwise I’d . . .”
    I
cut him off before he can finish. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. I brought a
good book to read. Go have fun.” I try to sound confident; after all, I’m very
used to being alone.
    Staring
at his hand, he quickly glances at me and back away. Not waiting for him to say
anything more, I motion him out the door with my hands. “Go. Have fun. I’ll see
you tomorrow.”
    ~
    Stifling
a yawn, I hope a third cup of coffee will effectively help keep my eyes open. I
slept poorly last night, the unfamiliar hotel room and lumpy bed a perfect
recipe for an entirely sleepless night. That and thoughts of Colin McKenna’s
blank stare. I shake my head, hoping the motion will shake thoughts of him away
with it. I obviously misread him those first couple of times we met, the
shivers of electricity I felt a product of my imagination. Frowning, I stir the
sweetener and cream in my coffee, disheartened by the monumental miscalculation
on my part.
    Lost
in thought, I walk out of the kitchenette, lifting the cup to my mouth.
Stepping outside of the door, I’m