Reflection (The Chrysalis Series) by Elene Sallinger Read Free Book Online Page B

he’d been so caught up drawing and taking photos.
    Simple as that, he’d decided to stay. Fortunately for him, the custodial position had been available and he’d found a place to live within a week of landing in town. That had been five years ago and he’d never regretted it.
    Another glance at his watch said it was now 1.20. It was time to throw in the towel. If she thought he hadn’t been serious about his threat to haunt all her known spots until he ran into her, she’d been mistaken. He was determined to get to know Ms Bridget Ross and he sensed she wanted to get to know him too. She was blocking him for some reason and he wanted to know why.
    With a deep sigh, he reached for his pack to throw on his shoulder. He would go in and see if Mona had a use for any of the food he’d packed.
    ‘That’s a real deep frown you’re sportin’, sugar.’ Bridget’s caramel-coated voice broke into his thoughts. ‘Aren’t you happy to see me?’
    His head snapped up and a grin broke out across his face.
    ‘I didn’t think you were coming,’ he replied.
    She looked amazing. He didn’t know how she did it, but she made even the conservative button-down sleeveless shirt and cropped pants she wore look like the sexiest clothing on the planet. The deep green of the shirt set off her eyes and hair and the simple khaki capris hugged her full hips and displayed her delicate ankles in a way that made them erotic to him. Her sandals were strappy and showed off perfectly pedicured toes. She looked delicious.
    ‘I almost didn’t,’ she replied seriously, then she put her hands on her hips and gave him an exasperated look before saying, ‘but I couldn’t take a chance you were serious about haunting my every move. So, I’m here. But listen up, buddy boy, you better not be some kind of crazed stalker. I’m trained in martial arts and I will kick your ass. Just because I’m small, doesn’t mean I can’t be effective.’
    ‘Whoa, whoa.’ Connor held up his hands and laughed. He honestly didn’t care if she could kick his ass three ways to Sunday; he was just glad she was there. ‘It’s all good. I swear. I’m not a stalker. I just figured you need a little push to get you to go out with me.’
    ‘OK, but let’s get one thing straight. No means no with me, got it? I don’t want to be manipulated again. Are we clear?’ Her eyes spit emerald fire at him. She was honestly pissed.
    Instantly, Connor was contrite. ‘Bridget, look, I apologise.’ He stepped forward and saw something he didn’t like at all flicker in her gaze, ‘Look, I was teasing. I’ll admit I would have tried to run into you again, but only because I really want to get to know you and I’m incredibly attracted to you. But I swear I’m not a psychopath. If you really don’t want to go out with me, then I promise I’ll leave you alone. Just say the word.’
    She considered him for long moment, eying him with scepticism. He could hear his heart in his ears as he waited. This woman got under his skin.
    Finally, she sighed and said, ‘OK. I’ll go out with you, but you’re definitely leaving your social security number and driver’s licence info with Mona after that stunt.’
    ‘Of course.’ He smiled, feeling relief surge through his veins. ‘I’m a man of my word.’
    Picking up the basket he’d packed for them, Connor indicated for Bridget to lead the way inside the coffee shop.
    She was an idiot.
    She’d come to give him a piece of her mind, not to go on the picnic with him. But he’d been so sincere. And he’d been willing to give her the out. Truthfully, she’d believed he was joking all along, but one couldn’t be too sure. Her own past had taught her that trust was something earned, not given. He hadn’t earned it yet regardless of how nice he seemed.
    ‘I’m an idiot, aren’t I?’ she said to Mona as she sipped the apple cinnamon tea latte she’d ordered. Connor had excused himself to the restroom and she’d taken the