The Best Man Read Online Free Page B

swallowed and exhaled through his nose. “Miss Chase, you are … I insist.”
    Nodding, she took his platinum card and read off the numbers to the cashier. She hung up and handed the card back to him. The realization that she’d just brought home a near stranger suddenly hit her.
    Colin took the card and walked over to her bookshelf. She watched him peruse her meager collection of paperbacks and remembered what Eli had said. Was he a professor and, if so, was he horrified by her reading choices?
    “I could stop by the library tomorrow if you’d like me to get you some books.”
    Colin traced the edge of a silver frame. “Is this your sister with you?”
    “Yeah, that’s Megan. She goes to Boston University, and is pretty much the brains of the family.”
    “There’s a resemblance.”
    “I guess so.”
    “I’m sorry I raised my voice. If you’d prefer that I leave, I’ll understand.”
    “I don’t.” She walked over to him and wrung her hands. “I can be a little bossy.  I’m just trying to help.”
    “You are helping. You’re also rather bossy, but that’s part of your charm.”
    Not sure whether to be flattered or insulted, her heart raced as she considered his intent gaze.
    “The current state of my life is rather a lot for the fragile male ego to withstand. I’m afraid suffering these past few indignities in front of you has not brought out the best in me.”
    “I’m —”
    “Beautiful. You … glow. You are exactly, perfectly, the type of woman a man does not wish to humiliate himself in front of,” Colin said.
    “Oh.” Beth nodded dazedly. Her eyes were drawn to his mouth and she wanted to kiss him. She wanted to do more than kiss him. She turned and darted into the kitchen. “There’s some soda, or I could make coffee.” She opened a cupboard and rose up on her toes to look on the top shelf. “I think I have some herbal teas here somewhere.” Beth pulled out a box and turned around to find Colin standing inches away. She swallowed hard. “I …”
    “I know that I had just taken a good knock to the head, but when we kissed before, I thought you enjoyed it.”
    Her gaze moved back to his mouth and she licked her lips. “I … What?” She looked up.
    He caressed her cheek. “We kissed, in your office. Do you remember that or did I get hit harder than I thought?”
    “I remember.” She was breathless and wondered if he noticed.
    “And to the other question — did you enjoy it?” He studied her face.
    “Oh, um …” Beth looked down. She had to clear her head.
    He brushed his thumb under her chin. “Maybe I should kiss you again, help you remember.” He tilted her face toward his. “Any thoughts on that?”
    “I was going to make you tea.”
    “I’d rather kiss you.” Colin took the box from her hand and placed it on the counter. “I would very much rather kiss you.” He leaned down and brushed his lips across hers before cupping the back of her head and pulling her close.
    Beth felt herself melt against him. She wrapped her arms around his waist. He felt way too right. Of course she’d noticed that when they’d danced at the wedding, but now it was worse. She wasn’t supposed to be getting involved with any man right now; she was focusing on her career. Beth Chase was going to be a full partner at Ever After Weddings. She wasn’t going to fall for a mess of man — who lived in London of all places — but she was kissing him, and yes, she was enjoying it.
    Her toes curled in her boots and heat spiraled through stomach.
    There was a knock at the door. Beth pushed Colin away. “I … The food is here. I’d better go get the door.” She scrambled to answer it, with her purse in hand.
    Colin walked over to the door and handed the man a five dollar bill. “Is there something for me to sign?” The deliveryman handed him a receipt and Colin signed it.
    When he shut the door and turned, she gasped at the hungry look on his face. “Food’s here.” She nearly