The Quantum Objective Read Online Free

the wheels spinning behind her eyes.
‘I think that’s an awesome idea. I’m way too busy this afternoon to help out,’ she jingled some keys in her pocket. ‘I can loan you my car though, unless you have one?’
‘Unfortunately not,’ he said. ‘That would be great.’ He met Mimi’s gaze for the first time with a warm smile. She looked startled then laughed out loud.
‘Girl, you’re in so much trouble. Just don’t do anything I would.’ She gave a knowing wink. Beth’s toes curled till they hurt.
Oh, why does she have to be so completely American?
She watched Liam’s retreating figure. ‘What time will you be back?’
‘I’m not going far. I’ll return once the doctor is done. I hope they release you without any problems.’
‘Same here. Not sure I can endure this room now that I’m conscious. I’ll persuade them.’ Please come back.
With a nod, he slipped out.
Beth and Mimi eyed each other for a whole two seconds before their hands clamped down the froth of giggles.
‘Time to clean you up honey B. Can you believe how much he ignored me? And look at the sorry-ass state you’re in. He is definitely weird, no offence, but gorgeous. Holy shit, did you see that body? Damn.’ She stood and grabbed the bag of toiletries off the side table. ‘Thank you Jesus, I brought the good stuff.’

*
How Mimi, looking as she did, ever got anything done was a mystery. Beth’s hair was coiffed into casual waves that had taken two hours to achieve. She sat with an unread magazine, recovering from a plethora of concussion tests. She’d lied to get the all clear - of course she had someone to monitor her for 48 hours.
Now she waited.
Every minute tightened her nerves so that she got up twice before returning to her seat. Independence and the vulnerability of anticipation warred with a snowballing desire for Mr. Bancroft's company.
What if he doesn’t come back? What if he does? Ok, he has exactly five minutes from now to materialise or I’m leaving.
A knock announced the end of her trial. This time he brought a waft of calm into the room with him and her tension eased.
‘Sorry for being so long. Was everything ok with the doctor?’
‘Fine thanks. I’ll need to make a police statement in a couple of days, but it’s ok to go home now.’ Beth stood and gathered up her few things and he held open the door.
He really was extraordinary looking. She tried to pin it down without staring like a moron. It was a glow…vitality came off him like a low hum; an athlete at his peak.
She held out Mimi’s car keys. His fingers brushed hers as he took them and a jolt shimmied up her arm, jerking her hand away. He stepped back and raised his eyebrows at the keys she now clutched to her chest.
Her cheeks burned.
Lord, he must think I’m a complete imbecile. How desperate do you want to seem, Irving? One glancing touch and you react like he’s grabbed you. Pah, you wish.
‘Sorry, must have been static or something,’ she said as she handed him the keys.
‘You don’t have to be nervous of me you know. I would never harm you.’
She stilled and tilted her head but couldn’t quiet capture the subtext.
‘I know. I’m just a bit jumpy.’ She smoothed her new skirt, ‘I appreciate all your help; you must tell me how I can return the favour.’
‘You can let me cook you dinner when we get to your place.’ He smiled, picked up her small bag and opened the door again. Beth’s arm brushed his chest as she passed and energy shivered through her. This time she didn’t lurch away.

*

Cambridge, England
‘It’s 4am.’
‘You’re joking,’ Beth grabbed his wrist, twisting her neck to gawk at his watch. Huddled on the small sofa in her apartment, a worn blanket ensured she stayed warm. Where the hell had the time gone?
‘I don’t feel the least bit tired,’ she said with a wide yawn. His lips twitched.
‘Yes, I can see that,’ he unfolded his legs and stood over her. ‘Get your