CHAPTER 14
“When a woman sets her mind on driving a man crazy, not even the most indifferent one can resist…”
ISABELLE CAMPBELL
This morning I got my first paycheck, and honestly, I don’t even know how to describe how happy I am. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that much money in my account before.
Yeah, I might be exaggerating a little—so just bear with me.
I worked through the morning in a great mood, happier than usual. Not even the mistakes from some of Colin’s employees got to me; I just corrected them politely and asked that it not happen again.
Speaking of Colin, a delivery came in for him today, and I’ve been trying to find him ever since.
This place is huge, and I still get lost in some of the endless hallways—even more so because there’s one area I’ve never been allowed to see, the infamous “forbidden section” he’s made such a point of keeping me out of.
“Any idea which room he might be in?” I asked Helen. I’d already told her I’d looked practically everywhere, and she said he wasn’t in his bedroom since she’s the only one allowed to clean it.
“I don’t know, Isabelle. Try the gym. That’s probably the only place left.”
“Okay.”
Though honestly, I doubted it. I’d never seen him work out during the day. From what I’d heard, Colin preferred exercising at night.
I went there without expecting to find him—but when I slowly opened the door...
That view could’ve been straight out of paradise.
There he was—shirtless, in a pair of gym shorts, muscles flexing as he worked out, thighs defined, body glistening under the light.
I stood there, completely mesmerized, watching every detail of his body for a good five minutes. I actually forgot why I was there. My focus had... shifted.
“How long are you planning to stand there staring?”
Yeah. Definitely a bad idea to admire the way his muscles moved like that...
“Nothing to say?” he asked, his tone slightly harsh.
“I... I just came to ask if you needed anything,” I blurted out—the worst lie imaginable.
Great excuse, Isabelle. You’re setting a new record for bad cover stories.
“To what do I owe the honor of you suddenly caring about me?” he asked, still pressing the barbell, not even glancing my way.
“I got my first paycheck today. Survived an entire month working for you,” I said, conveniently ignoring the real reason I’d come—to deliver his package.
Still, what I said wasn’t exactly a lie.
Was the first week absolute hell? Yes. But with some stubborn determination (and a few mental curses), I managed to tolerate Colin. And now, thanks to that, I can finally pay off a bunch of overdue bills.
“I hope you’re not expecting a ‘congratulations’ or anything, considering you should’ve been fired that first week. I took pity on you—and you know it.”
“Hey, don’t say that,” I protested, stepping into the massive gym, which was ridiculously big for one person.
“I’m just being honest.”
“And why didn’t you fire me then, huh? Care to explain that?”
Now I was standing just a few feet away from his perfectly sculpted body. Oh, God. What a temptation.
Get it together, woman.
“Like I said, I took pity on you.”
“Liar. You like me.”
He set the weights down and sat up on the bench, staring at me with disbelief.
“Hold on. You really think I like being questioned about my own work, fixing things that aren’t my problem, and having my gym invaded? That last one alone is enough reason to fire you.”
He was still being a jerk, but deep down, I knew something had changed. And you know what? I was going to prove it right now.
“Really? If you’re so brave, then fire me right now.”
Colin laughed—a rich, low laugh—but I wasn’t joking. I seriously doubted he’d go through with it.
“I told you before,” he said, amusement glinting in his eyes. “You shouldn’t play with me.”
“Looks to me like you’re the one who doesn’t have the guts,” I shot back, crossing my arms.
“I thought you were smarter than that. Provoking me and putting your job at risk isn’t exactly something I’d recommend.”
“I’m confident, can’t help it. I’m doing my job the best I can despite your attitude—but I’ve kind of gotten used to it, you know? At this point, nothing really gets to me anymore.”
“Right.” He lay back on the bench, getting ready for another set. “Go do your job and get out of my gym.”
“No.”
“Isabelle… don’t test my patience. That wasn’t a request.”
“I’m not leaving. Not my fault if you’re scared of me.”
Let’s see how far he can take this.
I didn’t have to wait long. He stood up, facing me squarely, and I couldn’t stop my eyes from tracing the lines of his body. For someone who lived like a recluse, he sure took good care of himself—and just watching him was enough to drive me insane.
“Lose something?”
“What?” I asked, feigning innocence, though I knew exactly what he meant.
“How long are you planning to stare at my body?”
“And what’s the problem with that?”
He exhaled sharply, and I couldn’t help smiling. God, it was intoxicating to push his buttons.
“You leaving on your own, or do I have to make you?”
“I’m curious,” I said sweetly, tilting my head. “What would ‘make me’ look like, exactly?”
“Isabelle… I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but you’d better stop. You don’t know me.”
He stepped closer, and my whole body reacted before I could stop it. I shivered—and he hadn’t even touched me yet.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I murmured. “Try being clearer.”
In one abrupt move, he grabbed me and lifted me slightly, pressing my back against the glass wall beside the machine he’d been using.
“You want clarity?”
“I don’t want it,” I whispered, smiling. “I need it.”
“Okay.”
I turned my back on him, grinning.
“Why are you… walking away?” he asked, eyes wide, disbelief flickering across his face.
“Free advice,” I said, glancing over my shoulder. “Next time you start something with me—don’t stop halfway. Now we’re even. No more games between us.”
I’d just crossed that thin, dangerous line between us, turning the tables on my cold, untouchable boss. But honestly? He had it coming. He’s the one who started this game back when he kissed me during that stupid round of questions and answers… and then walked away like nothing happened.
I felt lighter—more confident.
I hadn’t felt this happy working here in a long time. It felt good to have a little control over something. Was it only for a moment? Sure.
But so what?
In the end, Colin didn’t hate me as much as I thought. Actually, I was starting to think he might even like me… at least a little.
“What’s with that look?” Helen asked.
“Nothing,” I said quickly, startled out of my thoughts.
“You were daydreaming,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me.
“Oh, just thinking about what I’m gonna do tonight,” I lied smoothly.
“Uh-huh.”
I went back to work like nothing happened, but my mind kept wandering back to that kiss in the gym—fierce, hungry, unforgettable. The memory was enough to push me to do what I’d been avoiding. I grabbed my phone and dialed.
It only rang twice before someone picked up.
“I need your help.”