He was silent so long that her hopes turned threadbare, a weight filling her chest.
‘Is that what you really want? To go back to how things were in Perth? Working together as colleagues and nothing more?’
Those obsidian eyes glittered as if he could see past her apology to the secret she’d hidden so long. Her need for him.
Slowly she nodded. ‘I like working with you, Conall. My job is challenging and fulfilling.’
And she couldn’t imagine not seeing him every day, not being with him.
Maybe sheshouldresign. This fixation on him wasn’t healthy. She’d told herself that for ages yet the thought of moving on to another position filled her with dread. When had attraction turned into something more?
‘Good. I wouldn’t accept your resignation.’
‘You wouldn’t?’
His mouth thinned. ‘Absolutely not. And in case you don’t remember, your employment contract stipulates a minimum of six months’ notice.’
He made it sound like a threat, as if he actually feared she might leave.
‘Well that’s…good.’ She paused, relief stealing her words for a moment. ‘And you accept my apology? I know you were only offering comfort that night. I should never have pushed myself at you, demanding a kiss.’ She made herself hold his gaze. ‘And then to turn on you… It was unreasonable. I know you don’t really want me.’
She’d had the week to think it through. She remembered his arms around her and the feel of his erection. But then she’d all but begged for his attention. Just because a man felt physical arousal when a woman threw herself at him, all but scaling his body, didn’t mean he wantedherspecifically. Conall had proved that with his withdrawal.
‘You’re doing it again, Greer, telling me what I do and don’t want.’ He paced closer, around the end of the lounge so she had to tilt her head up to hold his gaze. ‘Things are complicated enough without you putting words in my mouth.’
The only thing she wanted to put in his mouth was her tongue. Standing so close to him she had total recall of how perfect that kiss had been. But remembering that would only destroy any chance of regaining their old working relationship.
So she stood silently while he took another step, stopping a handspan away. Close enough for his radiating heat to make her flesh tingle.
She remained silent, even when her busy fingers inadvertently tugged her bag off her shoulder to fall on the floor. For there was something in his eyes that she didn’t recognise. Didn’t dare believe.
‘Aren’t you going to ask me what I do want, Greer?’
That night at her flat she hadn’t been able to see his face. She could now and what she saw made her swallow hard then moisten her lips. Those dark eyes traced the movement and she felt the hard punch of need low in her body.
‘What do you want, Conall?’
Heat flickered in that intense stare.
‘You, Greer. I want you.’
Chapter Six
CONALL WATCHED HERreactions as if in slow motion.
Shock. Disbelief. Elation. Confusion.
Had he really done such a good job of hiding his desire? It had taken superhuman effort to be patient all this time and not push her too hard.
In the recesses of his mind he heard his tattered conscience scream that he’d promised to hold back.
But when Greer turned up at his door pleading for forgiveness he felt a complete heel. She wasn’t the one who should beg for forgiveness.
That knot in his belly tightened, giving a sickening wrench. He wanted to tell her everything and end the constraint between them, but for her sake he had to take this one step at a time.
Unselfish of you, Abercrombie! Sure you’re not just protecting yourself?
He ignored the taunting voice. They couldn’t go on the way they were. Something had to change and he refused to let her feel guilty for no reason.
