Page 132 of Collide

“Viral TED Talk on Housing Dignity—wow, Broderick, so humble,” I tease breathlessly, giggling even as his fingers brush my ribs, tickling softly.

“Enough,” he growls, voice low. His eyes dance with humor, but I dodge again, eyes glued to the screen.

“Oh my God,” I gasp theatrically. “Graduated summa cum laude from Columbia with a double degree in Business Management and Engineering?” I raise a brow at him, impressed despite my playful tone. “Wow, you’re actually a nerd.”

“Okay, seriously, stop.” He chuckles, tightening his grip. I twist away, but he’s quicker, pinning me gently against the edge of the table, reaching again for the phone.

“Wait, wait—there’s more!” My heart races, cheeks flushed. “Leader in sustainable housing initiatives, investor in renewable energy startups, founder of numerous global crisis relief projects…” I trail off, breathing heavily as he finally manages to pry the phone from my hand.

But he doesn’t step back.

He holds my gaze, close enough that the warmth of his body melts through my clothes. Our laughter fades slowly, replaced by ragged breaths and something charged. My pulse thrums, echoing in my ears, as his eyes trace my features. His gaze dips to my lips, lingering.

I brush my tongue over my lips. I don’t move away. Neither does he.

Time pauses, suspended in that fragile sliver of silence between us. His fingers brush a loose tendril from my cheek, lingering softly, warm against my skin. The rough pad of his thumb grazes along my jawline, sending tiny sparks tumbling through me.

My heart slams violently against my ribs, so loud I’m certain he hears it.

Kiss me.

The thought comes swiftly, unbidden, terrifyingly honest.

What? No, I shouldn’t—but I can’t think clearly. Not with him standingthisclose, the air thick, pulsing with something dangerous and inevitable.

His eyes lock onto mine, deep green, endless. Slowly, he lowers his face toward me, close enough that the heat of his breath whispers against my lips. My eyes flutter shut, pulse roaring, every muscle in my body singing as I wait, breathless, for his lips tofinallytouch mine?—

My phone rings sharply in his hand—loud, intrusive, and unapologetic.

My eyes fly open as reality crashes back.Fuck. I squirm from under him, pressed against the table, breath ragged, skin burning. He takes a reluctant step back.

I can’t believethatalmost happened.

It was the edge I was toying with, but hadn’t expected.

He glances down at the phone ringing angrily in his palm, his expression a tortured mix of longing and pent-up frustration. Then he flips the phone over, glances at the screen, and something shifts, his face dropping sharply. Disappointment flickers, raw and undisguised.

Wordlessly, he hands me the phone, stepping back and dragging his fingers roughly through his hair.

I look down, heart sinking into my stomach.

Alex.

Broderick clears his throat, breaking the silence. My phone feels hot and heavy in my hand. I turn away slightly, tapping the button.

“Hi,” I answer, my voice higher, breathier than I want.

“Hello, Älskling,” Alex replies, voice smooth and soothing, sliding easily over my nerves. “The photos of you from the gala look incredible. Ilikeyou in red.”

My heart hums erratically in my chest, dancing between the lingering heat from Broderick and Alex’s easy compliment.

Which is it?I honestly don’t know.

A lump of guilt forms in my throat. “Do you?”

He chuckles softly, rich and knowing, a sound that pulls a reluctant smile onto my lips.

“Are you busy tonight?” he asks gently. “Can I come see you?”