Who Knew Read Free

everyone else.”
    “Oh God, people are watching?” Well of course they would be. It was an office environment where nothing happened and everything from the photocopier toner leaking to the coffee van coming caught people’s attention. Bridie put her hands over her face as if to blot out that which she could not deal with. As much as she craved seeing James, she didn’t want to do it in front of a gawping audience. The biggest mistakes were made in times like this. And I don’t want ruin this . “I just know I’m going to do something stupid.”
    “That’s okay. We can be stupid together.” James voice was soft with reassurance. “Please, Bridie . I want to see your face.”
    “What if…” She knew he was going to be gorgeous and she was so average. If James disliked the look of her now, Bridie knew she would be devastated and not able to hide it. This meant too much. A stranger had shaken up her world and she liked it. If James leaves now…if he hates me…
    “There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’ and I have longed to be with you, Bridie .”
    That was exactly what she wanted to hear but reality had a way of turning tables on you. “Yeah but—”
    “You are the woman I have spoken to everyday on the phone and in e-mails. The woman I have told things to that not even my closest friends know. I need to see you. I have to know that you’re real.” James reached out and touched her shoulder. “Please. You’re shaking.”
    She was, but Bridie was no coward. She would deal with whatever happened with no recriminations. After a deep breath, Bridie turned to face him. “Hello, James.” And then worlds collided as each of them looked at the other for the first time. James was indeed gorgeous in a raw, masculine way that made her want to throw herself into his arms and never let go. From the top of his auburn hair to his broad shoulders and lean waist and hips he was everything Bridie wanted. His deep blue eyes held hers and if Bridie had not already fallen in love with his words she certainly would have then and there. The look he gave her was so intense that Bridie could almost feel his mouth against hers. “You’re freaking me out here. Say something.”
    “You’re beautiful.”
    Bridie let out a long sigh of relief. “Really?”
    “I can barely breathe just looking at you.”
    “Me?” And no one else existed in the room. I believe he loves me.
     
    “Yes.” James could not believe his eyes. This was the woman who thought no man would ever want her? Were the men in this city blind? Or maybe it was because he was already in love with her through her words and voice. The shy, sweet, funny, tough woman who barked orders at him in one breath and cried over the phone in the other just because he sent her flowers. James caught her trembling hand in his and pulled her to her feet. The sight of her curvaceous form made his cock jerk with excitement. That he had found his perfect match on the office e-mail seemed a one in a million shot but every so often fate gave you a chance. I will not waste a moment . “Let’s go.” James wanted to only be with Bridie .
    “Where?” She hesitated.
    “Trust me.” If Bridie did that, his world would be complete.
    “I don’t know you.”
    James smiled at her indulgently. “Don’t you? Did my words mean nothing to you?”
    Bridie’s other hand caught against his chest. “They meant everything. More than is rational for someone I have never met.”
    When she touched him, he felt like a teenager finding his true love. “People don’t have to meet in the flesh to know each other.”
    “No.” Bridie kept her hand where it was.
    “Scared?”
    “I don’t want to mess this up.”
    Her words made his heart beat faster. She loves me . “I will not let that happen.”
    “How can you be so sure?”
    “Because I knew the first moment I heard your voice that I would want no other.”
    “Wow.” Her eyes were bright with interest.
    “Impressed?” I want to kiss