With a reluctant sigh, Linsey gave in. Go ahead, then.

But the moment the words slipped out, unease mixed with a sharp curiosity.

What could Collin possibly want from her?

Nothing about her life felt worth guarding.

Unless it was that one night the man she never wanted to remember.

The thought surfaced against her will, and her fingers twisted the fabric on her thigh as her expression shifted ever so slightly.

Collin s voice cut through her turmoil. How did you meet Gorman? And when?

She faltered before answering, Why are you asking me that?

Collin clicked his tongue. Stop stalling. Just answer.

Fine. There was no way around it, so she admitted, It happened abroad. I had just lost my job back then. In a small fishing village, he got hurt, and I ended up helping him. That s how it started.

When her explanation ended, she pieced the timeline together again and added the missing details, holding nothing back.

Collin did the math quietly, and a flicker of relief passed through him. So Linsey s connection to Gorman hadn t had much time to grow roots. A trace of a smile tugged at his lips as he leaned in with his next question. Why did you agree to be with Gorman so fast? You barely knew him, so what did he say or do that convinced you?

He had met Linsey only a few days after Gorman had.

If she could fall for Gorman in just days, maybe it had less to do with time and more to do with effort.

If he discovered that secret and went further than Gorman ever did, maybe Linsey would choose him instead.

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The more Collin thought about it, the more resolve gathered in his chest. Then Linsey s voice pulled him back.

It s because Her lips parted to speak the truth, but the car slowed and rolled to a stop before she could finish.

Their arrival at the building gave her a moment to collect herself, and she changed course. I m sorry, but I can t answer that. Not now.

Disappointment flashed across his face; the answer he craved slipped right through his fingers. Why can t you?

Her teeth caught her lip, and hesitation clouded her face.

This wasn t just about her and Gorman there was his fianc e involved.

After a long pause, she murmured, I ll tell you, but not now. I need to check on some things first.

Her response set off a rush of suspicion in Collin s mind, hints and half-truths spinning into something bigger.

All right, I ll wait. Respecting her choice, Collin leaned back, though a flicker of frustration lingered.

Linsey let out a breath she hadn t realized she was holding and reached for the car door.

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