Read Online Callum by Melissa Schroeder - Free Book Online Page B

something tingled at the base of her spine.
    “I work most days, all day. But I guess I could try to make it into the city this Friday.”
    “That’s good. There’s a little shop on High Street. It is convenient to the library, if you have a reason to drop in there.”
    She agreed, given how little choice she had. After gaining directions from him, she rang off, eager to be rid of him. She’d never met him face to face, so she assumed this was a good sign. Nonetheless, it rankled that she had to find time out of her day to do it. Lord knew she could use a break from the heavy, sensual presence of Callum Lennon, but it meant she had to be deceptive again. Unless she went to the library instead of calling her mother. It would definitely be a more pleasant experience. And if she actually did research, she wouldn’t be lying about her trip.
    With her plans set, she decided to freshen up, eat, and get back to work. If she had to take a day off, she needed to get a bit more done.
     
* * * *
     
    Callum tucked his shirt into his pants, the silence in the room growing more ominous and oppressive by the minute.
    “I don’t understand you.” Calista’s voice held an odd combination of irritation and curiosity. He glanced at her. She sat amongst a tangle of her favorite black silk sheets, the very picture of a woman ready to be debauched. And damn him, but he’d wanted to be the one to do it. Or thought he had. She still wore the red lace pushup bra and matching thong, not to mention a disgruntled expression. He couldn’t blame her.
    “I didn’t ask for understanding.” He zipped up his pants and buckled his belt as she rose from the bed.
    “Don’t give me that rubbish.”
    He reached for his tie and said nothing. With a huff, she headed for her wet bar. As he watched her, he realized that normally he would take pleasure in viewing the tall, athletic Calista walk through her apartment nearly naked. They’d known each other for several years, and she had always been a favorite bed partner to him. A ruthless business woman with a penchant for bondage, she was perfect for him—or had been up until five minutes ago. No commitment, no ties, just a quick, raw shag.
    That’s why it made no sense that he hadn’t been able to close the deal today. His body was ready for a good fuck. Hell, it was fairly screaming for relief. But he’d had his mouth on her flesh and had found himself repulsed. His body rejected the idea of using Calista. It wasn’t that he didn’t think he could go through with it. His libido was alive and kicking, but something was holding him back.
    “Who is she?”
    “She?” She said nothing in response, only raised one sculpted eyebrow. “We never had an exclusivity agreement.”
    She pulled out a crystal decanter and a glass. “No, and we still don’t. But it never stopped you from shagging me senseless until today.”
    He paused then continued to straighten his tie. “Now who’s speaking rubbish?”
    She poured two fingers of scotch and downed it in one fast swallow.
    “Don’t take me for a fool. I know when a man’s mind isn’t on me.”
    “You’re making this out to be more than it is. I’m merely distracted today.”
    “Callum.” She waited until he made eye contact. There was no anger, no recriminations burning in her gaze. He almost wished there was. That would be easier to swallow than her sadness. “You were ready for a fast, hard shag. I could tell when you called. You get here and you can’t—something that has never happened before.”
    “I’ve had some issues with the family.” Which was true—to a point.
    “Callum—”
    “Bloody hell, Calista, leave it alone.”
    Her eyes widened at his temper. It was something he tried to hide from everyone, even his family, and he was pretty sure she’d never seen him angry. He shrugged into his suit jacket and then his coat. He approached her and brushed his lips against her cheek. She smelled of lilies, as she always did.