Free Who Knew by Amarinda Jones Page B

wanted to hear that voice one more time to make sure it was real.
    “You remembered me.”
    Your voice was in my head all night. It was so hard to sleep. Bridie cleared her throat. Get a grip, woman . “What can I help you with?” he was a professional as was she. This was work and it was boring. Remember that.
    “Are you married?”
    “What?” Bridie almost fell off her chair.
    “It’s a simple question.”
    “Are you?”
    “No.”
    “Really?”
    “Do I sound married?”
    What woman was silly enough not to live with that voice? It made her wet just listening. Bridie closed her legs together firmly. The office was no place for an orgasm. There had to be a policy on that somewhere. “No… I don’t know… Why was it important?” And why do I sound so rattled? No man had ever gotten to her like this. In fact she had sworn off men after her last disastrous venture there twelve months ago.
    “I just wanted to know if you had someone in your life.”
    Oh lordy . The way he said it made her wish it was him. Bridie shook herself. “I don’t believe in romance.” Oh crap why did I say that? The minute it was out of her mouth she regretted it. She never told anyone that.
    “Everyone believes in romance.”
    “I’m in Divisional Management. We’re not romantic here.”
    “What are you then, Bridie ?”
    Mostly lonely . “I’m busy.”
    “I’ll leave you to it then.
    The called ended so suddenly that Bridie felt a wild rush of disappointment shoot through her. There were a hundred things jumping into her brain that she should have said. Or not. “Get a grip. He’s just a guy on the make.”
     
    Ten minutes later, James e-mailed her. I was thinking…
    Bridie had been too. She had been clicking on the send-receive like a mad woman hoping he would post. Good to know someone in your department does.
    About you.
    Uh-huh.
    Do want to know why?
    Of course she did. Nope.
    Liar.
    You need someone to love.
    And you need to send your petty cash receipt forms in.
    Or?
    There was no “or”. How could there be an “or”? No one from the Sydney office ever acted like this. Listen up, James. I don’t know what sort of game you are playing here but I’m not like other women.
    How so?
    I mean, I am but I’m not after a man.
    Me either.
    I never for one second thought you were gay.
    Why not?
    Your voice.
    You like my voice?
    “Oh jeez, why did I say that? I should have a stupid stamp on my desk instead of a date stamp.” The phone rang. Bridie knew it would be James. Her heart pounded and her hands shook. I should not answer this.
     
    “ Bridie , are you there?” James knew it was complete madness but he felt a strange rush of feeling just talking to Bridie . She was different from any woman he had ever known. Pithy, smart and amusing. He could hear her breathing over the line. At least Bridie had not disconnected the call. “Okay, just listen then. I’m single, thirty- eight, I have my own house, teeth and car. I rarely belch, I can cook and not all women hate me.”
    “I don’t hate you.”
    “Excellent.” Against every rational reason he could think of, James wanted to meet Bridie Clare. I have to get up to the Brisbane office . The feeling was so strong that the urgency of it gripped him. He had never believed in soul mates or love at first anything, but the mad rush of feeling he was feeling demanded a response.
    “I mean—”
    “So tell me everything about yourself.” James wanted to know everything.
    “Why?”
    “Because, Bridie , I believe I am falling in love with you.”
    She snorted in disbelief. “You’re mad.”
    “Maybe,” James conceded, but it was a good madness that he wanted to indulge in. “Tell me, have you ever felt this instant a connection with anyone?” James knew by her sudden silence he was not alone.
    “You live miles away.”
    Barrier one by the lady. “They have planes now. The Wright brothers invented them.”
    “You scare me.”
    Barrier two, honesty. James