Free The Endgame by Cleary James Page B

boyfriend’s an abusive ass.’
    Grayson turned to her. ‘Do you think–‘ He swallowed hard. ‘Do you think he hurts her?’
    ‘Maybe not physically,’ Isabel said, her eyes full of concern, ‘though it wouldn’t surprise me. But he’s certainly emotionally abusive. I hated the way he was with her at dinner – putting her down all the time.’
    ‘I know – it was horrible to watch.’ Grayson flopped back against the sofa.
    ‘Well, we don’t have to see them again,’ Isabel said, taking his hand and playing with his fingers. ‘When Mark calls, I’ll make some excuse.’
    ‘Actually ... would you mind if we did go to their place?’
    Isabel raised her head and looked at him in surprise. ‘Really?’
    ‘Only if you’re into it, of course. If you don’t want to be with Mark again–‘
    ‘No, it’s fine with me. Like I said, I had a good time with him – even if he is an asshole to his girlfriend. Besides, I owe you for tonight. But what are you going to do? Play chess again?’
    He shrugged. ‘Maybe. I like chess.’
    Isabel looked at him thoughtfully. ‘You like her , don’t you? Lisa?’
    ‘Yeah,’ he smiled. ‘I did like her.’
    ‘She seemed very sweet. But if you’re going to spend another night playing chess with her, you’re going to have to let me take care of you.’ She slid a warm hand onto his thigh.
    He shook his head. ‘Really, I’m fine. And you’re exhausted.’ He lifted her hand and kissed the knuckles. ‘Why don’t you stay in the spare room?’
    ‘You’re sure?’ She stood, yawning, and swayed on her feet.
    ‘Sure,’ he said. ‘You’re worn out, and if you sleep in my bed you won’t get any rest.’
    ‘Okay, then. Goodnight.’ She leaned over and kissed him on the forehead, and then she was gone.
    Grayson sank back into the sofa and finished the rest of his brandy. He loved the easy friendly relationship he had with Isabel. She would come to bed with him now and make love if he wanted her to, and it would be good between them. They would give each other a lot of pleasure. But equally he could choose to go to bed alone without her feeling rejected or jealous, like he was blowing her off. They could discuss the fact that he liked another woman, she could tell him about being with someone else, and it didn’t change anything between them. Sometimes he thought he would never have a relationship more perfect than what he had with Isabel. But tonight he just wanted be alone and think about a girl with big soft brown eyes and long hair the colour of a newly opened chestnut.
    Was it his imagination, or had Lisa tensed up again as they were leaving? He had loved how open and warm she had been in the library once she had loosened up. And then he had brought her back to Mark and watched as all that relaxation drained away. It had made him sad to see her shoulders stiffen, her features becoming pinched and strained.
    His fingers tightened around his glass as he thought of how her whole body had become rigid when Mark’s hand curled around her ass, humiliation etched on her face. He hated watching Mark paw her in that crude, possessive way, and he had been shocked at how jealous he had felt. He had badly wanted to punch Mark. And he could murder him for bringing her here and putting them both in such a horrendous situation. He had as good as sexually assaulted her, thanks to that fucker. What must she think of him? She was so sweet and innocent. After tonight she probably thought he was completely depraved. If only he could have met her in different circumstances, maybe ...
    He smiled wryly to himself. He was being ridiculous. What did it matter what she thought of him? It wasn’t as if she was free anyway. She was with Mark, and whatever issues they had, they seemed to be committed to each other. The only relationship he could hope for with Lisa was as chess opponents – which was incredibly frustrating, because it was a long time since he’d met a woman who