Salem Charm: Book 3 of Colson Brothers Series by Reese Madison, Lynne Foster Page A

him, “If you’re going to second guess every move I make, you can leave now. Besides, the job is over. Myles can take it from here.” I assured him.
    Lou’s eyes suddenly filled with anger. “Are you asking me to leave?”
    “No, I’m telling you if you’re going to second guess my every move, then yes, you may leave.”
    “I think we should have a little talk.” He decided. “Privately.”
    “I’m done talking tonight.” I stepped around him and headed for the elevators. I don’t know why I’m suddenly lashing out at Lou. I need to be alone to think. This whole mess just got real serious, and I feel like I’m in way over my head suddenly. I can’t believe I just challenged a mob boss. Somehow I’ve lost my marbles in the last week.
    Myles pulled Lou aside while we waited for the doors to open. “Dude, let it go for now.”
    Lou nodded, “Alright.” He sighed, “For now.”
    “Thank you.” Myles smacked Lou on the shoulder and walked back to me. “Want to get drunk and watch stupid television shows we hate?” We like to mock the bad acting in old television shows. I secretly love the shows, maybe Myles does too. It’s a mystery I’d rather not solve to be honest.
    I laughed, “Yes, desperately.”
    “Right this way.” He held the door open for me.
    Lou remained outside the elevator doors looking in at Myles. “I’m going to go out for a bit, give her some space.”
    I looked at him, “You don’t…”
    “Yes. I do. I’ll see you in a bit.” He turned and left disappearing into the casino.
    “Shit.” I looked up at Myles. “I messed that up pretty bad didn’t I?”
    “No. He’s madly in love with you Barbara. Can’t you tell?”
    “What?? He is not!!!”
    “Sorry kid, but that poor guy is head over heels for you. I called him out on it on the way back from the first meeting. I don’t think he realized it until then, kind of fucked with his head.”
    “Oh no.” I covered my face. “I am such an idiot. I just told him to leave.”
    “He’s not leaving. It would take a lot more than some snippy comment from you to run him off.”
    “Where did he go?”
    “Not a clue, but if I was him, I’d be halfway to a good drunk by now.”
    I laughed, “Oh God. This should be interesting later. He better not puke on Bret’s pretty floors.”
    “Don’t worry about that, it would serve Bret right, the guy really is an ass.” He assured me with a hint of humor in his voice.
    I laughed. “Poor Lou. I feel like I should go find him.”
    “I think maybe he could use some time alone to sort out his own feelings.” The doors opened so he looked out first getting the nod from the guard by the door to continue. “What about your feelings? Do you like Mr. Colson?”
    “I like him just fine, now.” I added remembering our rather bumpy start. “I can’t love him, it would never work. Besides, we barely know each other.” I went to get a bottle of wine, corkscrew, and a glass to take to the couch.
    “You never know, you could be made for each other.” He teased grabbing a beer and joining me on the couch.
    I laughed, “No, we are certainly not made for each other. Look at my life, look at his. It would never work. He’d be bored with me in a week anyway.”
    “I seriously doubt that. And your lives aren’t so different anymore. If you think you’re going to be able to just sit still and shuffle papers at your desk all day you’re wrong. Paulie is going to chase you down until he gets what he wants. You’re going to have to stay on the run, unless you want to hand over eight million dollars.”
    I groaned and downed the first glass. “I hate it when you’re right. But still, he doesn’t have to run with me. He’s got his job, I have my drama… it’s too much. I doubt we’d be able to stay on the move together. I don’t even know what I’ve gotten myself into yet.”
    “I can have everything about the company brought to you. You can work from just about anywhere these