The Price of Inertia (The Seven Sins #4) - Lily Zante Page 0,33

been so into your story that you forgot to eat.”

“It happens.” The upturned lips look like a weak attempt at a smile. I feel slightly better.

“I didn’t mean to snap,” he says again, and this time I understand, because my mind is functioning fine now that I’m not scared out of my skin. “You don’t have to be so rude,” I say, emboldened by his attempt to apologize. “I was only trying to help.”

“You interrupted my thoughts.”

“I didn’t know you were going to be in the study.”

“I told you, I had something I had to get down.”

“I’m your housekeeper,” I say, the anger rising inside me. “I’m only doing as I was told.”

I was in a state of calm until he showed up. Now I’m all riled up again. “That’s some apology,” I say as I turn away. I can’t figure this guy out. The air between us flexes and tenses like a muscle. I’m done in here. He can have the gym to himself.

Chapter 13

WARD

After a knock on my door, Mari sticks her head in. “Sorry to disturb you but the new trainer’s here.”

“I’m coming.” But she’s already closed the door and disappeared. Something strange is going on between us. I didn’t mean to startle her the other day when I went to use the gym. I also didn’t expect her to be in the gym lying on the floor the way she was. I apologized, and I meant it, but we ended up in another disagreement.

I don’t understand it at all.

I quickly put my papers to one side and stack my pens and pencils neatly in place. It’s time to meet this new trainer and see what he’s like.

As I walk down the hallway I hear the sound of conversation and laughter. A tall and well-built man is talking to Mari. She sees me first and turns silent. Abruptly, the man turns around.

“Mr. Maddox.” He seems self-assured, striding towards me with a grin and an outstretched arm. “I’m Jamie Hurst, your new personal trainer.”

“Jamie.” I shake his hand harder than I intended, so much so that he almost winces, but he continues smoothly, and goes on to tell me how much he loves my books, and how he’s been such a huge fan. How much he loved The Attic. I listen but say nothing. I don’t need to. He does all the talking, and he’s clearly enthused and even in awe of me. Mari never was. I like that about her. I steal a glance at her, but she’s looking at the new guy.

She’s avoided looking at me, I’ve noticed. I can’t pinpoint what it is, or why, but things have definitely been strange between us. It keeps me on edge, this up and down rollercoaster of me and the housekeeper. My environment is supposed to be calm and peaceful, conducive to creativity but ever since I’ve met this woman it has been anything but.

Meanwhile her friend continues to jabber like a wittering monkey. “What do you think, Mr. Maddox?” he asks, finally. It’s only when I turn to him I realize I haven’t listened to a word he’s said.

“Call me ‘sir’,” I say, more to deflect the fact that I haven’t got a clue what he’s asked me. Mari appears shocked by my request and it gives me a silent chuckle.

“Uh… well. Uh….sir. Are you ready to start?” The trainer seems awkward and I’m pleased with myself for wiping that smugness off his face.

“I’m joking,” I tell him.

“About?” Jamie asks.

“About you calling me sir.” Mari looks visibly relieved and the trainer’s expression eases. “Call me Ward”

“Ward, then.”

“No, just Ward.”

This elicits a laugh from him.

“Let’s get this over and done with.” I lead the way to the gym.

MARI

I almost choked when Ward asked Jamie to call him ‘Sir’. And then I chuckled when he made another attempt at a joke. Both within seconds of one another. Is it possible that Ward Maddox has a sense of humor hidden beneath that hair growth on his face?

Anything is possible with him. He’s like a chameloen. Ever changing. I never know what to expect from him one moment to the next.

I’ve finish vacuuming one of the downstairs rooms and then set about making a list of grocery items. Rob said I could order online, but it takes just as long to get online and order things, and I prefer to have a reason to get out of the house. I’ll go shopping with Jamie once he’s finished because I’m interested in