The Perfect Mistake (The Connovan Chronicles #2)

by Olivia Hayle

“Look,” he says. “I’ve been meaning to apologize for the other night.” I’m already shaking my head. “Alec⁠—” “I shouldn’t have sat down next to you that evening. The night had been long enough, and I acted unprofessionally. I hope that you’ll consider continuing working here.” “Of course. Please don’t apologize,” I say. Mortification is creeping up my neck like a heated blanket. His eyes snap back to mine. “Don’t apologize?” “No, please, it’s fine. Truly. I wasn’t unwilling.” The word stretches out in the space between us, becoming larger than the three little syllables themselves. He’s gone very still. “Really,” he says. I take a step closer to him. “Really. And to be fair, I was the one who kissed you, so I should be the one to apologize. You hinted that you weren’t in a headspace for… for… for dating, I suppose, but I guess that means all kinds of relationships.” He chuckles. Even if it’s a dry sound, he sounds genuinely amused. “Isabel, I think it was pretty clear I was the driving force.” “Oh,” I say. Oh. A smile curves the corner of his lips. It makes him look real again, like the same man who hugged me on the balcony when I cried. “Sorry for occupying your living room,” I say. He shakes his head. “Don’t apologize.” “I won’t if you won’t,” I say. “For the other night.” He reaches out and sweeps a strand of my hair back. I hold my breath as he tucks it behind my ear. “Deal,” he says quietly, his fingers lingering along my cheek. It happens more naturally this time, tw...