Chapter 60

Stella didn't even dare to glance at William.She instantly scooted away to put space between them-and that was when her hair snagged on his belt buckle.

The sharp tug made her wince.

She shifted again, trying to free herself... but it just made things worse. Now it looked like she was doing it on purpose.

She froze.

God, no. Absolutely not intentional.

But instead of pushing her away like last time,William just glanced down and said calmly,"Don't move."

Then he leaned forward and gently untangled her hair.

Stella scrambled back the second she was free,face burning.

She clutched her shirt closed and backed away until there was a very proper, very professional gap between them. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Briggs! I didn't mean it at all-the car turned suddenly,and I just... lost my balance. I swear I have no improper intentions toward you whatsoever!"

She looked so serious one would think she was taking an oath.

William raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her dramatic sincerity.

But Stella took that look the wrong way. She thought he didn't believe her.

She rushed to add, "If I did have any improper thoughts about you, then may I get hit by a car the moment I step outside!"

Even Luca, up front, flinched at that.

Stella was clearly pulling out all the stops just to

clear the air.

William's lips twitched. "No need for such a dramatic curse. I'm not blind. I saw what happened-it was the turn."

Stella muttered under her breath, "Well, you were basically blind last time."

He hadn't been like this last time.

She thought she'd said it quietly enough. She hadn't. The entire car went silent-awkwardly so. William heard it. Luca definitely heard it.

Luca cringed.

William's voice came, low and unreadable."Where'd that come from?"

Stella knew she'd messed up the second he asked. Her mouth had run faster than her brain -again. Now there was no rewinding.

Since she couldn't walk it back, she figured she might as well be honest.

They saw each other at the institute nearly every day. She couldn't keep walking on eggshells around him.

She took a deep breath, sat up straighter,and looked him in the eye. "Mr. Briggs, I just feel like... you've got a bit of a bias against me.It makes things really difficult whenever you're around."

William held her gaze, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. "When have I ever made things difficult for you?"

So first she'd called him blind. Now she was accusing him of being her source of anxiety.

Bold. But that little flash of courage quickly fizzled out when she met his cool, unreadable eyes.He was far too calm.

Stella instantly shrunk back, eyes darting toward the window. "Forget I said anything,Mr.Briggs. Just... pretend I was rambling."

She pressed herself against the car door like

the window might let her escape. No way she was risking another accidental brush.

William watched her for a beat,something close to a smile on his face.

Stella really was more interesting than he'd expected.

Then, casually, he said, "Ms. Russell, you took my measurements earlier. So the suit should fit perfectly this time, right?"

His voice had the faintest teasing edge to it.Stella blinked. Wait, what? Hadn't he told her not to waste her time on "trivial" things like that?

Was he changing his mind now?

Was he expecting another suit-equal value,custom-fitted?