Chapter 77 Collin, Where


    Are You


    "Massage?" Collin quirked an eyebrow, his expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity as he turned towards Linsey. "Wait, you actually know how to do that?"


    Linsey nodded, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and challenge. "Oh, absolutely. You''d be surprised how good I am


    at this."


    Collin''s gaze drifted to the towering stack of documents cluttering his desk, his hesitation palpable.


    Linsey''s voice softened, coaxing gently, "You and Dolores are relentless, always buried in work. But remember, the work will always be there. You both need to step back and breathe a little."


    A light, disbelieving chuckle escaped Collin. "I have pretty bad insomnia. If this doesn''t help me sleep, you can forget about trying next time."


    "No problem at all," Linsey replied with a confident smile, her belief in her skills unwavering.


    Thus reassured, Collin let Linsey guide his wheelchair to the edge of the bed.


    She had initially moved to assist him further, but Collin, with a swift, graceful movement borne of years of necessity, shifted onto the bed himself. Linsey paused, struck anew by his adeptness.


    She knew that living with a disability demanded resilience and adaptability, traits Collin had clearly honed over the years.


    This realization deepened Linsey''s respect and empathy towards him, as she saw the silent strength it took for him to navigate life so independently.


    Colliny sprawled across the bed, his eyelids fluttering shut with a weary sigh. "Go ahead," he murmured.


    Linsey rolled the wheelchair to the foot of the bed before settling down beside him. She leaned over, her fingers brushing against his temples with a tender, deliberate touch. Her massage was gentle yet firm, perfectly calibrated to soothe without


    overwhelming.


    As Linsey''s skilled fingers worked their magic, Collin felt the day''s stress melt away.


    The room was filled with a delicate, sweet aroma-not the cloying scent of expensive perfume, but something pure and subtly floral, distinctly Linsey. It wasforting and pleasant, enhancing the serenity that enveloped him.


    Slowly, the tension that had knotted his muscles for too long began to unravel under Linsey''s persistent care. Collin''s consciousness faded, lulled by the rhythmic pressure and the tranquil ambiance.


    Before long, he sumbed to a deep, peaceful sleep, his breathing evening out into a calm, steady rhythm.


    Noticing the shift in his breathing, Linsey gradually slowed her movements before finally pulling her hands away.


    Without a word, she watched him sleep, his serene expression bringing a warm smile to her face.


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    Chapter 77 Collin, Where Are You


    While he was asleep, Collin''s features rxed, the usual stern facade reced by a gentle, vulnerable calm.


    With a careful, almost reverent motion, Linsey reached for a nket resting nearby. She draped it over him gently, ensuring he remained warm.


    With a final nce, she switched off the bedsidemp, and walked away in silence.


    The next morning, the bedroom was bathed in a soft glow as warm sunlight streamed through the window, gently illuminating the bed where


    Colliny deeply asleep, blissfully unaware of the morning hustle.


    Suddenly, the serene silence was shattered by the shrill ring of the phone on the bedside table.


    Collin was woken up, his eyes snapping open. He scowled, his irritation palpable as he snatched up the phone.


    "Who is it?" he grumbled, his voice thick with sleep and annoyance.


    There was a brief pause on the other end before Dustin responded, his voice tinged with surprise, "Collin, where are you? Weren''t we supposed to meet this morning to discuss the details of the acquisition? Why aren''t you here yet?"


    Collin''s mind raced as he momentarily froze, the weight of the forgotten appointment dawning on him.


    He nced at the clock and cursed under his breath for oversleeping.


    "I''m home. Juste and get me. I''ll be ready in a few," he said, his tone brisk.


    "Alright, I''m on my way," Dustin replied, a note of resignation in his voice.


    After ending the call, Collin threw back the covers and leaped out of bed. He rushed through his morning routine, and by the time he was dressed, his usualposed and aloof demeanor was firmly back in ce.


    Shortly afterward, Collin exited the vi and slid into Dustin''s car.


    As the door thudded shut, Collin sensed Dustin''s inquisitive eyes on him.


    He slightly knitted his eyebrows, fiddling with his cufflinks. "Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Dustin chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement, "Well, look at that-a rare moment in history. You''re actuallyte?"


    He nudged Collin yfully, his tone light and teasing. "Don''t tell me some enchanting romantic escapade held you up?"