Absolute Zero Read Online Free PDF

damned…uncomfortable .
    “So, what’s your name?” he asked, knowing full well what it was.
    “Anne,” she answered, her eyes still glued to the screen.
    “Hello Anne, I’m Mac.”
    With his accent, her name sounded more like the word ‘on’.
    “Yeah. I mean, Hi,” she added, refusing to meet his eyes.
    “So…Anne, you’re a new hire, eh? What department?” he asked.
    “R&D,” she responded automatically, her eyes were still affixed to the words on the screen.
    “Hmm…marketing or scientist?” he asked. Unfortunately, her bangs were swept to the opposite side so rolling her eyes or making any other type of unflattering facial expression would be inappropriate since he could see her face clearly.
    “Scientist,” she mumbled. Where did that woman go? What was her name? Oh, who cared? What was it about the people in this town?   Everyone was so damn… chatty.
    “So, where are you from?” he asked.
    She turned her eyes toward him, softening the angry glare and schooling her face into a bland countenance.
    Deep breath.
    Be nice . The other woman would be back soon, she would continue on with her ridiculously boring and unnecessary orientation and Anne could go back to ignoring the man across the table from her. Oh, please hurry up, lady.
    “West Coast,” she replied with a certain sort of finality to her tone.
    “Really, now? That’s specific, eh? Where on the West Coast?” he asked with a hint of humor.
    “California,” she responded coolly, her eyes narrowing slightly.
    “Now we’re getting warmer. Where in California?” he asked pointedly.
    Why do you care?
    “San Diego,” she responded instead.
    “Oh yes! They have a nice Zoo there. I bet you went there all the time, eh?”
    Why is everyone so damned fascinated with the Zoo?
    “Ah…once. Once was enough. You’ve seen one ape; you’ve seen ‘em all…” she muttered before shifting her gaze back down to the Handbook on the table in front of her.
    One of his eyebrows shot up . What was that? Some veiled put-down? This woman was something else. She was clearly not much of a conversationalist; evidenced by her earlier display and now…
    Close up, she was even more attractive, he noticed as he continued to examine the woman across the table. The fluorescent lighting, while not flattering to most, caused her unusual blue/green eyes to sparkle. It was the strangest thing – how could something so cute and inviting be so cold and aloof? Maybe she was shy. Maybe she was just socially awkward?
    Many of the scientists in his acquaintance were introverts but this creature before him was clearly uncomfortable around people. It was almost fun to goad her. Little sparks of annoyance would erupt before she would tamp it back down to bland.
    “So, did you move here with your family?” he questioned. A quick perusal of her hands netted the absence of a ring. Of course some women didn’t wear a ring…
    He watched as she bit her lip and began fidgeting before curling her fingers into fists on the table. She must have realized what she was doing because almost immediately, she relaxed them again. She blew out a small breath.
    “No.”
    “No, what? No family or they didn’t move out here with you?” he asked, almost expecting some kind of verbal slashing.
    “Why do you care?” she blurted the question before clamping her lips shut once more.
    “Just being friendly. If you’re here alone, I thought maybe I could show you around the town, help you settle in,” he replied casually.
    “Thanks, but no,” she replied tersely. It was just the response he expected.
    “Really? Well, that’s too bad, Anne. It’s a lovely town and…”
    “See the screen? It’s Page 8 of the Handbook,” she interrupted. “The Fraternization Policy. You might want to pay attention to this part,” she muttered with eyes glaring back at him.
    A laugh erupted unchecked from his mouth causing her brow to furrow.
    “Oh, Anne. Aren’t you something?” he