Lord of Rain (The Dragon Demigods #5) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,24
seriously late for a meeting. I’m jumping through hoops, and that doesn’t happen often. You’d be perfect. All I’m asking is that you give it a try.”
I watch as she pulls her shoulders back. I see determination in her eyes. “There’s one last problem. I’m afraid it’s a doozy.”
“What?” I snap. “Tell me. I’m sure I can fix it.”
She goes from confident to timid and insecure in a heartbeat. I watch as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. Her eyes dart to the floor.
I wait a full ten seconds, which is a fucking lifetime for me. “Spit it out, Miss Shaw.”
“I…” She clears her throat and finally looks me in the eyes. Her face has gone blood red. “I’m attracted to you, Mr. Bolt. I can’t work for you because I…I just can’t. It wouldn’t work.”
I bellow out a laugh that shocks me. It feels good. It feels fucking amazing. I feel like I can breathe, even though it only lasts for three seconds. “I have that effect on women,” I say, in a matter of fact manner. “It’s normal. I don’t think it’s a problem. Bring an extra pair of panties to work and you’ll be just fine.”
This is perfect. She’s perfect. This is going to work. I just know it.
I watch as Miss Shaw’s eyes widen. They get bigger and bigger. Then she starts choking. I don’t know what it is she’s choking on. She clutches her chest with one hand and covers her mouth with the other, bending over her middle. It takes her a while to recover. I just stand there. I’m not sure what to do, so I wait it out since she isn’t in any real trouble.
“Oh god!” she finally pushes out. “I couldn’t breathe there for a second. I can’t believe you just said that.” She shrugs out of my jacket and hands it back to me.
I’m sure she’s going to turn me down. I don’t want to take the jacket for fear that she’ll walk away as soon as I do. She looks up at the sky. “Sun’s out.”
I look up, surprised to see blue skies. “So it is.”
“The weather has been crazy lately.” She breathes out. “I must be crazy.” She shakes her head. “I’ll take the position. I’ll give it a try.”
I take the jacket and put it over my arm. “Welcome aboard.”
“Thank you for talking me into this.” She smiles. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“You need to start today, Miss Shaw. We fly out at three. Pack for two nights.”
She sucks in a breath. “Today? But—”
“No buts. I need you to start today. I’ll have Trevor fetch you at twelve at your apartment.” I gesture to my vehicle. Trevor is behind the wheel. He waves as if on cue. “Be ready,” I warn.
She nods once. “I can do that.” I can see she’s panicking internally.
“Excellent. Be sure to sign the offer and the rest of the documentation. HR is waiting for them.”
She narrows her eyes. “You were so sure I would accept?”
“I can be persuasive.”
“I’m still not convinced this is a good idea.”
“I’ll see you a little later.” I turn and head for my Rolls Royce. I can’t help the smile that forms on my face. That was more fun than a takeover. More fun than a shiny, new acquisition. I’m buzzing. I have a feeling that Miss Shaw isn’t going to be a pushover, and I love a challenge. I just have to keep my hands off her, which is going to be the biggest challenge of all.
9
Ashley
What was I thinking?
I can’t do this!
I can! I have to. I was nothing but honest, and Mr. Bolt still wanted me on his team. I feel my cheeks heat when I think back to how I blurted my attraction to him. It didn’t come as a surprise to him. I’ve never met someone that arrogant before. So utterly sure of himself. I guess a guy like him would be used to having women throw themselves at him all the time. Even my mom was completely taken aback by him. She giggled like a schoolgirl when I returned to work. Her smile didn’t last, since I had to tender my immediate resignation. Even though my dad was upset, I could see the relief written all over him. He told me I could get my job back at any time, but that isn’t true. Buns and Breads is in real trouble.