Total pages in book: 181
Estimated words: 171979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 573(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 171979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 573(@300wpm)
“Excuse me,” a male voice said, which sent tendrils of desire down her spine. She half turned to see Kent Bryant behind her. “I didn’t expect you to come to a full stop.”
A heated flush filled her face as she stared into his memorizing blue eyes. “I’m sorry. I remembered something I forgot.”
Kent released her from his hold, thankfully giving her some breathing room. The effect this man had on her was nerve-racking. How did this man have this weird effect on her each time he was around her? Maybe because she always managed to make herself look like an idiot in front of him.
She felt the redness in her face flame higher at the memory of the last time she had seen him.
“I would have been able to stop in time if I wasn’t trying to catch up with you.”
Unable to meet his gaze as she kept thinking of him seeing her topless, she started inching to the side, in the direction of the parking garage, until it dawned on her what he was saying.
“Why were you trying to catch up to me?”
“Garrett told me he hired you to be the new record chief. I wanted to congratulate you.”
“Thank you.”
That he didn’t recognize her sent a surge of relief through her. Unconsciously, her tenseness eased, allowing a joyful smile to spread on her face.
“I’m going to miss Glenda, but she says you’re perfect for the job.”
“I’m going to miss her, too,” she stated, looking at him closely. She thought she was the only one who got along with Glenda. That he was going to miss her, too, showed he hadn’t been taken in by her unapproachable demeanor. “I think we’ll be the only two.”
Kent’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “I have to admit she took some getting used to, but I couldn’t fault her for being standoffish.” He nodded toward the building behind them. “Everyone in there has probably tried to take advantage of her at one time or another in the position she holds.”
Sage grimaced; she had the same thoughts. Glenda would rather be hated versus having twenty friends constantly asking for favors.
“I think so, too.”
“I was on my way to grab a bite to eat,” he began. “I’ve been stuck in a meeting all morning, then had to answer some emails. How about I buy you a drink to celebrate?”
Thinking he was about to excuse himself to leave, she was surprised at the invitation. She prepared to refuse but found herself accepting instead.
“I’d like that.”
Had she lost her ever-loving mind?
She was about to change her answer and opened her dumbstruck mouth, only to find it closing again at his happy expression.
“Thank God,” he said, taking her by the arm to start moving them to the sidewalk. “I hate eating alone.”
Balking, she started to move away from him. “I actually really should be going …”
Kent sent her a companiable smile. “Too late. You already agreed. Don’t worry; I eat fast.”
Finding herself laughing, she stopped trying to pull away.
“What time do you have to be back at the office?” he asked.
“I’m off for the rest of the day.”
He made a comical face at her. “Lucky you. I wish I were.” Walking slowly by her side, he loosened his tie. “My day has been a bitch. When I got back to my office after the meeting, it seemed like every client I’m representing called and wanted me to call them back.”
She spared him a curious glance as they walked. “You didn’t want to eat in your office and call them back?”
“Are you kidding me? I want to enjoy my lunch, not deal with indigestion.”
Her laughter was cut short when his footsteps slowed at the restaurant Livvy had bullied her to go to. Her steps faltered when Kent opened the door.
“Is there somewhere else we could go?”
His eyes widened in curiosity. “You don’t like Flannigan’s?”
There was no way she was going to tell him about the nightmare lunch she had with Livvy and the other women. Instead, she told him a half-truth. “It’s too stuffy in there for me.”
“Stuffy?”
“I prefer somewhere more relaxed,” she replied, hoping she wasn’t offending him.
He grinned at her. “You’re my type of woman. There’s a place right around the corner.” He resumed walking and took her arm again. “Have you been to Riley’s?”
“No,” she answered, liking the feel of his hand on her arm. Strangely, he made her feel protected as he navigated her through the busy foot traffic on the sidewalk.
Kent had slowed his stride to match hers, placing her on his right so those going in the other direction had to walk by him instead of her.
“I think you’ll like it, though it’s more of a walk.”
“I don’t mind. I could use the walk. Do you go there often?”
“Depends on who I’m with. If I want to impress someone, I take them to Flannigan’s. I hit Riley’s when I’m in the mood for good wings and a cold beer. It’s as far from stuffy as you can get.”