A Dream to be Loved Kandi Jaynes Read Online Free PDF Page A

fast as she could without actually running.
    By the time she climbed out of the tub she felt much better. She spent half an hour trying to decide what to wear. Something she had never done before. She finally decided on her newest pair of jeans and an ivory sweater that belonged to Missy. Instead of the standard braid, her hair hung loose down her back. The sides were drawn up into a clip in the back to keep it out of her face. She even put on earrings. "I can't believe I'm doing this," she mumbled as she slipped them on. She checked her watch. It was a quarter after six. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and let it out slowly. Looking in the mirror, she said. "You can do this. You work with over a hundred men every day. You can handle one dinner with a small group." She didn't hear anything as she walked down the hall. She had purposely taken extra time to be sure everyone would be gone and she wouldn't have to answer any more questions.
    Kelsie and Missy still came over often, but usually didn't stay long when they did. They both had other commitments now. Kelsie had married Tom, a loan officer from a local bank, just over a year ago. She now worked part-time at the library. Missy was a teller at the bank where Tom worked and had recently gotten engaged to John, who ran a small print shop in town. Kate liked both men and was happy for her friends. Sue was the one Kate saw most often. She still enjoyed her work as a travel agent and her commitment free lifestyle.
    Kate stopped dead in her tracks when she walked into the kitchen and saw all three of them perched at the table.
    Sue whistled. "Wow. Exactly what kind of appointment is this?"
    "It's actually a business dinner. Mr. Denison called me in yesterday and asked if I would attend."
    "Isn't that my sweater?" Missy asked.
    Kate looked down. "Yes. You've seen my wardrobe. I don't have anything suitable to wear to a business dinner." Then quipped, "Besides, if you don't want me to borrow things don't leave them at my house."
    "It looks great on you. Are those earrings?"
    "Do we have to make such a big deal about this?"
    "Yes, actually we do," Sue answered. "How often do we see you dressed up? Where are you going?"
    "I don't know, Mr. Denison didn't tell me."
    "How are you supposed to get there?" Missy asked.
    "He insisted on sending a car for me. It should be here any minute." Kate walked over and got a drink of water. She didn't know why her mouth was so dry this evening. As she was setting the glass in the sink a car pulled up the drive.
    "Wow," Sue said. "That's a nice car."
    When the doorbell rang they all followed her into the living room. Kate pulled the door open and stood there in shock.
    "Hello, Kate," rumbled a deep sexy voice.
    "I... hello Mr. Hampton." Her purse slipped from her hand, hitting the floor with a thud, and she stooped to retrieve it. As she straightened, Sue stepped over and casually guided Kate back a step while offering her hand. "Hello, I'm Sue. Won't you come in?"
    "Thanks. I'm Drake." He stepped inside and shook Sue's hand.
    "This is Kelsie and Missy. You obviously already know Kate."
    "Yes I do." His voice was soft as he spoke. "Are you ready to go, Kate?"
    She swallowed hard and replied, "Yes, I am. I'm sorry I seemed so startled when I opened the door, Mr. Hampton. It's just when Mr. Denison insisted on sending someone to get me, I was expecting one of the regular company drivers, not a Vice President."
     "So you're the new VP?" Sue smiled. "Well, it's very nice to meet you, Drake. I have to say though, you're not quite what I expected from Kate's description."
    His eyebrow rose and he cocked his head. "What were you expecting?"
    Kate looked at her watch. "It's past six-thirty. Shouldn't we be going?"
    Drake grinned. "I'll let you off the hook this time." He waved a hand and said good evening to her friends as he escorted her out the door.
     
    *****
     
    Stay calm, he's just a man. Stay calm, he's just a man. Stay calm, he's just a