A Question of Love Read Online Free PDF Page A

email from your mother. I wondered if you’d had one too?’
    ` My mother?’ There was no need to feign surprise. `Is Uncle Si…?
    ` He arrived safely but apparently he's a little travel weary.’ She smiled. `At least that’s his excuse this time for having someone else write his emails.’
    ` I see.’ He frowned. `May I see this email?’ He came and stood close behind her. Too close. She was aware of his arm across the back of her chair. She could smell his cologne, or was it after shave? It was spicy and sharp, attractive. Her fingers fumbled as she saved her document and brought up the list of emails.
    He read over her shoulder. She felt his breath against her cheek, warm with a hint of mint.
    ` I see…’ There was relief in his voice. `Does my uncle send many emails?’ he asked curiously.
    ` He can send them when pushed, but he prefers someone else to do them. I’m sure he finds it an improvement now we have broadband all the time instead of pay as you go. It could be tricky for days like today, paying in all the wages.’ She gave a wry smile. `He will read emails though – when they are meant for him, that is.’ He couldn’t miss the barb but he remained silent. `He has taken his laptop so I can keep him up to date while he’s away. It’s strange because your mother has requested I reply directly to her if there is any reply. I hope he’s all right?’
    ` Probably making use of her as a temporary PA.’
    ` Maybe.` She turned slightly, a wary look in her green eyes, but she found his face was so close, her mouth was only a breath away from his. She jerked back. He laughed softly. He knew she was not shy but she was certainly not the type of woman who threw herself at a man. He found that pleased and intrigued him.

 
     
    Three
     
    Euan straightened, a smile lifting the corners of his mouth.
    ` Will you be accompanying me to Ashburn after all then?’
    ` I suppose I must if I can get peace to finish my work first.’ She was relieved to find she could breathe freely again. Why was she so aware of him?
    ` Surely you could pass the work to one of the other office staff?’
    ` Not today. I pay the wages direct into their bank accounts at the end of the month.’
    ` What happens if you are on holiday?’
    ` I arrange the dates to suit.’
    ` Very laudable. What if you’re off sick?’
    ` If it was long term your uncle would ask our accountants to handle the wages, as he used to do before I took over.’
    ` I see,’ He eyed her shrewdly. `You seem to have made yourself indispensable.’ His tone was cool now, almost suspicious.
    ` No one is indispensable but we have cut down considerably on the accountants’ fees since I became… since I came to work here permanently. If Mr K relies on me it is because he has no one of his own who has shown any interest,’ she added coldly.
    ` He could have asked for my help.’
    ` If help is offered he makes use of it if he needs it, but he’s too proud to ask for it. Anyway you’re too far away in America.’
    ` So you offered your help?’
    `I didn’t need to. We have a business arrangement. When I finished university your uncle offered me a job reorganising the administration side. The processing was expanding and he couldn’t keep up with everything. I enjoy a challenge, and the responsibility too I suppose. Gradually he passed on more confidential matters. I do a good job for which I am well rewarded.’
    ` I’m sure you see to that all right when you pay your own wages.’
    ` My remuneration is paid by the firm’s accountants, as is your uncle’s,’ Roseanne said, gritting her teeth at his innuendoes. `Now if you’re expecting me to accompany you to Ashburn today...’
    ` Okay, okay, eleven o’clock prompt?’
    She wondered what he would say if he discovered she was a partner in Kershaw & Co. She supposed if his uncle had considered it any of his business he would have told him, although she was the one who had insisted none of the staff should know