Blitzing Emily Read Online Free PDF Page A

companies in the US and Europe ever since.”
    “This isn’t like finding a job on Craigslist. You have someone representing you, like an agent.”
    His interest surprised Emily. Usually, guys outside of her little world ran away when they heard the word “opera.”
    “Yes. It depends on what operas the company is presenting each year, that kind of thing.”
    “Do you listen to other types of music?”
    “Sometimes.” She gestured toward the iPod stereo system on a nearby table. “You can take a look at what’s on my playlists if you’d like. Have you heard an opera before?” Opera? He considered himself a pretty open-minded guy, but he drew the line at that kind of thing. “Oh, all the time.”
    She closed her eyes, but he saw her lips curve into a smile. “You might like it,” she teased. “It’s a play, set to music.”
    “And you act as well as sing.” He sat up and leaned toward her. “And you have to be there tomorrow.”
    She heaved a long sigh. “I have a substitute—actually she’s called a ‘cover’—but I really can’t miss the rehearsal. It’s only two weeks till we debut. There’s a lot to get done.”
    She wasn’t meeting his eyes. She was twisting her hands in her lap. Obviously there was something else going on here, but he’d deal with the more immediate issues first.
    “You know, it’s fairly typical for NFL players to gut it out and play hurt, but other industries frown somewhat on that kind of thing. Take a couple of days off and heal up.”
    She rubbed one hand over her face. “I . . . I’ll be fine. I need to work. I’m sure this will go away by morning, and everything will be perfect.” She struggled to her feet. “Let me get you something to drink. What would you like?”
    She was swaying again, and he grabbed her elbow. This woman did not know when to give up. He wondered if she ever relaxed.
    “I can get it,” he said.
    She collapsed on the couch in a heap, leaning back against the dark leather. He finally figured out the décor as he glanced around the room: corporate hotel. He’d never seen a house so sterile. Emily might own the place, but she didn’t live here. He wondered where she spent most of her time.
    “I’ll rustle us up a bite to eat—”
    “Uh—wait.” She sounded a bit panicked. “There’s not a lot of food here,” she admitted. “I eat out a lot.”
    “I do amazing things with a telephone and a delivery menu. Take it easy.”
    “I’m so sorry, Brandon, but I should go lie down.”
    She pushed herself off the couch again. Before she could take another uneven step he slipped his arm around her waist and took her other hand. Her forehead drooped onto his chest like one of the wilted daffodils in his mother’s garden.
    She dropped his hand. Her arms clasped loosely around him. He knew she was only trying to keep her balance, but a jolt of attraction sizzled through every nerve in his body. She rubbed her face against his shirt front like a cat.
    “Let me find a pillow and a blanket for you. I’ll be back in a jiffy.”
    “If you decide to let yourself out, please lock the front door and put the key under the mat. There’s a key hanging up in the kitchen by the calendar.”
    “You’re trying awfully hard to get rid of me. I think my feelings are hurt.” He kept his voice light.
    “Thank you for taking care of me. It was nice to meet you.”
    “I’ll be here when you wake up,” he said.
    After a quick search, Brandon spread a blanket over her. He tucked a pillow beneath her head, too. Her eyelids fluttered closed. A few minutes later, her even breathing told him she was asleep.
    A GENTLE HAND shook Emily’s shoulder and a sweetly accented voice in her ear said, “Hey, sugar. Talk to me for a few minutes.”
    “Not interested.” She pulled a pillow over her face. He took it away from her. “That is mine .” She tried to scowl at him.
    “It’s mine now,” Brandon joked. “How are you feeling?”
    “Sleepy. Need to