Closely Guarded Secret Read Online Free PDF

extend my hand to shake his, and when he takes it, he holds it longer than necessary. Warmth runs through me again, leaving me off balance. A slow smile crosses his lips. He obviously knows the effect he’s having on me. “It was nice to meet you, Mr. Steede,” I say with as much poise as I can manage.
     
    “I’m looking forward to seeing you again at The Bridge photo shoot, Ms. Quinn.” His voice is low and husky. When I get my wits about me, I inform him I won’t be doing the shoot, but he’ll be in capable hands.
     
    “I believe I’m already in capable hands,” he says, still holding onto mine. A dark, sensual glint flickers in his eyes. While I’m still trying to process that, he says, “I’d like to meet up with you for a drink once we’re back in San Francisco. How about next week before the shoot?”
     
    In my confused, trance-like state I say, “Sure. Next week.” With a crooked grin, he says goodbye before he joins the others as they leave the room.
     
    Wait a minute. What in the hell did I just agree to? I’ve never been so flustered by anyone before. The sooner I get out of here, the better. I finish packing up my equipment and make my way toward the elevator, hoping everyone else has left. No such luck. The Editor-in-Chief is there, waiting, holding the door for me. I smile and wave them on while pointing to my equipment. Thank goodness the elevator’s full. Being near Bryce again in a confined space would be more than I can bear.
     
    #
     
    At 8 a.m., I clumsily pat the bed for my ringing phone. Opening one eye, I see Jodi’s smiling face lighting up the screen. What’s she thinking calling this early? She knows I’m not a morning person.
     
    “Good morning, sunshine.”
     
    “Is there a problem with the file?” I ask, alarmed.
     
    “Of course not, you’re a pro. I wanted to let you know how pleased I am - they’re great photos – just as I knew they would be. Forbes will be happy, and the CEOs should be, too.”
     
    It was an ‘interesting’ shoot but I’m not about to go into that with her this early.
     
    “I especially like your shots of Bryce Steede. You captured something special, I don’t know…something I can’t put my finger on. But it’s the reason I have to have you do the photos of him for our feature article. We really need the best, and that’s you.”
     
    Oh, so that’s why she called so early. Putting a little pressure on me.
     
    “Thanks for the compliment, but you know me: dedicated to my work. Up til 3 a.m. editing. Thought I would sleep in, then see the sights. Glad the file’s okay and you like it,” I yawn.
     
    “Sorry I woke you. Hope you can go back to sleep. We’ll talk later.” I shake my head in frustration as I hang up. Now that I’m wide-awake, I might as well make the most of the day.
     
    In the bustling cacophony of the street around me, people rush by as though they’re running late for very important appointments. What kind of work do all these people do? I buy a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus and set out to see as many landmarks as possible: the Empire State Building, 30 Rock, Battery Park, Times Square, Broadway, Greenwich Village, Central Park.
     
    I end up at the Museum of Modern Art where I enjoy a delightful roasted mushroom tart and a glass of wine for lunch, while chatting with other hungry art lovers at our long communal table. Later, standing in jaw-dropping awe in front of Christopher Williams’ photography exhibit, “The Production Line of Happiness”, I begin to think of Jodi’s anxiety over our Forbes photo shoot and how everything went so well yesterday - if you don’t count my unexpected physical reaction to Bryce Steede, and how my mouth had a mind of its own while I was talking with him. I close my eyes for a moment, inhaling deep breaths and exhaling slowly.
     
    I can’t believe I fell for Bryce Steede’s pick-up lines. I feel a flush rising to my face, then I begin to feel angry. Why did I