Corporate Affair Read Online Free PDF

wry gesture of self-disgust.
    "You did that deliberately, didn’t you?" There was a trace of unwilling admiration in her voice. Kalinda was businesswoman enough to recognize innate manipulative talent when she came across it. This man really had wasted his life out here in the wilderness!
    "Did what?" he asked innocently, adjusting the collar of his shirt as he slanted her an inquiring glance.
    She waved a hand. "You know. First you bring up your real goal, which is to see me tomorrow. When I don’t leap at that, you bring up another matter about which I feel very strongly."
    "The little issue of what you’re doing here in the mountains in the first place?" he clarified helpfully.
    She nodded. "And then, when you have me thoroughly ruffled on that subject, you reintroduce the main goal. By that time it seems easier to agree to it so that I can get you to leave me alone on the second topic!"
    "You’re very perceptive," he grinned engagingly.
    "And you’re very good at manipulating people," she grumbled dryly. "Now it’s my turn to ask some questions."
    "Go ahead," he invited cheerfully, sinking back into a corner of the caramel-colored couch and regarding her with lazy invitation.
    "Why are you so set on seeing me tomorrow? You’re not going to find yourself in bed with me tomorrow night, I can guarantee!"
    "Can you?"
    "Definitely! I have no interest in a fling with you or anyone else, Rand," she retorted steadily.
    "I understand," he astonished her by saying softly.
    "Then why…?"
    "I still want to see you, Kalinda. I’m attracted to you. I was the moment I saw you. It sometimes happens like that, you know."
    "For a man."
    He said nothing, not denying the small accusation. There was a waiting silence and then Kalinda went on carefully, "Could it be you’re a little bored, yourself?"
    He blinked, the coppery lashes brushing the rugged cheekbones for an instant and then he regarded her with his clear gaze. "Why should I be bored? I have the gallery, the pottery, my fishing and I’m living in the heart of God’s country. And there are a few women around, you know," he added placidly. "I mean, besides yourself!"
    She flushed, looking away. "I’m sure there are!"
    "So what makes you think I’m pursuing you out of sheer boredom?"
    "Forget it." She got to her feet "I was just making an observation. You’re obviously content with your niche in life or you wouldn’t be here, would you?"
    "No."
    She forced a smile. "So I was wrong in my observation, just as you’re wrong if you think you’re going to talk me into a fling or a short-term affair. Now it’s time you took me back to the motel. The dinner was delightful."
    He ranged easily to his feet, his gleaming eyes never leaving her still-flushed features. "About your personal reasons for being in my mountains…"
    She smiled brilliantly. "I’m ready to leave, Rand."
    He gave her a mocking bow. "I’m at my Lady’s command. The Lotus awaits."
    But she should have known he wouldn’t give up that easily, Kalinda told herself the next day as she lounged beside him on a picnic blanket by the lake. Rand Alastair wasn’t the sort of man to surrender so simply and easily. She knew that much about him even though he still confused her in many ways.
    Added to her own growing restlessness and nervousness, his delicate probing was going to send her over the edge, she decided midway through the delicious lunch he had packed.
    "How long will you be staying here, Kalinda?"
    She munched the cheddar sandwich in her hand with relish. "A couple more days," she said cautiously.
    He was stretched out beside her, wearing his jeans again and an open-necked sport shirt which revealed the tanned, sinewy length of his arms. The chestnut hair was lightly tousled by the breeze off the lake and his eyes were half-closed against the dancing sunlight. Kalinda was suddenly forced to
    acknowledge to herself that he seemed very attractive to her.
    She directed her attention toward the opposite