Cross Check (Marriage Contract #1) Read Online Free PDF

swung shut behind him before breaking out into an
honest-to-goodness happy dance right there in my fancy New York office. Holding
my arms triumphantly overhead, I spin around in outright glee. I’m going to be
heading up the entire Huntress of Tomorrow project! Me. Leah Brody.
Running the show on what is sure to be the worthy successor to The Hunger
Games franchise. I shove my hands through my auburn hair, turning to take
in the view from my office once more.
    After years of busting my ass here at King Enterprises, I
finally have the opportunity to make a name for myself in this industry. And
what’ s better, I’m absolutely sure that I’m the right person to be helming
this fantastical sci-fi film series. I know that it’s going to be incredibly
challenging, but right now I feel like I could take on the world.
    And no one, but no one, can take that feeling away from me.

 
     
    Chapter Two
     
    Pushing open the door to DeLeonardo’s—Loudon’s favorite
Italian restaurant in the city—I nearly swoon at the delicious aromas of
freshly baked bread and roasted garlic. I was so excited by my sudden promotion
at work that I completely forgot to eat lunch, quite the rare occurrence for
me. Only now do I realize just how hungry I really am. But I can’t think of
anywhere I’d rather bring a hearty appetite than DeLeonardo’s. This place has
been a staple in my life since I came to work for King Enterprises. I’m willing
to bet that this kitchen feeds me more often than my own does.
    “Leah!” croons Franco, the handsome maî tre d ’,
as I step into the restaurant, “Lovely to see you. You look fantastic, as
ever.”
    “Why thank you,” I smile, glancing down at my outfit of
choice.
    I had just enough time after work to run home for a quick
change. My studio apartment on Riverside Drive has become little more than a
closet and crash pad as my hours at work have gotten more insane. My only
roommate is a longhaired calico cat named Galadriel—Gigi for short. I’ve had
her since I first moved to the city six years ago. She was a housewarming gift
from my dad, who thought I could use an expert mouse-catcher on hand. I don’t
know if Gigi’s ever actually caught a mouse, but she’s been a great pal through
the years. She's none too pleased with my long hours lately, which she makes
perfectly clear with her long, skeptical stares.
    “Don't look at me like that,” I cooed to her as I slipped
into a flattering black cocktail dress back at home, “I’ll be home before
midnight, I promise.”
    Putting my cat-imposed curfew out of mind, I follow Franco
through the dining room of DeLeonardo’s. I can feel the eyes of the other
patrons swivel to follow me as I walk along. My dark red hair is pulled into an
informal up do, and my little black dress emphasizes the dip of my waist and
full curves alike. Honestly, if I look half as good as I feel after today’s
promotion, then I can understand the wandering eyes of the other diners. I
guess confidence really is the best accessory, huh?
    “I have to say, it is such a pleasure to have you and Mr.
King here together,” Franco says warmly, beaming over his shoulder at me.
    “What do you mean?” I ask, cocking my head, “We’re here
together all the time.”
    “Hmm,” Franco murmurs, leading me toward Loudon’s preferred
corner of the dining room, “That’s not my recollection."
    “Franco,” I laugh, stilettos clicking on the hardwood floor
as I follow him, “Loudon and I were here just last week!”
    “Loudon?” Franco exclaims, raising his thick eyebrows. “Oh!
My mistake, Ms. Brody. I was speaking of the younger Mr. King.”
    “The younger…?” I breathe, stopping dead in my tracks out of
sheer surprise. “What are you—Do you mean—”
    “Jamison, of course!” Franco says excitedly, lightly
touching my elbow to usher me along, “He’s waiting at the table for you.”
    The ornate oak-paneled dining room seems to waver on its
axis as this news